Police Issue Safety Advice Ahead of Southport Air Show

Ahead of this weekend’s Southport Air Show, poice are issuing some advice to those attending.

The Air Show takes place this Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 August, between 10am and 5pm, and features flying displays and a host of activities for all the family. 

Chief Superintendent Claire Doyle is the Event Commander: “As always, we’re absolutely thrilled to be supporting the Southport Air Show. It is such a cherished, family-friendly weekend on the Southport summer calendar. 

“Merseyside Police has a long tradition of supporting organisers of major events in partnership with other emergency services and stakeholders. We prepare well in advance with extensive planning taking place by experienced officers and staff, to ensure that everyone has a great time and enjoys the event safely.

“The Air Show site is accessible by train, bus and car, so plan your journey in advance and keep an eye and ear out for any unexpected traffic updates on the day, on social media or radio, including Dune Radio, the official radio station for the event. 

“Road closures are already in place, between Marine Drive at Southport Pier and The Esplanade Roundabout, behind Pleasureland. This is where the static displays will be set up and will remain closed until midnight on Monday, September 1. Commuters who use Marine Drive daily will have to avoid this section entirely by using the fairway or the esplanade to move up to the Promenade or being diverted at the Marine Way bridge up to the promenade. 

“On the days of the air show itself, the Marine Drive road closures will extend to the Fairway roundabout in the north and the Weld Road roundabout at the south end. Access to Ocean Plaza will remain open via the Marine Way Bridge.

“Those attending should expect to undergo security checks when entering the site, and can be searched at any time. Security staff will be searching for prohibited items, which include knives, transmitting devices, fireworks and laser devices. Help the staff do their jobs and keep things moving by arriving in plenty of time. I’d like to thank people in advance for their patience and cooperation in these essential checks.

“You will see an increased police presence in the area, which is quite normal for large events in Merseyside. We also use less visible measures including plain clothes officers. It’s all about disrupting criminality and helping keep this a safe and enjoyable event. You can help too by being our extra eyes and ears and to report anything suspicious.

“I would also like to remind people that drones or any other small, unmanned aircraft systems are strictly not allowed to be flown within the Air Show site, as this will be a restricted airspace for the duration of the event (see map), between 10am on Saturday and 5.30pm on Sunday. Anyone not abiding by these rules will be asked to leave the site and may be prosecuted. We hope everyone has a brilliant time.”

We ask the public to be vigilant and to immediately report anything that they see or hear that does not feel right by telling a police officer or stewarding staff. You can also call the police on 101 or the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always call 999.

Information on buses and trains is available on the Merseytravel website - www.merseytravel.gov.uk, the Merseyrail website - www.merseyrail.organd via X at @merseytravel or @merseyrail.

Regular traffic updates will also be broadcast by local radio stations and Dune Radio.

More information on the event, including parking, can be found at: Southport Air Show 2025 | Visit Southport