Blackpool Air Show 2026 schedule: Dates, display times and why the Red Arrows aren’t appearing

THE Blackpool Air Show returns to the Lancashire coast for two action-packed days of aviation history and aerobatic stunt flying. Hundreds of thousands of spectators are expected to line the famous promenade on Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9, for the free annual event. Crew rest and scheduled maintenance checks mean the Red Arrows team cannot fly at Blackpool this August Credit: Alamy But aviation fans can look forward to historic aerial passes from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Credit: PA If you are planning a trip to the seafront, here is everything you need to know about the 2026 flying schedule, and why the Red Arrows won’t be appearing this year. Why are the Red Arrows not at Blackpool Air Show 2026? For the first time in several years, the RAF Red Arrows will be absent from the Blackpool lineup. Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! The iconic aerobatic display team was forced to pull out of the 2026 show following an extended international tour in North America, where the squadron performed across the United States to mark America’s 250th anniversary. Although the team has returned to the UK, military guidelines mandate a compulsory crew stand-down period and extensive jet maintenance following long-distance trans-Atlantic deployments. Post-tour crew rest and scheduled maintenance checks mean the team cannot fly at Blackpool this August. Officials expect the Red Arrows to return to the Lancashire event in 2027. Blackpool Air Show 2026 schedule and flying lineup Despite the Red Arrows’ absence, organisers have put together a packed two-day schedule featuring high-speed military jets, historic warbirds, and civilian stunt pilots. Flying displays are scheduled to take place during the afternoon on both the Saturday and Sunday, running from approximately 2pm until 5pm. Most read in The Sun Taking top billing for the RAF is the Eurofighter Typhoon, which will deliver high-speed solo passes and tactical manoeuvres over the Irish Sea. Aviation fans can also look forward to historic aerial passes from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), featuring iconic WWII heritage aircraft including the Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane, and Douglas C-47 Dakota. The action in the sky continues with the British Army’s official parachute team, the Red Devils, who will execute precision formation drops down onto the beach. Thrill-seekers will also witness daring aerobatics from the Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers atop vintage biplanes, alongside Team Raven’s popular six-aircraft civilian formation display. Rounding out the weekend are rare classic aircraft appearances, including a Cold War-era MiG-17 jet, a Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, and a North American P-51D Mustang. For the full aircraft lineup and flying display timings, head to the official VisitBlackpool schedule. Exact flight times remain subject to changes and weather conditions on the day. Blackpool Air Show 2026 – key visitor information The action takes place across the weekend of Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9, 2026. While aerial displays run throughout the afternoon until around 5pm, the Air Show Village on the promenade opens earlier at 10am. Best of all, the event is 100% free to attend, with no advance tickets or bookings required. Spectators looking for the ultimate vantage point should head to the main stretch of the Promenade between Central Pier and North Pier, with the central display point positioned directly off the Tower Festival Headland. Getting to the seafront is straightforward by train, with Blackpool North station situated just a 10-minute walk from the display area. Drivers can set their sat-nav to postcode FY1 4BJ, though car parks are expected to fill up very quickly on display days. Visitors are strongly advised to arrive early in the morning or rely on local public transport. Comment now