Fans devastated as Red Arrows' display at Southport Air Show called off at the last minute because of poor weather
09.09.2023 - 13:01
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
The Red Arrows' Southport Air Show display as cancelled at the last minute due to poor weather on the coast, leaving aviation fans disappointed.
Yesterday afternoon (Friday) the display team - officially The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team - flew their distinctive Hawk fast-jets through Greater Manchester as they made their way from their base at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire to Blackpool Airport.
Today (Saturday) the Red Arrows were based at Blackpool Airport for the nearby Southport Air Show. The pilots were due to take to the skies at 12pm, but poor conditions meant that wasn't possible.
Bosses said Blackpool's runway was 'very wet' and there was 'low cloud' - 'unsuitable for close formation display flying'.
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The Red Arrows posted on X (formerly Twitter): "Unfortunately, our display at @SouthportAir has been cancelled due to a very wet runway at the operating base of Blackpool Airport and low cloud, unsuitable for close formation display flying."
An announcement over the airs how's PA system broke the news to visitors, apologising for the 'massive disappointment' the cancellation caused.
It is understood the Red Arrows are still set to perform a fly-past later today, but will be unable to perform their much-anticipated display.
There was no sign they conducted a circular route which was due to take the arrows over Bolton and Wigan before the display actually happened.
The cancellation was greeted with disappointment by fans.
"That’s a shame, but so understandable safety first for you all," wrote Samantha.
Liz Pyne wrote: "Understandable. Your safety is the most important thing."
Thorpie pointed out weather over Manchester