Red Arrows return for two days at Southport Air Show 2024

The skies above Southport will be alive with the roar of jet engines and the dazzling acrobatics of the Red Arrows as they perform at both days of the Southport Air Show 2024.

The highly-anticipated Southport Air Show, held on Saturday, July 13, and Sunday, July 14, is expected to draw thousands of visitors to Southport beach for a weekend of aviation excitement.

Sefton Council’s Tourism Department have announced the full line-up of aircrafts and a packed programme of ground events for the annual show, which has been a staple of Southport’s summer since 1991 and contributes an estimated £1.5 million to the local economy.

This year’s headline act, the Red Arrows, will perform on both days of the show.

Squadron Leader Jon Bond, Team Leader and Red 1, said:

“This summer is a special occasion for the Red Arrows – it is the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team’s 60th display season. It will be brilliant to bring our new, nine-aircraft display to Southport Air Show and perform in front of tens of thousands of enthusiastic families, individuals, veterans, and aviation fans.”

The 2024 display, celebrating their diamond season, will feature the return of the iconic Diamond Nine formation. Squadron Leader Bond, who previously flew RAF Typhoon aircraft, is leading the team for the first time this year.

Squadron Leader Bond said:

“The intention is for the crowd to always have aircraft in front of them to watch at every moment of the display. This aim, to inspire and entertain through precision and teamwork, has been the very DNA of a Red Arrows show since that first display season of 1965.”

In addition to the Red Arrows, attendees can look forward to a spectacular array of aircrafts, including a Typhoon display and the Royal Navy Black Cats. These thrilling displays promise to keep all eyes fixed on the skies throughout the weekend.

While the aerial displays are the main draw, the Southport Air Show offers plenty of ground activities to enjoy.

Marine Drive will host a producers market and a variety of stalls selling clothes, sweets, and other goods. Visitors can also experience flight simulators, children’s attractions, a paintball range, bouncy castles, and classic fair games like hook-a-duck.

Educational activities include learning about school life in the 1940s with a period headmistress/master from Historical Promotions and a World War One poppy-making workshop.

The Armed Forces Military Village on Marine Drive will feature military equipment displays, including an RAF Typhoon facsimile, and the Mid Lancs Military Vehicle Trust will showcase restored military vehicles.

The Lytham St Annes Spitfire Ground Display Team will present “Lucy,” a lovingly restored Spitfire Mark IX replica with original WWII parts, offering the public a chance to get up close to this iconic aircraft.

The Veterans Living History Museum will bring their Op Banham project, highlighting the role of one of the last dispatch riders in the UK.

Additionally, the 69th Field Artillery Guns will be positioned on the crowd line, with scheduled firings throughout each day, providing an authentic historical experience.

Tickets for the Southport Air Show are priced at £12, with free entry for under-16s.

For more info on the Southport Air Show click here.

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