REVIEW: Southport Air Show 2024
The Southport Air Show 2024, held on July 13th and 14th, turned the windswept seafront of Southport, Merseyside, into a breathtaking stage for aviation enthusiasts. Set against the moody expanse of the Irish Sea, the beach and Marine Drive formed a natural amphitheatre for a dazzling array of aerial feats, from vintage warbirds to cutting-edge jets. Despite the recent years’ flooding that had left the beach rather soggy and the unseasonably cold July weather, which brought cloudy, dark, and windy conditions, over 50,000 spectators flocked to the event, undeterred by the chill. First launched by Mark Brammar in 1991, this cherished tradition has faced its share of challenges, including cancellations in 2010, 2021, and 2023 due to storms. The 2024 edition rose above its turbulent past, celebrating aviation’s enduring spirit with a lineup that captivated all who braved the elements.
Accessibility was a standout feature, with a nearby train station and a revamped parking system supported by an efficient traffic management team ensuring smooth arrivals. At just £12 per ticket (free for under-16s), the show offered exceptional value, delivering two days of aerial spectacle and ground-based excitement that left lasting impressions.
Before the aircraft took flight, the ground activities set an inviting tone. The Military Village buzzed with energy, offering more than just static displays. Interactive exhibits, including flight simulators, gave visitors a taste of piloting, while armed forces recruiters shared gripping tales of service, forging a personal connection with the crowd. Food stalls lined the promenade, their offerings of hot pies and mulled cider providing a comforting shield against the biting sea breeze. Vintage vehicles, like a meticulously restored wartime jeep, drew admiring glances from history enthusiasts, adding a tangible link to the past.
The layout was a triumph of organization—clear signage and generous spacing erased memories of past logistical hiccups. Accessibility shone through with wheelchair-friendly paths and dedicated viewing areas, ensuring everyone could soak in the experience. From towering RAF Typhoon mock-ups to a Spitfire Mark IX replica nicknamed “Lucy,” the ground was a playground of discovery, priming the crowd for the aerial wonders to come.
The flying program at Southport Airshow 2024 was nothing short of extraordinary, commencing each day at 1:30 pm with a lineup that blended historical reverence, aerobatic prowess, and modern military might. Kicking off proceedings was the Consolidated PBY Catalina, a WWII-era flying boat affectionately dubbed ‘Miss Pickup.’ This majestic aircraft, with its expansive 104-foot wingspan and twin Pratt & Whitney engines, is a rare survivor of its kind, originally designed for maritime patrol and rescue missions. ‘Miss Pickup,’ operated by the Catalina Society, boasts a storied history, having served in various theaters during the war before finding a second life as a cherished airshow star. At Southport, its solo display featured a series of graceful flypasts, the aircraft’s distinctive gull-wing silhouette gliding effortlessly over the coastline. The sight was both a visual treat and a poignant nod to its wartime legacy, captivating the audience with its serene yet powerful presence.
Following the Catalina, the Taranto Formation took to the skies, paying homage to the 1940 Battle of Taranto—a pivotal moment when British Swordfish bombers crippled the Italian fleet, reshaping naval warfare. This evocative tribute featured two Royal Navy AgustaWestland Wildcat HMA2 helicopters as well as Navy Wings Fairey Swordfish Mk.1, and a Westland Wasp HAS1. The formation executed a sequence of flypasts, their synchronized flight a striking tableau against the grey clouds, before dispersing for individual displays. The Fairey Swordfish Mk.1, a biplane relic with an open cockpit and fabric-covered wings, then performed its solo display. Known as the ‘Stringbag’ for its versatility, this aircraft’s slow, deliberate manoeuvres belied its historical impact, offering a mesmerizing glimpse into an earlier era of aviation. Its lumbering grace stood in stark contrast to the sleek Wildcats, yet its significance resonated deeply. The Westland Wasp HAS1 followed, a compact anti-submarine helicopter from the 1960s. Its solo display highlighted its nimble agility, darting across the sky with tight turns and hovering sequences that showcased its role in naval operations, delighting spectators with its sprightly performance.
The Royal Navy Black Cats Helicopter Display Team, flown by Lieutenant Scott Sunderland and Lieutenant Michael “Viv” Vivian, brought a surge of modern dynamism to the show. Piloting two AgustaWestland Wildcat HMA2 helicopters, this elite duo delivered a breathtaking display. The Black Cats, a staple of naval airshows, are renowned for pushing the Wildcat’s capabilities to the limit, and Southport was no exception. Their routine featured tight formation flying, opposing passes, and hovering maneuvers, all executed with pinpoint precision. The Wildcat’s versatility—used for reconnaissance, anti-submarine warfare, and search-and-rescue—shone through, making this a thrilling spectacle that underscored the skill of its pilots and the prowess of contemporary naval aviation.
Switching gears, the BAC Strikemaster Mk.82 roared into action with a solo display that electrified the crowd. This British jet trainer and light attack aircraft, developed in the 1970s, is a nimble performer powered by a Rolls-Royce Viper engine. Its pilot unleashed a barrage of loops, rolls, and tight turns, the jet’s sleek lines cutting through the air with a thunderous roar. The Strikemaster’s agility and speed made it a standout, its display a visceral reminder of its dual role in training and combat, bridging the gap between vintage charm and modern engineering.
Richard Goodwin’s blue Jet Pitts then took centre stage, a familiar sight at UK airshows and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Goodwin, a seasoned aerobatic pilot with a reputation for daring, flies a unique creation: a Pitts Special biplane modified with a jet engine. This hybrid marvel combines the biplane’s agility with jet-powered thrust, resulting in a display of jaw-dropping manoeuvres. At Southport, Goodwin delivered loops, rolls, and high-speed passes with his trademark precision and flair, the blue airframe a vivid streak against the overcast sky. His regular presence at airshows nationwide only heightened the anticipation, and he did not disappoint, leaving spectators marvelling at both his skill and the Jet Pitts’ one-of-a-kind design.
The RAF Tutor Display Team, led by Flight Lieutenant Bob Dewes, showcased the Grob Tutor T1, a cornerstone of RAF pilot training. This lightweight, single-engine aircraft is unassuming yet highly capable, used to teach novices the fundamentals of flight. Dewes’ display was a masterclass in control, featuring smooth aerobatic sequences that highlighted the Tutor’s agility and the foundational skills it imparts. For aviation experts, it was a nod to the RAF’s training pipeline; for casual viewers, it was an engaging demonstration of precision flying, making it a perfect bridge between the airshow’s diverse audiences.
History took flight with the Rolls Royce Heritage Flight, as the Supermarine Spitfire PR.XIX and North American P-51D Mustang arrived in formation. The Spitfire, with its iconic elliptical wings and Rolls-Royce Griffon engine, needs little introduction—a symbol of Britain’s WWII defiance. The Mustang, powered by the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine in its P-51D variant, is an American legend, famed for its long-range escort duties. Both aircraft arrived in formation and performed a series of flypasts, followed by a tail chase and individual displays. The roar of their engines evoked a bygone era, stirring nostalgia and awe among the crowd.
The Starlings Aerobatic Team, a two-ship formation led by former British Aerobatic Champion Tom Cassells and Michael Pickin, soared in their Extra NG monoplanes. These purpose-built aerobatic machines, with their sleek lines and powerful Lycoming engines, are designed for precision and performance. The Starlings’ display was a ballet of synchronized flight, featuring formation loops, rolls, and opposition passes that showcased their championship pedigree. Their graceful yet exhilarating routine was a testament to human skill and engineering excellence, captivating onlookers with its blend of artistry and adrenaline.
Defying gravity in a wholly different way, the Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers brought their Boeing Stearman biplanes to Southport. This team, comprising two wingwalkers and their pilots, is a fixture at airshows, blending aerobatics with sheer audacity. Strapped atop the vintage biplanes, the wingwalkers performed stunts as the aircraft looped, rolled, and dived, their colourful costumes flashing against the sky. The Stearman’s robust design and throaty radial engine provided the perfect platform, making this a heart-pounding spectacle that thrilled families and aviation buffs alike with its blend of bravery and showmanship.
A rare treat followed with the Bristol Blenheim Mk.I, meticulously restored by the Aircraft Restoration Company. This light bomber, a key player in the early years of WWII, is only one still flying in the world, its presence at Southport a coup for the organizers. Its solo display was a gentle yet evocative affair, the twin-engine aircraft gliding over the coast with a dignity that honoured its wartime crews. The Blenheim’s sleek silhouette and subtle roar offered a poignant history lesson aloft, resonating deeply with those who appreciate the preservation of aviation heritage.
The Norwegian Historical Squadron’s De Havilland Vampire FB.52, piloted by Brigadier-General Martin “TinTin” Tesli, injected jet-age flair into the lineup. The Vampire, one of the RAF’s first jet fighters, entered service in the late 1940s, its twin-boom design and de Havilland Goblin engine marking a leap in aviation technology. Tesli, a skilled aviator with a passion for history, put the FB.52 through a dynamic display of speed and agility, its sleek form streaking across the sky.
On Saturday, the RAF Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4, flown by Flight Lieutenant David “Turbo” Turnbull, unleashed a high-energy display that shook the ground. This cutting-edge fighter, a linchpin of RAF air defense, boasts unmatched agility and power, courtesy of its twin Eurojet EJ200 engines. Turnbull’s routine featured thunderous loops, rolls, and vertical climbs, the Typhoon’s afterburners painting the sky with sound and fury. Sadly, illness sidelined Turnbull on Sunday, cancelling the display and leaving the crowd wistful for a repeat performance. Saturday’s show, however, was a visceral reminder of modern military aviation’s might.
Closing each day, the RAF Red Arrows celebrated their 60th-anniversary diamond jubilee with a display of nine BAE Systems Hawk T1s. Led by Squadron Leader Jon Bond, the team delivered a masterclass in precision flying, their signature diamond nine formation and heart-piercing arrow leaving trails of red, white, and blue smoke. The Hawk T1, a versatile trainer-turned-display aircraft, is the backbone of the Red Arrows’ legacy, its Rolls-Royce Adour engine powering their breathtaking manoeuvres. Marking six decades since their 1964 debut, this performance was a fitting capstone to Southport 2024, blending tradition with spectacle in a finale that left the audience spellbound.
The Southport Airshow 2024 was a triumph of planning, passion, and performance, overcoming weather challenges to deliver a weekend of unforgettable aviation. From the historical echoes of the Catalina and Blenheim to the cutting-edge roar of the Typhoon, the flying displays offered something for everyone, expertly balancing education and entertainment. The ground festivities complemented the aerial action, ensuring a holistic experience that cemented Southport’s place in the airshow season. For aviation experts, it was a showcase of skill and heritage; for casual attendees, it was a thrilling day out. The event’s legacy will linger, a high-flying testament to the enduring allure of wings over the waves.
