Blackpool Airshow 2026 takes place on Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 August over the Irish Sea just off the coast of Blackpool, but the Red Arrows will not be part of the display. The free event is expected to draw thousands to the seafront, with the main viewing area along Tower Festival Headland.
The Red Arrows are in North America for a 13-date, month-long tour. That leaves the weekend lineup to an RAF Typhoon, vintage aircraft and the Army's Red Devils parachute display team.
Tower Festival Headland and the seafront
The best place to watch is from Tower Festival Headland along Blackpool seafront, across the road from Blackpool Tower. A good view should also be available anywhere between North Pier and Central Pier.
The seafront is reachable by tram or bus, and Blackpool North Railway Station is a 15-minute walk away. Organisers have urged drivers to park early because demand for public car parks is expected to be high.
Promenade closures each afternoon
Each afternoon during the Air Show, the Promenade will be closed to all traffic between Chapel Street and Springfield Road. The tramway in that stretch will also close and run a split service from North Pier and Manchester Square.
Diversion routes will be signposted along Northbound and Southbound routes during the Air Show. Last year, the event brought thousands of people to the seafront, and the missing Red Arrows slot means the weekend display will rely on the remaining aircraft and the parachute team to carry the schedule.
Blackpool Air Show crowd plan
For people heading to Blackpool seafront, the practical move is to arrive early, use tram or bus where possible and expect slower access near the promenade once the afternoon closures begin. The show still runs across both days, but the crowd pressure will build around the same viewing points and transport links.
