Security measures will be in place for the annual event
A number of road closures will be in place this weekend in Southport for the town’s air show. The family event is returning with a series of flying displays, as well as bungee trampolines, bumper cars and a military village home to several vehicles from the armed forces.
The legendary Red Arrows display will not appear at this year’s event and has been replaced by the A- 26 Invader and the L-39 Albatross as part of the line up. The DH Vampire is also arriving all the way from Norway for the programme.
Huge numbers are expected at the shows, which will take place on tomorrow (Saturday August 30) and Sunday August 31. As a result, a number of road closures have been announced to manage traffic.
The first of these began at 10am on Wednesday August 27, with traffic prohibited between Marine Drive at Southport Pier and The Esplanade Roundabout, behind Pleasureland.
On Saturday and Sunday, the road closures on the street will be extended all the way to Fairway roundabout in the north and the Weld Road roundabout at the south end.
Explaining the changes, Chief Superintendent Claire Doyle, the event commander said: “As always, we’re absolutely thrilled to be supporting the Southport Air Show. It is such a cherished, family-friendly weekend on the Southport summer calendar.
“Merseyside Police has a long tradition of supporting organisers of major events in partnership with other emergency services and stakeholders. We prepare well in advance with extensive planning taking place by experienced officers and staff, to ensure that everyone has a great time and enjoys the event safely.
“The Air Show site is accessible by train, bus and car, so plan your journey in advance and keep an eye and ear out for any unexpected traffic updates on the day, on social media or radio, including Dune Radio, the official radio station for the event.
“Road closures are already in place, between Marine Drive at Southport Pier and The Esplanade Roundabout, behind Pleasureland.
“This is where the static displays will be set up and will remain closed until midnight on Monday, September 1. Commuters who use Marine Drive daily will have to avoid this section entirely by using the fairway or the esplanade to move up to the Promenade or being diverted at the Marine Way bridge up to the promenade.
“On the days of the air show itself, the Marine Drive road closures will extend to the Fairway roundabout in the north and the Weld Road roundabout at the south end. Access to Ocean Plaza will remain open via the Marine Way Bridge.”
The police will also have a series of measures in place which they hope will keep the public safe. Chf Supt Doyle added: “Those attending should expect to undergo security checks when entering the site, and can be searched at any time.
“Security staff will be searching for prohibited items, which include knives, transmitting devices, fireworks and laser devices.
“Help the staff do their jobs and keep things moving by arriving in plenty of time. I’d like to thank people in advance for their patience and cooperation in these essential checks.”
The public have been asked to be vigilant and to immediately report anything that they see or hear that does not feel right by telling a police officer or stewarding staff. You can also call the police on 101 or the Anti-Terrorist Hotline on 0800 789 321. In an emergency, always call 999.
Information on buses and trains is available on the Merseytravel and Merseyrail websites and via their social media accounts.
Regular traffic updates will also be broadcast by local radio stations and Dune Radio. More information on the event, including parking, can be found here.
