It’s the final countdown for Eastbourne’s free airshow extravaganza taking place next week from 18 – 21 August.
From the RAF Red Arrows, Belgian F-16 and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to military exhibitions, children’s entertainment, and a spectacular Firework Finale, Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow returns with a stunning line-up from midday on Thursday 18 August.
An action-packed schedule of flying will see more than 50 impressive displays including the likes of the Typhoon, Chinook, Puma, The Blades, Wingwalkers, The Tigers, MiG-15, Strikemaster, P-47D Thunderbolt, Fury, Mustang, Spitfire, Jet Pitts and Firefly.
Eastbourne will also host a rarely seen duo display from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire, alongside the RAF Typhoon on Friday and Saturday.
In the Military Exhibition there will be a chance to explore a Chinook, see live cooking demonstrations, try out a flight simulator, meet some of the display teams and try out the Army Virtual Reality experience.
Air Bears Ace and Aimee will be posing for photographs with younger visitors, and the world’s first certified electric aircraft, the Pipistrel Velis Electro – courtesy of OHM Energy – will be on display at the Western Lawns, where visitors can find out more about local training opportunities in engineering. There will also be a giant screen on the beach and live streaming of the flying displays.
Programmes are on sale now with flying times, exclusive information, discount vouchers, and the chance to win a Citizen limited edition Red Arrows Skyhawk A-T watch, courtesy of W.Bruford. Programmes are available at various retail outlets as well as at the show – visit the website for details.
A new Supporters Club offers limited edition goodies and access to VIP toilets, with all proceeds from this and the sale of programmes supporting the future of Airbourne, as the show must this year cover all costs if it is to continue in future years.
Without cashpoint facilities on the seafront, visitors are being encouraged to bring cash for car parking, for buying programmes and for donations to help save the show. With bucket collections managed by the Rotary Clubs of Eastbourne, Sovereign Harbour and Hailsham, 30% of all donations this year will be split between three local charities – Eastbourne & District Samaritans, Children With Cancer Fund and the RNLI.
With additional car parking across the town for visitors attending, there is the option of premium seafront parking on King Edward’s Parade, Park & Walk at the Saffrons and a Park & Bus scheme operating from Five Acre Field by the Sovereign Centre. Park & View will also be available at Beachy Head for those viewing from the downland. Full details are available on the website.
There will be additional recycling points along the seafront and visitors are encouraged to bring a reusable bottle and use the water refill points by the RNLI Museum, Lifeguards Station and Bandstand.
For music lovers, there are two tribute shows on over the Airbourne weekend, including a sold out Queen tribute on Friday, and Forever Abba bring an Abba Tribute Show to the Winter Garden on Saturday 20 August. Tickets available at VisitEastbourneTickets.com.
The four day show is brought to a glittering close with a Firework Finale on Sunday night, sponsored by the Eastbourne Hospitality Association and Frontier Fireworks at the earlier time of 9pm.
Councillor Margaret Bannister, Eastbourne Borough Council’s Lead Member for Tourism and Culture, said, “We can’t wait to host Airbourne this August and look forward to welcoming airshow fans to Eastbourne once again. This year’s free show promises something for everyone, and visitors are in for a real treat. We hope everyone enjoys the show and supports Airbourne by donating in the bucket collections, or by joining our new Supporters Club scheme or by purchasing the official souvenir programme. We also have some wonderful new 2022 merchandise available to order and people can donate online at SaveAirbourne.com”
Eastbourne Airbourne is sponsored by lead sponsor Posturite, Eastbourne Hospitality Association, Your Eastbourne BID, Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce, Boundless CSMA, Birchwood Ford, Caffyns, Environment First, Euro Selfdrive, Frontier Fireworks, Gemini Print, OHM Energy, Signtek, Stagecoach and W. Bruford.
Airbourne returns from 18 – 21 August, opening from 12pm each day. A limited number of spectator seating at the Bandstand is available for Thursday, however seats are sold out from Friday onwards.
For more information visit EastbourneAirshow.com.
