The Red Arrows' 2026 season is nearing its end, but there are still plenty of chances to see the RAF Aerobatic Team in action across the UK this autumn. After dazzling crowds at numerous events this year, the team's distinctive red, white and blue trails will continue to appear at major air shows, festivals and sporting events.
Southport Air Show this weekend
A key highlight is this weekend's Southport Air Show, where the Red Arrows will make their comeback after being absent last year. The event returns to the seafront on Saturday, August 29 and Sunday, August 30, featuring flight simulators, static aircraft and military vehicles for all ages.
Entry begins at 10am, with aerial displays running roughly from 12pm to 5pm. The Red Arrows have confirmed they will take to the sky between 3:25pm and 4pm on both days.
How Red Arrows displays work
The team can perform three types of display – full, rolling or flat – depending on cloud conditions. If the cloud base is below 2,500ft, they fly the flat display with flypasts and steep turns. Between 2,500ft and 5,500ft, they perform the rolling display, replacing loops with wing-overs and rolls. Above 5,500ft, the full aerobatic display including loops is possible.
The 2026 aerobatic display is flown by seven aircraft, Reds 1 to 7, with nine Hawk T1 jets available. Reds 8 and 9 join for selected flypasts, including national and state occasions.
Formation and overseas events
The front section, Reds 1 to 5, is known as 'Enid', after Enid Blyton, while the rear section is called 'Hanna', in honour of founding pilot Ray Hanna. Reds 6 and 7 form the Synchro Pair, performing opposition manoeuvres. The full display includes Cascade, a sequence last flown in 1997, featuring a loop to around 6,500ft.
The 2026 programme also includes overseas events, notably Operation Eagle Hawk, a one-month US tour marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, with performances in New York, Maryland, Maine, Michigan and Wisconsin.
Southport Air Show 2026 displays
The full list includes the Red Arrows, Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight with Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire, Tutor, Richard Goodwin Jet Pitts, Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers, The Starlings, Strikemaster Pair, Gazelle Squadron, Hawk T1, Otto Helicopter Day Pyro, A-26 Invader and P-51 Mustang.
