Blackpool Airshow 2026: Dates, Red Arrows Absence, and Travel Tips

The Blackpool Airshow 2026 returns this weekend, bringing two days of free aerial displays over the Irish Sea. With more than 350,000 people attending last year, the event is one of the UK's biggest seaside spectacles. But this year's show comes with a notable change: the Red Arrows won't be performing. Here's everything you need to know about the 2026 event, from the lineup to getting there and staying safe.

When and where is the Blackpool Airshow 2026?

The show takes place on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August, with displays flying over the Irish Sea just off Blackpool's coast. The best viewing spot is Tower Festival Headland, across the road from Blackpool Tower, but you should get a good view anywhere between North Pier and Central Pier. The event is free to attend, and thousands of spectators are expected to line the shore.

Red Arrows absence: what to expect instead

The Red Arrows, who have been a fixture at Blackpool since the 1990s, will not be appearing this year. The team is on a 13-date, month-long tour in North America. While their absence is a disappointment for many, the lineup still includes plenty of crowd-pleasers.

Headlining is the RAF Typhoon, whose two Rolls Royce engines produce a distinctive blast of noise. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight returns with the iconic Spitfire, Hurricane, and Dakota. For military history fans, there's the Cold War-era MiG-17 and US fighter jets including the P-47 Thunderbolt and P-51 Mustang. The Army's Red Devils parachute display team, made up of 15 highly skilled paratroopers, will perform formations and freefall manoeuvres, and aerobatics wingwalkers will add a dose of gravity-defying stunts.

Getting there: travel and parking tips

The seafront is easily accessible by tram or bus, and it's a 15-minute walk from Blackpool North Railway Station. If you're driving, organisers urge you to park early, as demand for public car parks is expected to be high. The Promenade will be closed to all traffic between Chapel Street and Springfield Road each afternoon, and the tramway will be closed in that area, operating a split service from North Pier and Manchester Square. Diversion routes will be clearly signposted.

The seagull plea: why you shouldn't feed the gulls

With hundreds of thousands of spectators expected, Blackpool Airport has issued a plea: don't feed the seagulls and take your litter home. Jim Johnson, operations, safety and compliance manager at Blackpool Airport, explained that limiting food availability helps reduce the number of gulls near the airport, lowering the risk of bird strikes during low-level flying displays. He specifically asked those watching from the sand dunes to cooperate. So, enjoy the show, but keep your chips to yourself.

For more on how technology is changing the way we experience live events, check out our piece on how data and digital media are reshaping the fan experience. And if you're interested in the growing role of drones in public safety, read about the new era of drone threats.

Plan your day

Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially if you're heading to Tower Festival Headland. Bring ear protection for the Typhoon's roar, and pack a picnic—but remember to take all rubbish away. With the Red Arrows absent, the schedule may feel different, but the mix of vintage aircraft, modern jets, and parachute displays promises a memorable weekend. Check the official schedule for display times and plan your visit now.