Thousands of people flooded into Southport as the first day of the annual Southport Air Show took place today.
Crowds saw some stunning displays, from the likes of the RAF Typhoon, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, acrobatics from Team Raven, the Chinook helicopter and more.
Unfortunately, while there was sunshine in Southport, heavy rain in Blackpool meant that the Red Arrows were grounded and couldn’t carry out their acrobatic display to open the show on Saturday.
The Red Arrows at Southport Air Show. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
Instead, the Red Arrows visited Southport later in the afternoon than planned for a flypast along the beach.
The Tigers Army Parachute Display Team were unable to perform due to the weather.
Wing Commander Adam Collins. Officer Commanding the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team – The Red Arrows, said: “We’re disappointed that we couldn’t display at the Southport airshow, but unexpected heavy showers, localised to Blackpool meant the runway would not be safe for us to land on after the display. None of the other airfields close to Southport were available for use this weekend.”
A Southport Air Show spokesperson said: “Sadly the Red Arrows had to cancel their display due to weather conditions at Blackpool. But at 2.20pm they did a fly past for us.
The Great War Display team at Southport Air Show.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“Tomorrow’s flying times have been updated, with details on the Southport Air Show Facebook page.
“We have a great line-up, including the Chinook helicopter, which was fantastic today, Team Raven, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Typhoon.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at Southport Air Show.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
“Plus, we also have a last-minute addition to the programme, a Wing Walker.
“Please arrive early and enjoy the brilliant ground attractions, make a day of it!”
Team Raven at Southport Air Show.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
One display which did perform as expected was the Great War Display Team, which flew at Southport Air Show for the first time ever.
Crowds enjoyed spectacular World War One dogfights above Southport Beach as German, British and French aircraft fought for supremacy.
The Great War Display team at Southport Air Show.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
The unmissable Great War Display Team saw five replica aircraft from the 1914-1918 global conflict battle it out to wow spectators.
They included three iconic German aeroplanes, one British and one French.
Crowds could marvel at two German Fokker DR1 triplanes; a British SE5A biplane; a German Junkers CL1 monoplane; and a French Nieuwpoort Scout biplane.
The Tornado at Southport Air Show.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
It was another first for Southport Air Show which this year boasts an impressive line-up including the the Typhoon, the Chinook, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and more.
Crowds at Southport Air Show with Ocean Plaza Leisure in the background.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
There is plenty to enjoy on the ground too, which is why it’s well worth arriving early, seeing everything there and beating the traffic. There’s the Military Village, loads of vehicles from the Mid Lancs Military Vehicle Trust, Lytham St Annes Spitfire Ground Display Team, The Veterans Living History Museum, the 69th Field Artillery Guns and more.
The Lytham Spitfire at Southport Air Show.
Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
The event, organised by Sefton Council’s Tourism team, takes place this Saturday and Sunday (9th and 10th September 2023).
You can book Southport Air Show tickets here. Under 16s go free.
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