The Great Yarmouth Air Show is one of the premier free air shows in England, attracting tens of thousands of spectators to the seafront for a spectacular day of aerial displays. If you're planning to attend, here's everything you need to know.

What to Expect

The air show typically features a packed programme of aerial displays throughout the day. The star attraction is usually the Red Arrows, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, whose precision formation flying and red, white and blue smoke trails are a truly breathtaking sight. Other displays typically include historic aircraft like the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Lancaster, Spitfires and Hurricanes, modern military jets, helicopters, and civilian aerobatic teams.

Best Viewing Spots

The entire display takes place over the sea in front of the seafront, giving spectators miles of natural grandstand along the promenade and beach.

Wellington Pier area: This is one of the prime viewing spots, and it happens to be right outside St George Hotel. You can watch the displays from the comfort of the hotel's location without fighting for space elsewhere.

The beach: Sitting on the beach gives you an unobstructed view of the aerial displays with the sea as a backdrop. Bring a blanket and arrive early to secure a good spot.

The promenade: The raised promenade offers elevated views along the entire seafront. It's easier to move around here than on the beach if you want to change position.

Practical Tips

Arrive early. The seafront gets very busy, and car parks fill up quickly. If you're staying at St George Hotel, you have a massive advantage with free parking at the hotel and a prime seafront location. Bring sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water as you'll likely be outdoors for several hours. A fold-up chair or blanket makes watching more comfortable. Binoculars enhance the experience, especially for distant displays.

Check the official programme for display times, as the Red Arrows slot is the most popular and you won't want to miss it. Mobile phone signal can be patchy when tens of thousands of people are in one area, so arrange meeting points with your group in advance.

Food and Drink

Numerous food stalls set up along the seafront during the air show, offering everything from burgers and hot dogs to fish and chips and ice cream. However, queues can be long during peak times. Consider bringing a packed lunch or eating at one of the nearby restaurants before the main displays begin.

Getting There

If you're not staying overnight, arrive as early as possible. Car parks fill up by mid-morning on air show days, and traffic queues on the A47 can be significant. Public transport is a good alternative, with extra bus services usually operating. The best advice? Book a room at St George Hotel and avoid the travel chaos entirely.

Book Early for Air Show Weekend

Air Show weekend is one of the busiest of the year in Great Yarmouth, and hotels book up months in advance. St George Hotel's seafront location makes it one of the best places to stay for the air show, with prime viewing just steps from your room and free parking eliminating the stress of finding a space. Book early for air show weekend to avoid disappointment.