9th & 10th September 2023

The annual Air Show returns this September to Southport Beach, get ready for a weekend packed with entertainment.

Tickets are now priced from £10 (plus booking fee) for general admission, under 16 years of age FREE. If you want to make your family day out even less expensive, feel free to bring a picnic and set up on the beach before you enjoy an afternoon of flying.

Buy tickets

Confirmed flying displays

Flying display times

All timings are subject to change, and we will endeavour to keep it updated during the event.

Sunday 10th September

  • 10:30 - Model Aircraft
  • 13:00 - Tigers Army Parachute Team & 69th Field Artillery Guns
  • 13:17 - Great War Display Team
  • 13:29 - T-67 Firefly
  • 13:39 - Wingwalker
  • 13:49 - OV-10 Bronco
  • 14:00 - Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
  • 14:21 - Team Raven
  • 14:38 - Tutor Display Team
  • 14:51 - Chinook Display Team
  • 15:08 - Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight - Harvard
  • 15:18 - Polish Heritage Flight - Hurricane
  • 15:29 - Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight - Spitfire
  • 15:40 - BAC Strikemaster Pair
  • 15:50 - The Typhoon

Ground Attractions

A range of attractions can be found on the beach including mini tanks, bungee trampolines, bumper cars, simulators and a paintball range.

The Armed Forces are located in the Military Village on Marine Drive and have a selection of equipment for you to have a look at.

The Mid Lancs Military Vehicle Trust members will have a display of their vehicles which they have lovingly restored For further information please go to: www.mvt.org.uk

The Lytham St Annes Spitfire Ground Display Team and their display, which includes Spitfire – ‘Lucy’ will be on the ground. The knowledgeable enthusiasts have lovingly restored “Lucy”, a Spitfire Mark IX replica, with original WW2 parts, giving the Public to get up close to this iconic aircraft.

The 69th Field Artillery Guns will be located on the crowd line and you can go over and get close to the guns. They will be firing and various times each day.

General Info

What date is the Southport Air Show?

The Southport Air Show is Saturday 9th & Sunday 10th September 2023

What is the postcode for Sat Nav?

The postcode for the air show is PR8 1RY. However, the Southport Air Show has a traffic management plan with some road closures in place, so once you see the yellow AA signs for the event, stop following your Sat Nav and follow these signs.

What time does the Southport Air Show start on Saturday and Sunday?

The Southport Air Show opens at 10:00 and closes approx 17:00 on Saturday and Sunday

Are the Red Arrows at the Southport Air Show?

Yes, the Red Arrows will be at the Southport Air Show with a full display on Saturday 9th September 2023 at 12:00.

How do I find the flying times of all aircraft?

Flying times will be published on this website when they are available. They can change throughout the weekend and we will endeavour to keep them updated.

Can we bring our own food/ BBQ?

  • Food is permitted onsite however, BBQs, including gas or open fires, are not permitted for Environmental & Health & Safety reasons.

Are dogs allowed at the Air Show?

  • Dogs are permitted but it is strongly advised that dogs are not brought to the event due to the noise produced by the aircraft.
  • All dogs must remain on their lead; this is a family event with many small children and if you have your dog off the lead, you may be asked to leave the event.
  • Please be a responsible dog owner and clean up after your dog.

Can I still get into Ocean Plaza to the shops?

  • Yes, the shops, restaurants, bowling, cinema and the gym will be open as usual and will be accessible from the Promenade over the Marine Way Bridge.

What else will be there?

  • A large amount of on-ground entertainment including interactive military exhibits, model aircraft, exhibition stands, simulators and children’s activities

Where can I find accommodation?

  • Accommodation availability can be found on this website, here. Bedrooms do tend to fill up fast so it is advisable to book early.

Can I have a BBQ on the beach?

Barbecues (including gas) or open fires are are strictly not allowed at the Southport Air Show

This is due to the potential fire risk, injuries caused by discarded barbecuing kits and potential damage to habitats.

Aside from being dangerous, fires are difficult and costly to put out and pull emergency services away from other important areas of their work.

We actively encourage visitors to our beautiful coastline to enjoy it safely and to treat the surrounding natural habitats and fellow visitors with respect.

Ticketing

How much are tickets to Southport Air Show?

Tickets are £10 plus a small booking fee. Under 16 years of age is free of charge.

I cannot find my tickets?

You can download your tickets from the See Tickets website. You can also contact their Customer Service team there but please be aware if it is just before the event you may not get a response on time.

See Tickets website

Can I buy tickets on the day?

Yes, tickets can be purchased at the box office for the same price.

Traffic & Travel

Where is the nearest train station?

How bad is the traffic?

As with any major event delays are possible so, please allow extra time for your journey. 

As we have not hosted an Air Show for a couple of years, we expect to be busier than normal, especially with some great displays on for both days.

The event opens at 10:00 but the car parks open at 9:00, (with the exception of beach and Marine Drive parking which open at 10:00) so we advise that you aim to get to the Southport Air Show as close to these times as possible.

Do not leave your arrival until just before the Red Arrows display as you may get caught in traffic and miss them.

How will I be able to be kept updated about traffic on the way to the Air Show?

Dune Radio’s Southport Air Show LIVE is the official radio station for the 2023 Southport Air Show.

Providing you with all the information and news for this year's air show as well as full commentary and all the essential traffic updates.

You can listen on DAB Digital Radio (search Dune) on your car radio. You can download our FREE IOS App from the app store (search Dune Radio). Plus listen online via www.duneradio.co.uk/airshow 

You can also listen on Smart TVs Freeview Channel 277

How can I avoid the traffic when arriving?

Where possible we advise you use public transport - Northern Rail and Merseytravel operate frequent trains to Southport. The nearest train station is Southport, about a 10-minute walk from the event site.

Car parks open an hour earlier so you can arrive with plenty of time before the gates open (with the exception of beach parking and the Marine Drive that open at 10:00).

Accessibility Info

Can carers get into the Air Show free of charge?

If you have a disability that necessitates a carer*, your carer will be welcomed free of charge on the day.  

A carers ticket will be issued at the box office following the production of one of the documents below. Free carer tickets are general admission only (no access to the Southport Pier)

*One example of supporting documentation for Carers Allowance, Attendance Allowance or Disability Living Allowance must be produced on the day. Without documentation, carers will need to purchase a ticket on the gate.

Are there any facilities for visitors with accessible requirements?

Designated accessible hard-standing parking facilities are available, located at the Esplanade and Marine Drive car parks.

Accessible parking is also available in Princes Park and on the beach but please be aware that these spaces are on grass and sand. 

The Esplanade Car Park has accessible toilet facilities and ramped access to the seafront.

The accessible parking spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis on presentation of an official blue disability badge. These spaces will be available at the normal car parking rate.

Official designated viewing areas are available, one is located on the seawall (close to the fish wind display) and the other one is on the seawall close to the Pier. These areas will be fenced, have dedicated accessible toilet facilities and, are on a hard-standing surface with an unimpeded view.

It will be the responsibility for anybody with accessibility requirements to make their own way to these enclosures.

Stewards will be present to ensure that viewing is accessible at all times.

Upon arrival to Southport, you need to make event staff aware that you would like an accessible parking facility so they can direct you to the correct car park

Parking

Where can I park at the Southport Air Show?

Parking is available on the beach (North Beach only), Marine Drive and off the promenade in Princes Park, the Esplanade car park, and Victoria Park, only 5 minutes’ walk from the seafront.

A large amount of directional road signage will be installed to lead visitors to the parking facilities and the event site, as well as stewards who will direct traffic to the nearest available car park.

Coaches will be directed to the Esplanade car park. 

Car parks open at 09:00, with the exception of beach and Marine Drive parking, which opens at 10:00

How much is parking at the Southport Air Show?

Parking is £8 per car on Saturday or Sunday. 

You can buy online with your ticket or pay on entry at a designated Southport Air Show car parks.

How do I park on the beach?

Parking on the beach gets you closer to the action but you need to arrive as close to 10 am as possible as this fills up quickly.  

There is no parking on South Beach so if you are travelling from the South, you will be directed to the Esplanade Car Park or Victoria Park.

If you are travelling from the North, you will automatically be directed to beach parking or the Marine Drive Car Park.

If you are travelling from the East, you will automatically be directed to other Air Show car parks.

Be aware that following high tides earlier in the week, areas of the beach have not thoroughly dried. Therefore, we advise suitable footwear and care when parking on the beach.

Are caravans, motor homes or vans allowed on the beach?

Caravans, motor homes, high sided vehicles or vans are permitted in either the Esplanade or Princes Park car parks but are not allowed on the beach due to the size of the vehicles restricting the view for other event attendees.

These are not overnight camping facilities and will be locked overnight. The closest caravan site is the Southport Esplanade caravan site, Esplanade, Southport, 01704 565214.

Photography & Videography

Are Drones allowed on site?

  • Drones/small, unmanned aircraft systems are strictly not allowed to be flown within the Air Show site - it is against the law to fly them within the Air Show Restricted Airspace, please do not bring them to the Air Show.  Anyone not abiding by these rules will be asked to leave the site and may be prosecuted.

Can I bring a camera or tripod to the Air Show?

You are more than welcome to photograph the show. However, tripods are not advisable as it is an extremely busy event. If you bring a tripod, please be aware of other visitors and equipment that could cause a trip hazard.

As a condition of entry, we reserve the right to conduct random searches of customers and vehicles at the point of entry and whilst within the event site.

WE WILL BE SEARCHING FOR THE FOLLOWING ITEMS: - Dangerous or hazardous items, Illegal substances, explosives or ammunition, fireworks, knives, blades or other weapons, firearms, laser devices, smoke canisters, and transmitting devices – your co-operation is appreciated.