Blackpool Air Show 2026: Thousands flocked to seaside for spectacular weekend

Caught on camera by our photographer Lucinda Herbert, these were the scenes as crowds flocked to Blackpool seafront for Saturday’s action-packed spectacle. And we do it all again on Sunday.

Thousands packed the Promenade for the resort's spectacular annual Air Show today, with military jets, historic aircraft and daredevil displays taking to the skies.

The first -day of aerial action began with the Red Devils, the British Army's world-class parachute display team. They thrilled spectators with their precision formations and high-speed parachute manoeuvres above the seafront.

The paratroopers’ daring high-altitude displays were followed by one of the world's most advanced fighter jets - the RAF Eurofighter Typhoon - which roared into action over the Irish Sea.

There was one notable absence from this year's show, however, with the Red Arrows missing from the line-up.

The RAF's famous aerobatic team, which have been performing in Blackpool since the 1990s, are absent due to mandatory crew rest and jet maintenance following a month-long, 13-date tour across the United States to commemorate America's 250th anniversary.

But there was still plenty to keep aviation fans entertained, with a packed programme including classic US fighters, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the elite Team Raven aerobatic display team, the AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers - and for first time ever in the UK, the iconic Cold War-era Soviet fighter, the Mig-17.

Blackpool Council Leader Lynn Williams said: “Blackpool has a rich history of celebrating aviation, having hosted the UK's first official public flying meeting in 1909.

“That legacy continues today as we welcome the MiG 17, it is new to the UK display circuit this year and this will be its first display at Blackpool.

"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."