Celebrating 100 Years Of Flight – Red Arrows Headline Blackpool Air Display
Top-flight Royal Air Force aerobatic display team, the Red Arrows, will jet into Blackpool to headline a celebratory air display on Sunday August 9.
In 1909 flying began in Blackpool, at the same time that the great French aviator Louis Bleriot was making the first historic crossing of the English Channel.
It was also a historic year as Britain’s first official major air show was held at Squires Gate now Blackpool International Airport.
Pioneering pilots of the most primitive flying machines gave breathtaking displays, watched by a reported 200,000 spectators.
The “Reds” will be making a welcome return to the resort joined by a host of top RAF and civilian aviators who are guaranteed to thrill and amaze high above South Beach between South and Central Piers.
Cllr Mrs Maxine Callow, Blackpool’s portfolio holder for tourism and regeneration said: “This year marks 100 years since Blackpool staged the UK’s first official airshow. We are delighted to celebrate this by inviting some of the UK’s top aviators to the resort to take part in our free to watch promenade air display.”
Displays from 3pm will feature The RAF Battle of Britain Memorial flight’s Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire. The Blades expertly flown by former Red Arrows pilots, Aerobatic ace Steve Carver in his Extra 260 will wow the crowds and the daring Team Guinot Wing Walkers will wave to the Blackpool audience while standing on the top wing of a 40’s Boeing Stearman biplane.
Flying the American flag, the US Airforce will be joining in the celebrations by flying in a KC-135 Stratotanker, an air to air refuelling tanker.
The locally owned Bell “Huey” UH1H helicopter, a veteran of the Vietnam War will be taking to the sky with the unmistakable sound of its huge rotor blades “thumping the air.
Demonstrating air sea rescue techniques the RAF Sea King Search and Rescue Helicopter will be joined by the RNLI and the RAF King Air a new advanced multi engine pilot trainer will be making its first appearance in the resort.
The jet trails of the World famous Red Arrows will paint the sky red, white and blue for the grand finale of this series of stunning aerial displays from 5pm.
Bringing a slice of sky action to the ground, visitors can also explore the RAF ground display all weekend next to Central Pier.
Steaming in to Blackpool a specially chartered 1950s steam train will be departing from Carnforth Station stopping at Blackburn and Preston. Come and experience a nostalgic trip to the seaside to see the World famous Red Arrows. For more information click here.
Visit www.visitblackpool.com
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4 Responses to “Celebrating 100 Years Of Flight – Red Arrows Headline Blackpool Air Display”
- Air Show, Battle of Britain Memorial, Beach, Blackpool, Blackpool International Airport, Blackpool Tourism, Blades, Boeing, Celebrating 100 Years Of Flight, Central Pier, English Channel, Flying, Guinot Wing Walkers, Hurricane, King Air, Lancaster, Louis Bleriot, RAF, Red Arrows, RNLI, Royal Air Force, Sea King Search and Rescue Helicopter, Seaside, South Pier, Spitfire, Vietnam War, Visitblackpool
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I think the 1909 air show was held at the original Blackpool Airfield (later the Royal Lancs Showgrounds and now the site of the De Vere Hotel). In 1909 Sqaires Gate was still the Blackpool Racecourse
The blackpol air show was crap but on the other hand the Red Arrows made it special. I’ve seen the Red Arrows many times and once again they lit the sky up with a superb show, well done to all the pilots of the red arrows display team and thank you very much for entertaining me and my family – we cant wait to watch you all again thanks lads.
Yet one more comment. You can’t take anything away from the other pilots I want to thank them as well but once again the Red Arrows are without a doubt the best display team in the world. If the pilots get to see this comment then please let me say a very big ‘thank you’ for your display, well done lads and hope you keep the show going for many years to come. Look forward to watching you soon thank you all.
I don’t agree with the comments regarding the air show being crap, made by Sharon Ramsden. My family watched the whole of the show from the lower prom opposite Cristal Road and we were enthralled by it all. to see someone standing on the top of a plane while it ducked and dived was mesmerising. the air sea and rescue left us holding our breath just thinking what it would be like in a swollen sea with gale force winds to contend with and the aerobatics of the small planes were sensational. it was great to watch the larger planes like the Vulcan Bomber fly over and do a turn. the red arrows were sensational as always and it was great to hear them calling from the cockpit. Once more Blackpool did it again with a great free show and it makes me proud to call myself a blackpuddlien. Well Done Blackpool! Same on you Sharon.