Blackpool Air Show 2026 returns to the Lancashire coast on Saturday, 8 August and Sunday, 9 August, bringing military jets, historic aircraft, parachute teams and aerobatic displays over the Irish Sea. The free event is expected to attract a huge crowd to Blackpool Promenade, so visitors should plan travel, parking and viewing arrangements before heading to the seafront.
The biggest change this year is the absence of the Red Arrows. The RAF display team is away on a 13-date North American tour, but the programme still includes the RAF Typhoon, the Army’s Red Devils parachute team, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Team Raven, wing walkers and several historic fighter aircraft.
When and where is Blackpool Air Show 2026?
The event takes place on 8 and 9 August 2026, with flying displays expected to begin at around 2pm each day. The main viewing area is Tower Festival Headland, opposite Blackpool Tower, while spectators should also get strong views from the Promenade between North Pier and Central Pier.
The Air Show Village will operate on Tower Festival Headland, with stalls, attractions and food concessions. Event information also indicates that visitors can get close to a Typhoon display aircraft and look inside the cockpit.
Because aircraft timings can change due to weather, serviceability or operational requirements, visitors should check the official Blackpool Air Show information before travelling.
Blackpool Air Show 2026 aircraft lineup
The RAF Eurofighter Typhoon is one of the headline attractions. The fast jet can exceed 1,400mph and is powered by two Rolls-Royce engines, making it one of the loudest and most dramatic displays of the weekend.
The Red Devils will add a parachute display, while the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight brings historic RAF aircraft to the programme. Other confirmed or listed participants include Team Raven, wing walkers, P-51 Mustang, P-47 Thunderbolt, MiG-17, Harvard, Yak formation aircraft, Muscle Pitts, XtremeAir and Calidus Autogyro.
The wider UK air-show calendar has already seen major changes this year, including the Royal International Air Tattoo 2026 cancellation. Aviation fans may also be interested in the Midlands Air Festival 2026 programme, which featured another mix of historic aircraft and aerobatic displays.
Why are the Red Arrows not appearing?
The Red Arrows will not perform at Blackpool this year because the team is taking part in a month-long North American tour covering 13 dates. Their absence makes the RAF Typhoon, Red Devils and historic aircraft more central to the 2026 programme.
Travel, road closures and tram changes
Blackpool North railway station is around a 15-minute walk from the main viewing area, making rail a practical option for many visitors.
The Promenade will be closed to traffic between Chapel Street and Springfield Road during each afternoon of the air show. The tramway will also be closed through this section, with services operating on a split basis from North Pier and Manchester Square.
Drivers are being urged to park early because public car parks are expected to be busy. Visitors should also expect delays when leaving, as large numbers of spectators are likely to head home at the same time.
Best places to watch
Tower Festival Headland is the main viewing area, but the stretch between North Pier and Central Pier should also provide a good view of the flying displays.
The beach can offer a wide, open perspective when tides and conditions allow, though spectators should follow local safety advice. Arriving before midday or early afternoon gives families more time to find a viewing spot and avoid the busiest arrival period.
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Blackpool Airport issues gull warning
Blackpool Airport has asked spectators, especially those near the sand dunes, not to feed gulls and to take food waste and rubbish away with them.
More than 350,000 people attended the 2025 event, and airport officials say food can attract large numbers of birds close to aircraft operating at low altitude. Reducing food sources helps lower the risk of bird strikes during flying displays.
Is Blackpool Air Show free?
Yes. Blackpool Air Show is a free public event, and no general admission ticket is needed to watch the flying displays from the Promenade.
Visitors should still budget for parking, transport, food and attractions, and families may want to bring water, sunscreen and hearing protection for young children because fast jets such as the Typhoon can be extremely loud.
What if the weather changes?
Low cloud, strong winds, poor visibility or other operational factors can change the flying order or affect individual displays. Rain does not automatically mean the entire programme will be cancelled, but spectators should check official updates before leaving home.
With the Red Arrows away, the RAF Typhoon, Red Devils and historic aircraft will take more of the spotlight, while the practical advice remains simple: arrive early, use public transport where possible, expect road and tram disruption, and check the latest schedule on the day.
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