Spectacular World War One dogfights will take place above Southport Beach this weekend for the first time, as part of the 2023 Southport Air Show.
The unmissable Great War Display Team attraction will see FIVE replica aircraft from the 1914-1918 global conflict battle it out to wow spectators.
They include three iconic German aeroplanes, one British and one French.
Crowds will be able to marvel at two German Fokker DR1 triplanes; a British SE5A biplane; a German Junkers CL1 monoplane; and a French Nieuwpoort Scout biplane.
It is another first for Southport Air Show which this year boasts an impressive line-up including the RAF Red Arrows, the Typhoon, the Chinook, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the Tigers Army Parachute Display Team and more.
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.
The Great War Display Team is flying at Southport Air Show
The Great War Display Team is a group of highly experienced pilots who display replica World War One aircraft in a safe, carefully choreographed, low level dog fight routine to replicate how aircraft were flown during the Great War over the trenches of Northern France and Belgium. The team has performed at a wide variety of venues in the UK and Europe including all the major events.
The dynamic display is flown at low level and the Great War Display Team was the first team authorised by the Civil Aviation Authority to operate at 75 metres from the crowd making for an unforgettable experience.
The realism can be heightened by the use of pyrotechnics to make the display even more exciting, although these will not be in use in Southport this weekend.
Members of the team have starred in numerous films, documentaries, with the BBC and ITV, and various press and media productions.
Matthew Boddington from the Great War Display Team said: “The team are looking forward to displaying at Southport this year for the first time, although without our legendary pyros.
“We hope in future years to be able to bring you the full experience of a World War One dogfight with the pyros included.
“We will be bringing five aircraft this year after the loss of our dear friend and team mate Trevor Bailey last month.
“He was to be the sixth member of the team for the display and will be greatly missed.
“Aircraft attending are:
Fokker DR1 flown by Pete Bond
SE5A flown by John Gammidge
Junkers CL1 flown by Matthew Boddington
Fokker DR1 flown by Will Greenwood
Nieuwpoort Scout flown by John Gilbert
“Full details on the aircraft and pilots and indeed the team can be found on our website, https://www.greatwardisplayteam.com/.”
The Great War Display Team is flying at Southport Air Show
The air show line-up includes:
- The Red Arrows (Saturday only)
- The Typhoon
- Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
- RAF Tutor
- Chinook
- Tigers Army Parachute Display Team
- Team Raven
- Strikemaster Display Team
- Hurricane
- Firefly
- Spitfire
- Mustang
- Great War Display Team
- Royal Navy Black Cats
- deHavilland Vampire
- Bronco
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.
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