Blackpool Airshow is back and thousands of people are expected to head down to the seafront to watch some of the world's most incredible aircraft and aviators perform.
Talented pilots will perform jaw-dropping aerobatics and fly-bys over Blackpool Seafront for the two-day event that takes place today (Saturday, August 13) and tomorrow (Sunday, August 14). With this being the first air show in Blackpool for three years, coupled with the beautiful weather, huge crowds are expected on both days.
We'll be providing live updates from Blackpool including sharing pictures and videos of the fantastic performances, and we'll also have our reporter Denise Evans on the ground bringing you the latest from the air show village and more. So if you're unable to make it to the event in person, we'll make sure you don't miss a single minute of the show!
The free event features displays from military and civil aircraft, including the Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Typhoon, Chinook, Muscle Pitts stunt plane, Strikemaster and the AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers. You can see a full schedule and line-up for today here.
For the latest information and updates from Blackpool Airshow 2022 this weekend - scroll down for updates.
If you've got photos from the event you'd like to share with us, to potentially be added into this blog, do get in touch by email: jon.macpherson@reachplc.comand sarah.hodgson@reachplc.com
Red Arrows in pictures
We'll leave you with this incredible gallery of pics of the Red Arrows. Thanks for following our updates! Goodnight.
Red Arrows back at Blackpool Airport
The Red Arrows returned to Blackpool Airport after the airshow.
Photo gallery showing all of today's action
We've put together some of our favourite photos of the day in a gallery.
Get updates about Blackpool straight to your inbox
You can get the latest news from Blackpool with our free MyBlackpool newsletter. It's free to sign up and you'll get two emails a week with all the biggest stories from the Fylde Coast. Sign up for free here.
Huge crowds after last display
That's all the displays taking place today. Many people are now leaving the prom and piers, with lots likely to be heading home straight away after a long day in the sun. It is very busy. Expect some delays on the roads as everyone makes their way out of car parks and to their next destination.
Watch Red Arrows fly over Blackpool
The Red Arrows flew over Blackpool Tower and then wowed crowds with a display over the seafront. We're so lucky that they are here not just today, but tomorrow too! A real treat!
Red Arrows in action
The Red Arrows have finished their display and wow! The crowd certainly loved it!
Red Arrows fly over Blackpool Tower
Incredible scenes!
Red Arrows fans given gifts by team
This is lovely! Onlookers at Blackpool Airport where the Red Arrows have been based this afternoon have been handed some free gifts by the Red Arrows team. We spoke to one lucky recipient who was given a Red Arrows shaped pin badge.
They said: "The team came and handed some freebies to the fans watching. It was a really lovely touch."
Live from Blackpool for the Red Arrows
Our reporter Denise is live on our Facebook page to show you the Red Arrows display
Preston will get a glimpse of Red Arrows
Refreshing paddle in the sea
These lot have definitely got the right idea! Here's some of the crowd taking a quick paddle and dip in the sea. Definitely a good way to cool off from this intense heat! If you are heading into the sea today please take care and follow any safety advice and signage. If you see anyone in danger please call 999 and ask for Coastguard.
Man travels from Holland just to watch Blackpool Airshow
This is Nigel Armtage, 52, who is over from Holland just to see the Typhoon. He is originally from Bolton and an aerospace engineer, but sadly has cancer. He has come over just for the airshow. We're glad the sun is shining for him!
Strikemaster fly-by
Developed in the early 1950s as the Jet Provost, the BAC Strikemaster carried out its role as a training and light attack aircraft well into the 1990s.
A total of 146 BAC Strikemaster aircraft were built at Warton between 1967 – 1984 with the 2 major production types and 12 variants seeing service in 10 different countries as late as 2009. In the UK, the RAF opted to continue with its Jet Provosts until the early 80’s which it subsequently replaced with the British Aerospace Hawk.
Today most surviving Strikemasters are in private hands and are in the care of enthisasts and museum groups.
Final displays that are still to come
The Chipmunk and Bulldog are still to come, before the Red Arrows do their thing at 5pm
Crowds cool off in the sea
Hundreds of people are now cooling off and paddling in the sea at the North Pier. It's close to 30C in Blackpool and there are plenty in the crowd who arrived at 9am in order to secure the best spots to watch all the action from.
It's going to remain hot well into the evening, with the Met Office predicitng it will be 28C when the Red Arrows come on at around 5pm.
What's coming next?
Next up is the single seater AutoGyro. Under an hour to go before the Red Arrows fly over the Tower.
Lancaster Bomber on the runway
We captured this footage of the Lancaster Bomber on the runway at Blackpool Airport earlier.
Cockpit sounds played to the crowd
The crowd has just been treated to the sounds of the radio from inside the cockpit of The Chinook. The pilot is calling out measurements and making sure the aircraft remains at a certain height. This is a seriously huge helicopter.
Chinook flies over Blackpool
Here's a clip of the Chinook arriving at the airshow.
The RAF use Chinook helicopters mainly for trooping, resupplky and battlefield casualty evacuation. It can carry up to 55 troops or up to approximately 10 tonnes of mixed cargo. The aircraft is also used in search and rescue operations and to support specialist tasks such as providing military aid.
A Chinook crew usually comprises of two pilots, two crew, who are supplemented by specialists depending on what the mission is.
Chinook has left Blackpool Airport
Shouldn't be too much of a delay as the helicopter has just been pictured leaving Blackpool Airport.
Crowds waiting for Chinook helicopter
There’s a break now as we wait for the Chinook.
Some facts about the aircraft while we wait...
It's 98ft 10 and a half inches long, 18ft 11ins high, and has a max cruising speed of 296 km/h. It has a maximum density altitude of 15,000ft.
Wonderful AeroSuperBatic wing walkers
We wanted to share some more pictures of the amazing aerobatic wingwalking team. Here they are at Blackpool Airport - AeroSuperBatics have been operators of famous airshows since 1984. They are Guinness World Record holders and are the world's only aerobatic formation wingwalking team.
Weren't they just incredible! So brave and talented. We're very proud to have them here in Blackpool.
Brilliant crowds enjoying the day
Crowds are full of smiles and Blackpool is in high spirits. It may be busy, but Blackpool is THE place to be this weekend. What a treat we are all getting in the bold, blue cloudless skies above us.
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
Biggest cheers of the day erupt for the BBMF planes which include two spitfires, a Lancaster Bomber and a Hurricane. Warm woops, whistles and cheers for the fantastic military aircrafts.
The flypast commemorates the thousands of men and women who have given their lives for the RAF.
Pictures of planes at Blackpool Airport
Many of you will know that Blackpool Airport is being used as a base for the planes taking part in the airshow. We have captured some great images from the hangar and runway of some of the aircraft preparing for the airshow.
BBMF fly past with Lancaster Bomber coming next
Anticipation now turns to the big BBMF fly past, which includes the iconic Lancaster Bomber. These planes are piloted by RAF air crew.
The show is running relatively on time. The BBMF planes are due just before 3pm
Huge cheers from the crowd
Huge whoops and cheers as the wing walkers fly off to the south. During that routine, the wing walkers were doing allsprts of poses, including standing on one foot! Outstanding.
Watch incredible wingwalkers
Because the planes fly so low, the pilots and wing walkers can see every detail of the crowd below. Including people waving to them.
