Visitors to a popular coastal air show are being advised against feeding seagulls to prevent bird strikes.
The annual Blackpool Air Show, which drew over 350,000 attendees last year, is gearing up to entertain hundreds of thousands of spectators this weekend.
This event will feature a display of top military and civilian aircraft from around the world flying over the iconic seafront on Saturday and Sunday.
However, attendees are being cautioned about the potential danger posed by feeding seagulls, as gatherings of these birds can pose a threat to aircraft, particularly during low-level flying demonstrations.
As a precaution, event-goers are requested to properly dispose of any trash or leftover food and refrain from feeding the birds.
Jim Johnson, the operations, safety, and compliance manager at Blackpool Airport, expressed enthusiasm for the air show and emphasized the importance of not feeding seagulls to maintain safety during the event.
He urged everyone, especially those watching from nearby sand dunes, to support the organizers by avoiding feeding the gulls and ensuring all litter and food waste is removed when leaving.
Limiting food availability helps reduce the gull population near the airport, thereby lowering the risk of bird strikes during the aerial displays, Johnson explained.
The Blackpool Air Show, scheduled for August 8-9, promises an exciting lineup including RAF Typhoons, a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the Red Devils, showcasing both military and civilian aircraft performances over the seafront.
The event’s website highlights the British aviation excellence to be displayed, featuring an impressive array of flying machines and skilled pilots from the country.
