The RAF Red Arrows have announced schedule changes ahead of their Southport Airshow appearance over the bank holiday weekend, with heavy rain and thunderstorms forecast from Friday (28 August) to Monday (31 August).
The RAF Aerobatic Team said they will do all they can to keep the show running despite the extremely poor weather, but confirmed that due to the forecasted conditions and operational constraints, there will be changes to a number of scheduled performances.
Displays cancelled and switched to flypasts
The RAF display team has cancelled the Wyton Families' Day display in Cambridgeshire on Thursday afternoon (27 August). A new flypast will be introduced for Lyme Regis in Dorset at 6.35pm on Friday (28 August).
The planned Sidmouth Regatta and Airshow display in Devon will be switched to a flypast, now scheduled for 6.40pm on Friday. This is because the Red Arrows cannot use the original planned airfield closer to Sidmouth, reducing how long the jets can stay in the air as they are more range-limited coming from further away.
Despite the setbacks, the team says they are determined to appear at both Sidmouth and Lyme Regis and ensure people can still catch a glimpse of the iconic spectacle, even if more briefly than originally planned.
Southport and Clacton unaffected so far
A spokesperson for the RAF added that, at this stage, displays in Clacton and Southport are unaffected. They added that airshow crowds should continue to monitor official event and team social media pages.
In a statement posted online, they said: "With poor weather into the bank holiday weekend, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team will be doing all it can to get to planned events and displays."
"However, due to forecasted conditions, and operational constraints impacting which airfields the Red Arrows will be able to use in the coming days, there will be changes to these scheduled performances: Cancellation of the RAF Wyton Families’ Day display this afternoon (Thursday). Introducing a new flypast for Lyme Regis at 1835 tomorrow (Friday). Switching the planned Sidmouth Regatta and Airshow display to a flypast – now scheduled for 1840 tomorrow (Friday)."
"These operational constraints are impacting where the team can base its aircraft this week. As a result, the Red Arrows can’t use the original, planned airfield closer to Sidmouth. This has reduced how long the jets can be in-the-air performing above Sidmouth as they are more range-limited, coming from further away."
"However, the team has been determined to make an appearance at both Sidmouth and Lyme Regis and to ensure people can still see the team, even if more briefly, tomorrow."
"At this stage, displays in Clacton and Southport are unaffected but airshow crowds should continue to monitor official event and team social media pages."
What to expect at Southport Airshow
Thousands of spectators are expected to descend upon the seaside town to catch a glimpse of the incredible aerial displays on Saturday (29 August) and Sunday (30 August), especially considering the Red Arrows were absent from the event in 2025.
Among the aircraft appearing this year is the RAF Typhoon, the Strikemaster Display Team and the Hawk T1. Visitors can also catch breathtaking displays by the Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers and The Starlings.
As well as in the air, there will be plenty of fun to be had on the ground. There will be numerous activities for kids, including bungee trampolines, bumper cars and classic carnival games like Hook-a-Duck.
Aviation fans can also get up close to replica planes and have a go in flight simulators. The Armed Forces will host equipment displays, while members of the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force will also be on hand, as well as the local Air Cadets.
