Southport Air Show 2026 is underway today, Saturday, August 29, with the Red Arrows scheduled to perform at 3.30pm BST. The RAF aerobatic team is one of Saturday’s headline attractions, with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight due at 4pm. Visitors heading to the seafront should arrive early and check for any weather-related changes before travelling.
The two-day bank holiday event continues on Sunday, with gates opening at 10am and flying expected from around midday. Saturday’s programme combines RAF displays, aerobatic teams and historic aircraft, while the Red Arrows return to Southport after missing the 2025 event.
What time are the Red Arrows at Southport today?
The Red Arrows are scheduled to perform at 3.30pm on Saturday, August 29. They will be followed at 4pm by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Organisers have highlighted Southport as the Red Arrows’ only planned public display appearance in North West England this summer. Aviation fans following their bank holiday appearances can also check the Red Arrows time and schedule at Clacton Airshow 2026.
Full Southport Air Show Saturday schedule
- 12.30pm â The Starlings
- 12.47pm â RAF Tutor
- 12.58pm â Gazelle Squadron
- 1.16pm â Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers
- 1.34pm â Rich Goodwin Jet Pitts
- 1.48pm â Hawk T1
- 1.56pm â Short display break
- 2.33pm â Strikemaster
- 2.44pm â Otto
- 2.55pm â A-26 Invader and P-51 Mustang
- 3pm â P-51 Mustang
- 3.10pm â A-26 Invader
- 3.30pm â Red Arrows
- 4pm â Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
Flying times are approximate and may change because of weather, aircraft availability or operational requirements.
Where could the Red Arrows be seen before Southport?
Published aviation information indicates a planned transit through the region before the display, placing the formation near Liverpool at about 3.25pm, Huyton-with-Roby at 3.26pm, Billinge at 3.27pm and north of Ormskirk at 3.28pm, before reaching Southport at approximately 3.30pm.
These are routing points rather than guaranteed public flypasts. Timings, altitude and route can change, so spectators should not rely on a specific transit location.
Could weather affect today’s Red Arrows display?
Weather is an important factor today, with rain forecast around Southport during Saturday afternoon. The Red Arrows said ahead of the bank holiday weekend that the team would do everything possible to reach its planned events despite poor weather.
Cloud base, visibility, wind and operational conditions can determine whether a planned routine can take place. The official Southport Air Show information warns that flying times are approximate, so visitors should check official updates close to 3.30pm.
Tickets, parking and opening times
Car parking opens at 9am, gates open at 10am, and flying is expected from approximately 12pm to 5pm. The event postcode is PR8 1RY.
General admission is ÂŁ13 plus booking fee, while children under 16 can attend free. Groups of 10 or more are priced at ÂŁ12 per person. Event parking costs ÂŁ10 per vehicle per day.
Accessible parking and dedicated viewing areas are available, although spaces are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Eastbourne Airshow 2026: Flight Schedule, Typhoon and Sally B Display Times
Pacific Airshow Gold Coast 2026: Schedule, Flying Times and Event Details
Road closures and travelling by train
Visitors should allow extra time for bank holiday traffic and temporary restrictions. Marine Drive is closed from 7am around parts of the event area, with diversions in place.
Southport railway station is roughly a 10-minute walk from the air show. Merseyrail has advertised special event travel from participating stations at ÂŁ2 return for adults and ÂŁ1 for children.
Drivers should follow temporary event signs when approaching Southport rather than relying solely on sat-nav. Readers tracking other major weekend developments can find latest UK news and event updates throughout the day.
What else is at Southport Air Show?
The event includes a Military Village on Marine Drive, Armed Forces equipment displays, replica aircraft and flight simulators. Family attractions include bungee trampolines, bumper cars and traditional games, alongside food and drink traders.
Visitors can bring their own food, but barbecues, gas cooking equipment and open fires are prohibited. Dogs are permitted on leads, although organisers advise against bringing them because of aircraft noise.
Security checks are in place, and weapons, fireworks, laser devices and other dangerous items are prohibited. Drones must not be flown within the temporary restricted airspace around the show.
When are the Red Arrows flying on Sunday?
The Red Arrows are scheduled to return at 3.30pm on Sunday, August 30. Sunday’s programme also includes the RAF Typhoon, giving visitors a different headline display from Saturday.
For anyone attending today specifically for the Red Arrows, 3.30pm BST remains the scheduled Saturday display time. Arriving well ahead of the afternoon programme will leave more time for traffic, parking, walking to the site and security checks.
Make Swikblog your go-to source on Google for reliable updates, smart insights, and daily trends.
