The world-famous Red Arrows will be taking to the skies above Eastbourne this summer as the RAF display team has confirmed it will perform on all four days at Airbourne.
In addition, the crowd-pleasing Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – the Hurricane, Lancaster and Spitfire will also display on all four days, with the RAF Typhoon joining Friday-Sunday.
Attracting huge crowds, Eastbourne’s International Airshow boasts a two-mile flying display line along the seafront and this year’s event will celebrate 28 years of airshow excellence.
The event had been cancelled for the last two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but the air extravaganza regularly sees displays from renowned aerobatic teams, fast jets, wingwalkers, warbirds, helicopters and more, with many displays to be announced over the coming months.
As well as flying displays over four days from lunchtime until approximately 5pm, there are also ground displays on the promenades and Western Lawns from 12:30-17:00 on Thursday and Friday and 11:30-17:30 on Saturday and Sunday.
The news that the Red Arrows will be returning for displays on all four days has been welcomed by Eastbourne Borough Council’s Lead Member for Tourism and Culture, Councillor Margaret Bannister. She said, “We are absolutely delighted to announce the Red Arrows will be making an appearance on all four days of Airbourne this summer. They are without doubt the stars of our annual airshow and to have them along with the hugely popular Typhoon and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, means visitors are in for a real treat this year. As more flying displays are announced in the coming months, I would urge everyone to get behind this event and support it. We need additional financial support to ensure Airbourne 2022 is not the final one to take to the skies and details of how everyone can help can be found at www.eastbourneairshow.com/donate”
Organisers say that while Airbourne is back for 2022, unless that extra financial support is forthcoming from visitors, members of the public, businesses and other organisations, it may be the last. With increasing flying display and security costs, the show must cover its cost of around £400,000 this year or face being grounded for good in 2023. A raft of packages are on offer to help raise money and Airbourne fans can now upgrade their visit to Eastbourne Airshow and enjoy extra special days at the show knowing they are also supporting the future of the event.
With packages from £20, visitors can choose from a variety of new options including reserved grandstand seating on the Western Lawns, a new Air Bear Club for younger fans and a new Supporters Club with exclusive goodies and memorabilia. Businesses can get in on the action too with the return of the ever-popular Aviator Club hospitality for £99 – already sold out on Sunday, as well as sponsorship and advertising packages starting from £200. All of these packages will be available to book at a special Save Airbourne event at the Devonshire Quarter on 28 March from 4 – 7pm, open to all businesses and airshow fans to attend and meet the team behind the show. Packages are also available at www.eastbourneairshow.com/be-a-vip.
Those looking to simply donate, can do so and become an Airbourne Ambassador with one-off and monthly payment options available online. Names of all supporters will appear on the airshow website, although there is also the option to remain anonymous.
Information on Airbourne’s steps to reduce its carbon footprint are also available online at EastbourneAirshow.com/sustainability. This includes initiatives such as tree planting, use of electric vehicles and promotion of STEM activities to promote the future of green aviation.
Airbourne is a free show and will return from 18 – 21 August 2022. To book seating, memberships, hospitality, trade, sponsorship and advertising or to simply donate, visit www.EastbourneAirshow.com.
