For over a century, Blackpool's seafront has played host to one of the UK's most historic aviation events.
As the official organisers at VisitBlackpool, we take immense pride in our heritage. From the fragile "stick and string" biplanes of 1909 to the earth-shaking roar of the modern Typhoon, in more ways than one, the history of the Blackpool Air Show is the history of aviation itself.
1909: The Start of British Aviation
Let’s go back to over 115 years ago. While many places claim a place in aviation history, Blackpool holds a unique title: host of the UK’s first official public flying display.
In October 1909, only six years after the Wright Brothers’ historic flight at Kitty Hawk, "Blackpool Aviation Week" took place at Squires Gate (now the site of Blackpool Airport). It was a bold, ambitious gamble by the town’s leaders. At the time, flying was considered a miraculous, almost supernatural feat.
Over 200,000 people, many of whom had never even seen a motorcar, flocked to the resort to witness pioneers like Henri Farman and Louis Paulhan take to the skies. The conditions were "Blackpool-esque," to say the least. High winds threatened to keep the machines grounded. When Farman finally managed to take off against the strong winds, the crowd's cheers marked the beginning of an air show tradition that has spanned more than a hundred years.
Farnham Taking Off in 1909
AVRO Pleasure Flight 1919
1920s - 1940s
Following the First World War, aviation transitioned from a military necessity to a major public fascination. Throughout the 1920s and 30s, Blackpool became a popular hub for "barnstorming" thrill-seekers and air pageants, offering crowds a mix of daring aerial stunts and high-speed racing.
With the outbreak of World War II, Blackpool Airport was requisitioned as RAF Squires Gate, serving as a vital training base and aircraft factory. In a famous gesture of defiance, local residents rallied together to raise funds during a "Spitfire Week" in 1940 to buy three Spitfires for the RAF. They were named Progress I, II, and III (after the town's motto).
1965 – Present: The Arrival of the Red Arrows
The RAF Red Arrows formed in 1964 and made their first appearances in the mid-60s. Since then, they have become synonymous with the Blackpool Air Show. It’s not every year we are graced with their presence, due to conflicting schedules and overseas commitments, but it’s all the more special when they return to our resort.
Watching the "Diamond Nine" formation pull a vertical climb against the backdrop of the Blackpool Tower is a sight that has been shared by generations of families. Over the decades, we have seen the team transition from their original Folland Gnat aircraft to the distinctive BAE Systems Hawks we see today.
Their precision, speed and signature red, white, and blue vapour trails are the "gold standard" of global aerobatics, and we are proud to say that Blackpool remains one of their favourite places to perform.
Farnham Taking Off in 1909
AVRO Pleasure Flight 1919
1980s-1990s: The Cold War Years
By the 1980s, Air Show audiences experienced aircraft designed for the tensions of the Cold War, from nimble fast-jets to enormous strategic bombers.
Few aircraft left a bigger impression than the Avro Vulcan. Even decades after entering service, the mighty delta-wing bomber could still stop conversations mid-sentence with the howl of its engines. For many visitors, seeing the Vulcan remains one of the defining memories of Blackpool air displays.
During these decades, the event evolved from a simple flying demonstration into a major family spectacle.
Present Day
As the event organiser, VisitBlackpool has always sought to push the boundaries of what a seaside air show can be. In recent decades, the Blackpool Air Show has hosted everything from the legendary Avro Vulcan XH558 - the last airworthy 'V-Bomber' - to the cutting-edge Eurofighter Typhoon.
We’ve also diversified the lineup to include spectacular civilian marvels. Who could forget the AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers performing handstands on the wings of Boeing Stearman biplanes, or the Red Devils parachute team dropping with pinpoint accuracy into the sea-washed sands of our beach?
Post-Covid, we saw record-breaking crowds over the weekend. This surge in popularity proves that despite the digital age, nothing compares to the physical, chest-thumping vibration of a jet engine. And, best of all, it remains completely free.
The Air Show lives on
Today, the Blackpool Air Show is one of the longest-running and most successful free events in the country. It is a massive logistical undertaking, requiring months of planning between VisitBlackpool, the RAF, the Civil Aviation Authority, and local emergency services.
But why do we do it? We want to keep the stories of 1909 and the heroes of the war years alive. The show brings millions of pounds into the local economy, supporting our hotels, restaurants and attractions. But, most of all, it’s to inspire. Somewhere on the Promenade during Air Show weekend, a child is looking up at a Typhoon or Red Arrow Hawk, deciding right then and there to become a pilot, an engineer or someone working hard behind the scenes.
As we look toward the new season and beyond, our mission remains the same: to provide a world-class, safe and breathtaking experience that honours Blackpool’s status as the historic home of British flight.