It’s less than a month to go until the skies above Blackpool are filled with spectacular aerial displays from some of the world’s finest military and civilian aircraft.
The Blackpool Air Show takes place on Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th August, and the full flying programme has now been revealed.
Events of this scale strengthen Blackpool’s case as it bids to become UK City of Culture 2029. Blackpool is one of nine places longlisted for the title, and showcasing a packed calendar of standout, large-scale events – free and open to all – is central to demonstrating the town’s cultural ambition and ability to deliver on the national stage.
Highlights of the line-up
Headlining this year’s show is a MiG-17, the iconic Cold War fighter jet making its English display debut over Blackpool. Also joining for the first time are the US fighter aircraft P-47 Thunderbolt and P-51 Mustang, and the Suffolk Spitfire, while the Red Devils parachute team will descend onto the seafront on Saturday.
Returning favourites include the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Dakota, Hurricane and Spitfire) and the RAF Typhoon Display Team, alongside the Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers, Hawk, Harvard, The Ravens, Yaks, Calidus Autogyro, Muscle Pitts and XtremeAir.
Bartosz Maciejczyk, CEO of Fubar Aviation Limited, said: “I’m incredibly excited to be bringing the MiG-17 to Blackpool Air Show for the very first time. The MiG-17 is renowned for its speed, agility and unmistakable sound, making it a real crowd favourite wherever it flies.”
Away from the skies, the free Air Show Village runs from 11am to 6pm both days between Central Pier and North Pier, with stalls, food concessions and the chance to meet armed forces personnel and ground crews.
Why it matters for Blackpool
As one of the largest free events of its kind in the country, the Air Show is a major driver of footfall for the resort, filling hotels, restaurants and attractions across the weekend and reinforcing Blackpool’s reputation as a must-visit destination for both day-trippers and staying visitors.
Cllr Lynn Williams MBE, Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Blackpool has a rich history of celebrating aviation, having hosted the UK’s first official public flying meeting in 1909. Our Air Show is one of the largest free events of its kind in the country, and we are proud to bring this spectacular weekend to thousands of residents and visitors.”
Kate Shane MBE, Managing Director of Blackpool Tourism Limited, said: “Air Show weekend is one of the highlights of Blackpool’s summer season and remains a major draw for visitors from across the UK, from iconic aircraft to family-friendly entertainment for everyone to enjoy.”
For more information, visit www.visitblackpool.com/airshow
