Hendon of the North

Blackpool goes plane crazy

Plane crazy scenes at a Blackpool air show in the heady days before health and safety regulations

Blackpool goes plane crazy for the excitement of this impressive air show. As the title of this newsreel story suggests, Hendon was more famous as an aviation centre, but Blackpool had an equally long history. From its first air show in 1909, sponsored by Daily Mail proprietor Lord Northcliffe, the area remained an important regional centre for flight. It is reported that over 70 planes took part in this 1928 show, with the crowds frighteningly close to the action.