Announcement: Airfix partners with VisitBlackpool

We are proud to reveal that in partnership with VisitBlackpool, we are supporting the new installation of the incredible tribute to one of the world’s most iconic fighter aircraft, the Spitfire. Three Spitfire scaled replicas will be unveiled in this year’s Blackpool Illuminations display.

The collaboration between Blackpool Illuminations and the designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen also marks the first time that 3D printing technology has been utilised to create Illuminations features.

Progress I, II and III are replicas of three Spitfires that were all based at Blackpool Airport during WWII. Historical data to help with the build was provided by the team at the Hangar 42 Spitfire Visitor Centre. The roundabout previously only had one Spitfire.

With this partnership, we are producing a limited-edition StarterSet Spitfire kit with a bespoke Blackpool livery, representing Progress I.

4,000 of these limited-edition kits will be going on sale at VisitBlackpool’s Tourist Information Centre during the Illuminations season.

A spokesperson for Airfix says “we are thrilled to join forces with VisitBlackpool and become part of an event which, much like the scale-modelling hobby, has captured the hearts and imaginations of people for many years.

“This collaboration represents a perfect synergy between two organisations dedicated to preserving and celebrating history, while embracing the joy of the present.

“We hope that showcasing the Airfix logo within the Illuminations will serve as a remarkable symbol of our commitment to precision engineering and the joy of model-making.”

The new-look Spitfire Island will be unveiled on Friday 1st of September at the beginning of Illumination season on Gynn Roundabout at the north of the Illuminations, and will light up every night until 1st of January 2024.