Blackpool Air Show a roaring success

Published on: 15/08/2017 03:48 AM

More than 100,000 visitors turned out to watch the free two-day Blackpool Air Show – making it one of the most successful on record.

An action-packed programme featuring the likes of the RAF Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the Breitling Wingwalkers and the world-famous Red Arrows attracted visitors from all over the country.

It was the first time that the Red Arrows had performed on both days of a Blackpool Air Show and their incredible finale received a rapturous reception from people lining the full stretch of the Promenade.

Cllr Gillian Campbell, Deputy Leader of Blackpool Council, said: “Moving the Air Show from its usual Sunday and Monday to Saturday and Sunday meant that even more people got the opportunity to see this fantastic free entertainment. It was by far and away the busiest weekend we have witnessed in Blackpool this summer.

“We have to give enormous credit to all the pilots who showed off their incredible skills and talent, giving the tens of thousands of people attending the event an opportunity to witness some thrilling aerobatics.

“I’m very proud of everyone who took part to make the 108th annual air show a very special occasion.”

As well as a range of spectacular displays,there were also a whole range of exciting sights on the ground with stalls, stands and attractions from the Red Arrows ground team; the SPAM roadshow; Arnold Clark; Simulator Supplies; 21 Game Stall; Help for Heroes; Friends of the Red Arrows; Royal British Legion; Blackpool Transport; RAFA; Love My Beach and Blood Bikes.

Blackpool Air Show has now been wowing the public since 1909 when the town put on the very first official air show in the UK.

That was the same year French flyer Louis Bleriot made the first historic crossing of the English Channel.

Expect a similarly spectacular display next year with dates already confirmed for 2018. Save the date of Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th August 2018.