Blackpool Transport sets out airshow plans

An impressive line-up of iconic aircraft will soon take to the skies above Blackpool, we're finalising plans to help residents and visitors make the most of the spectacular aviation display.

The town’s annual airshow is set to return on Saturday, August 8, and Sunday, August 9, and we will be going the extra mile to help people enjoy the popular event.

While the promenade will be closed to traffic between 10:30 am and 7.00 pm on both days, bus diversions will be in place, and trams will operate a ‘split service’ between Starr Gate and Manchester Square, and North Pier and Fleetwood, with no trams in either direction from the Tower stop and Central Pier. Trams from Starr Gate will be unable to reach North Station, but customers can still catch trams from the station towards Fleetwood.

Hayley Gregory, Marketing Manager, explained: “Throughout the airshow weekend, there will also be extra trams between Little Bispham and North Station to provide a 7-minute service. Trams will also run between Starr Gate and Manchester Square every 12 minutes.  

“Although the promenade will be closed, we’ll also have additional buses on standby to help people get in and out of the town centre at peak times, and our friendly customer advisers will be out in force to offer face-to-face travel advice.”

“With so many people flocking to the seafront for the show, it’s not possible to run a through service, but our trams and buses still offer the best way to get to the heart of the action.”

To help make boarding of both trams and buses as swift as possible, passengers are being urged to pay for their travel in advance.

“This can be done easily by using our mobile app or by buying a ticket from a customer adviser, who are easy to spot in their eye-catching pink uniforms,” Hayley said.

“While kids can travel for free on our buses in August, a great range of value-for-money offers are also available on both buses and trams, including our popular Family Saver and adult Duo tickets to help make a trip to the air show a memorable and affordable day out for everyone,” she added.

While the airshow offers a fun day out for all, visitors to the seafront over the weekend are reminded to take care around the tram tracks at all times, and to stay safe by keeping an eye out for trams during their visit to the Fylde coast.

Details on bus route diversions, and more information on tram services over the weekend can be found via our service update page here. Information on the airshow itself, including the line-up of aircraft taking part, is available on the Visit Blackpool website here.