Southport Airshow returns in August after improved 2025 event

Southport Airshow returns to the seafront on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 August 2026, with the Red Arrows scheduled to appear on both days.

Visitors are being advised to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra time for travel. The 2025 event was a marked improvement on the troubled 2023 show, with parking and visitor access appearing to receive much closer attention.

There was plenty to attract aviation fans in 2025. French aerobatic pilot Mélanie Astles provided one of the headline performances, following her British Open Unlimited Championship win at Sywell in July 2024.

Richard Goodwin, the Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers and Team Raven also brought aerobatic displays to the programme.

The RAF provided further highlights with the Typhoon and Grob Tutor, while the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight brought its Lancaster and other aircraft to Southport.

Two Swedish aircraft had originally been expected to appear in 2025. The Saab Draken and Lansen, operated by the Swedish Air Force Historic Flight, were cancelled, but the programme was strengthened by the addition of an L-39 Albatros and an A-26 Invader.

Lessons from the 2023 show

The airshow was cancelled in 2021, returned in July 2022 and moved to September for 2023. That September event was badly affected by access problems after poor beach conditions meant the beach could not be used for car parking.

Traffic built up around Southport, with some visitors reporting waits of about three hours. Some abandoned their trips, while others struggled to reach the viewing area in time.

The Red Arrows were also unable to carry out their planned display on the Saturday. Wet runway conditions and low cloud at Blackpool Airport led to the cancellation, with a reduced flypast later taking its place.

Complaints also covered facilities, public-address coverage, communication with visitors and gaps between displays. Sunday was less affected, although some displays were shortened or cancelled.

Sefton Council later apologised for problems at the 2023 event and announced changes including a new traffic-management company, extra entrance staff, improved signage, queuing arrangements and additional parking away from the beach. The 2024 show returned to July and was an improvement on 2023, before the event moved to its August slot in 2025.

For the 2026 show, car parks are due to open at 9am, with the gates opening at 10am and flying expected between approximately midday and 5pm.