The 2023 Southport Air Show is coming to Southport this September!
The spectacular aerial event will bring some of the world’s most iconic aircraft to the seaside resort, including the Red Arrows, Typhoon, Spitfire, Chinook, the Tigers Army Parachute Display Team and more.
There is lots to do on the ground too, with a Military Village and lots of other attractions to enjoy.
Here’s all you need to know about this year’s event!
Tickets are on sale here: https://bit.ly/3OVXedH
What date is Southport Air Show?
The Southport Air Show is Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th September 2023
What is the postcode for Sat Nav?
The postcode for the air show is PR8 1RY. However, the Southport Air Show has a traffic management plan with some road closures in place, so once you see the yellow AA signs for the event, stop following your Sat Nav and follow these signs.
What time does the Southport Air Show start on Saturday and Sunday?
The Southport Air Show opens at 10am and closes approx 5pm on Saturday and Sunday
How much are tickets to Southport Air Show?
Tickets are £10 plus a small booking fee. Under 16 years of age is free of charge.
Southport Air Show
I cannot find my tickets?
You can download your tickets from the See Tickets website. You can also contact their Customer Service team there but please be aware if it is just before the event you may not get a response on time.
Can we bring our own food/ BBQ?
- Food is permitted on site however, BBQs, including gas or open fires, are not permitted for Environmental & Health & Safety reasons.
Are dogs allowed at the Air Show?
- Dogs are permitted but it is strongly advised that dogs are not brought to the event due to the noise produced by the aircraft.
- All dogs must remain on their lead; this is a family event with many small children and if you have your dog off the lead, you may be asked to leave the event.
- Please be a responsible dog owner and clean up after your dog.
Can I still get into Ocean Plaza to the shops?
- Yes, the shops, restaurants, bowling, cinema and the gym will be open as usual and will be accessible from the Promenade over the Marine Way Bridge.
A Spitfire which flew from RAF Woodvale during World War Two will star at Southport Air Show 2022
Where is the nearest train station?
- Southport train station is a short 10-minute walk away from the Southport Air Show.
What else will be there?
- A large amount of on-ground entertainment including interactive military exhibits, model aircraft, exhibition stands, simulators and children’s activities
Where can I find accommodation?
- Accommodation availability can be found on this website, here. Bedrooms do tend to fill up fast so it is advisable to book early.
Can carers get into the Air Show free of charge?
If you have a disability that necessitates a carer*, your carer will be welcomed free of charge on the day.
A carers ticket will be issued at the box office following the production of one of the documents below. Free carer tickets are general admission only (no access to the Southport Pier)
*One example of supporting documentation for Carers Allowance, Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance must be produced on the day. Without documentation, carers will need to purchase a ticket on the gate.
The Red Arrows at Southport Air Show. Photo by Fraser Brown
Are the Red Arrows at the Southport Air Show?
Yes, the Red Arrows will be at the Southport Air Show with a full display on Saturday 9th September 2023 at 12:00.
How do I find the flying times of all aircraft?
Flying times will be published on this website when they are available. They can change throughout the weekend and we will endeavour to keep them updated.
Where can I park at the Southport Air Show?
Parking is available on the beach (North Beach only), Marine Drive and off the promenade in Princes Park, the Esplanade car park, and Victoria Park, only 5 minutes’ walk from the seafront.
A large amount of directional road signage will be installed to lead visitors to the parking facilities and the event site, as well as stewards who will direct traffic to the nearest available car park.
Coaches will be directed to the Esplanade car park.
Car parks open at 9am, with the exception of beach and Marine Drive parking, which opens at 10am
How much is parking at the Southport Air Show?
Parking is £8 per car on Saturday or Sunday.
You can buy online with your ticket or pay on entry at a designated Southport Air Show car parks.
The Tigers Army Parachute Display Team at Southport Air Show. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
How do I park on the beach?
Parking on the beach gets you closer to the action but you need to arrive as close to 10 am as possible as this fills up quickly.
There is no parking on South Beach so if you are travelling from the South, you will be directed to the Esplanade Car Park or Victoria Park.
If you are travelling from the North, you will automatically be directed to beach parking or the Marine Drive Car Park.
If you are travelling from the East, you will automatically be directed to other Air Show car parks.
Are caravans, motor homes or vans allowed on the beach?
Caravans, motor homes, high sided vehicles or vans are permitted in either the Esplanade or Princes Park car parks but are not allowed on the beach due to the size of the vehicles restricting the view for other event attendees.
These are not overnight camping facilities and will be locked overnight. The closest caravan site is the Southport Esplanade caravan site, Esplanade, Southport, 01704 565214.
The Lancaster at Southport Air Show. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
How bad is the traffic?
As with any major event delays are possible so, please allow extra time for your journey.
The event opens at 10am but the car parks open at 9am, (with the exception of beach and Marine Drive parking which open at 10am) so organisers advise that you aim to get to the Southport Air Show as close to these times as possible.
Do not leave your arrival until just before the Red Arrows display as you may get caught in traffic and miss them.
How will I be able to be kept updated about traffic on the way to the Air Show?
Dune Radio’s Southport Air Show LIVE is the official radio station for the 2023 Southport Air Show.
Providing you with all the information and news for this year’s air show as well as full commentary and all the essential traffic updates.
You can listen on DAB Digital Radio (search Dune) on your car radio. You can download the FREE IOS App from the app store (search Dune Radio). Plus listen online via www.duneradio.co.uk/airshow
You can also listen on Smart TVs Freeview Channel 277
The Typhoon
How can I avoid the traffic when arriving?
Where possible organisers advise you to use public transport – Northern Rail and Merseytravel operate frequent trains to Southport. The nearest train station is Southport, about a 10-minute walk from the event site.
Car parks open an hour earlier so you can arrive with plenty of time before the gates open (with the exception of beach parking and the Marine Drive that open at 10am).
Are there any facilities for visitors with accessible requirements?
Designated accessible hard-standing parking facilities are available, located at the Esplanade and Marine Drive car parks.
Accessible parking is also available in Princes Park and on the beach but please be aware that these spaces are on grass and sand.
The Esplanade Car Park has accessible toilet facilities and ramped access to the seafront.
The accessible parking spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis on presentation of an official blue disability badge. These spaces will be available at the normal car parking rate.
Official designated viewing areas are available, one is located on the seawall (close to the fish wind display) and the other one is on the seawall close to the Pier. These areas will be fenced, have dedicated accessible toilet facilities and, are on a hard-standing surface with an unimpeded view.
It will be the responsibility for anybody with accessibility requirements to make their own way to these enclosures.
Stewards will be present to ensure that viewing is accessible at all times.
Upon arrival to Southport, you need to make event staff aware that you would like an accessible parking facility so they can direct you to the correct car park
Southport Air Show. Photo by Andrew Brown Media
Are Drones allowed on site?
- Drones/small, unmanned aircraft systems are strictly not allowed to be flown within the Air Show site – it is against the law to fly them within the Air Show Restricted Airspace, please do not bring them to the Air Show. Anyone not abiding by these rules will be asked to leave the site and may be prosecuted.
Can I trade or exhibit at the Southport Air Show?
- The Southport Air Show is one of the North West’s premier events attracting tens of thousands of people and proving particularly popular with families. The weekend spectacular is a fantastic opportunity for traders and promoters to reach a huge audience. Pitches start from £400 with the option of space only or covered space pitches.
- To book trade space and for further details please contact Helen Wilson – helen.wilson@sefton.gov.uk
PLEASE NOTE: SEFTON COUNCIL IS NOT TAKING INDIVIDUAL BOOKINGS FOR FOOD, BEVERAGE OR ICE CREAM UNITS
Can I have a BBQ on the beach?
Barbecues (including gas) or open fires are are strictly not allowed at the Southport Air Show
This is due to the potential fire risk, injuries caused by discarded barbecuing kits and potential damage to habitats.
Aside from being dangerous, fires are difficult and costly to put out and pull emergency services away from other important areas of their work.
Sefton Council actively encourages visitors to our beautiful coastline to enjoy it safely and to treat the surrounding natural habitats and fellow visitors with respect.
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