Is the BBMF Flying Near Manchester Today?
Manchester and Greater Manchester see occasional BBMF flypasts linked to civic and commemorative occasions. The region's wartime manufacturing heritage — Avro Lancasters were built at Woodford — gives these moments added depth.
BBMF near Manchester — status
No upcoming BBMF appearances are currently scheduled within range of Manchester. The most recent nearby appearance was on Saturday 20 June 2026 (Heywood).
Most recent nearby appearance: Saturday 20 June 2026 — Heywood
BBMF appearances near Manchester
The Avro Lancaster, centrepiece of the BBMF, was designed and built in Manchester. Flypasts over the city carry a direct connection to that heritage.
Where to watch
Open spaces such as Heaton Park give the widest skies within the city. Nearest scheduled BBMF events are Southport and Blackpool airshows on the coast.
Around 90 miles from RAF Coningsby.
Previous appearances near Manchester
- 20 Jun 2026 — Flypast — Heywood (13:00–13:30 BST)
- 25 May 2026 — Flypast — Smallwood (14:25–14:55 BST)
- 24 May 2026 — Flypast — Smallwood (12:54–13:24 BST)
- 23 May 2026 — Flypast — Smallwood (11:45–12:25 BST)
- 21 Sep 2025 — Flypast — Elland (13:40–14:10 BST)
- 12 Jul 2025 — Flypast — Woodford (13:45–14:15 BST)
⚠ Proximity note: These entries are shown because a BBMF flypast or display fell within approximately 22 NM of Manchester.
This does not mean the aircraft were directly overhead — always check the specific location of the event.