Airshows in the North West UK??

[Okavango]

Since Woodford disappeared off the scene I've always thought the North West is very poorly served for airshows given the population. Not to take anything away from Southport though I think an airfield venue is much required. What do others think? Would BAE Warton, Airbus at Chester or Blackpool Airport not be able to put on a show?

[DavidWoodward]

I do think we need more events in the NW but I don't know if Blackpool airport would be the venue of choice. Parking is fairly limited so if it attracted big numbers then that may be an issue. If it was a flying display only over the front then that would be better for numbers etc.

[Localiser]

Hawarden used to have a big airshow every year, I remember going as a youngster. It was still British Aerospace then of course. The highlight used to be the Red Arrows and of course, the (sadly crashed) Mosquito. Not sure when they stopped doing them. But I deefinately remember an Airshow there annually throught the 80s.

Completely agree though, other than Southport there's a lack of NW Airshows.

[TSR2]

Blackpool has an annual FREE airshow.

Last year it was held on Sunday 12th Aug and took place between the South and Central Piers.

[Planemike]

Hawarden used to have a big airshow every year, I remember going as a youngster. It was still British Aerospace then of course. The highlight used to be the Red Arrows and of course, the (sadly crashed) Mosquito. Not sure when they stopped doing them. But I definately remember an Airshow there annually throught the 80s.

Completely agree though, other than Southport there's a lack of NW Airshows.

Would hardly have called Hawarden a "big airshow". It was part of the "Families day" at BAe Broughton. It was not a public airshow although there were no restrictions on who was admitted. The "airshow" part of the proceedings usually lasted about an hour and a half. As well as the airshow, much of the factory was open for inspection, good opportunity to catch up on the lastest 125s on the line. Overall, an enjoyable day, especially as there was no admission charge!!! Not sure when the last was held, possible they may have lasted into the 90s.

Do not think this is a situation that applies just to the North West. The number of airshows has declined considerably since the 1960s. The subject has been much discussed on various forums.

It as sad fact of life: large airshows cost £10s/100s of thousands to stage and the commercial risks associated with staging them are high. The chances of making any money out of a show are minimal to nonexistent. That brought about the end of Barton (Lancashire AC) and Sleap (Shropshire AC), name but two, shows.

The other parties who have/had the wherewithall to run a show are a). the military (i.e. RAF), b). the industry (i.e. BAe or what ever their current name is), and c). local authorities (Southport and Blackpool). Only the latter group is currently willing to take the risk. One has to wonder how long they will take that view. I guess so long as council tax payers are willing to foot the bill or the Councils can justify them by by attracting visitors to the resort.

To my mind the way to go, is towards smaller rallies/flyins but these are not much of a public spectacle so "the masses" will not be attracted. Those of you who want to see "heavy metal" will have to be prepared to travel........Waddington, Fairford, Duxford, Leuchars etc......

Planemike

[Groundloop]

........Waddington, Fairford, Duxford, Leuchars etc......


Sadly, no more Leuchars.

[Liobian]

FYI - the future of the Leuchars show has yet to be decided.
Fingers crossed that there will be one this year !

[mark25787]

There is also Rhyl airshow - not quite North West but not too far inside the Welsh border... 2013 display - Rhyl Air Show (http://www.rhylairshow.co.uk/)

[nooluv]

I've heard that Teesside Airport is having one July this year!

[ManofMan]

I've heard that Teesside Airport is having one July this year!

Yeah Teeside...right in the heart of the North West ??

[DX Wombat]

Okavango, Airbus is NOT located at Chester, County town of Cheshire, England. Airbus is located at Hawarden, Flintshire which is in WALES. :*

[DaveReidUK]

Airbus is NOT located at Chester, County town of Cheshire, England

You might want to tell Airbus that.

Contacts*| Airbus, a leading aircraft manufacturer (http://www.airbus.com/tools/contacts/)

[Art Smass]

Just to be really picky - Airbus is located at Broughton, Flintshire - not Hawarden.

Hawarden village is about three miles up the road - St. Mary's Parish Church, Broughton (where I was christened and married)is about 100 yards from the perimeter track as is the main gate.

As one who lived in Broughton for 35 years you may take this as gospel.

As a child I vividly recall Vampires, Sea Vixens, Tridents (they were modified at Chester) and early 125's low over our house - we were about 1/2 mile from the threshold about 200 yards off the runway centreline.

The northern side of the airfield would be within spitting distance of the border with England which passes through Saltney.

The BAe Families Day did survive into the 90's - last one I have records for is '92 but I recall others later after we emigrated. I was fortunate to be asked to provide the airshow commentary for a couple of the displays, and my dad was usually the Master of Ceremonies for the afternoon entertainment on the sports field.

cheers

AS