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Sunday's (1 November 2020) episode of Top Gear saw presenter Paddy McGuinness testing out his all-electric ice cream van ‘Mr Nippy’ on the airfield at Blackpool Airport.
The airport offered the BBC programme the ideal location for the shoot - with easy access, plenty of open space and versatile facilities – which showcased Paddy’s plan to reinvent the ice cream for the 21st century, complete with a few hidden surprises!
For film and television productions and commercials (or testing out suspiciously big electric ice cream vans) Blackpool offers the perfect location, whether you need a simple, modern day setting or you would like to make use of the airport’s historic buildings and backdrop.
Originally a Battle of Britain aerodrome, Blackpool Airport was built in 1909 and is equipped with a terminal building, air traffic control tower, large areas of apron, an active runway, several taxiways and plentiful buildings and service roads. Its coastal location also makes for dramatic shots from the air – with filming from light aircraft and using drones both possible, subject to the correct permissions.
We are also able to support production companies in providing the airport fire service for filming or safety duties, there are usually plentiful business jets and helicopters on the tarmac for background shots and we can help you source fixed wing and rotary aircraft for both filming and transport.
Located just over a mile from the M55, Blackpool has welcomed a wide variety of location shoots for film, television and commercial in recent years. As well as Top Gear, the airport played host to the ‘Thank You NHS spitfire’ in summer 2020, while clothing brand Millionaire Homme used one of the airport’s hangars as the setting for one of its commercial shoots in 2019.
Providing a blank canvas, ample facilities and very competitive rates, Blackpool Airport represents an outstanding location for film, television and commercial filming. Contact Airport Manager Stephen Smith at info@blackpoolairport.com to discuss your needs.
Watch the episode here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m000p4pr/top-gear-series-29-episode-5