Devon's English Riviera Airshow set for take off

The three-day event takes place in Paignton between 30 May to 1 June and is expected to attract thousands of enthusiasts

Tens of thousands of visitors are expected in Torbay at the weekend as the English Riviera Airshow returns.

The three-day event, on the seafront at Paignton Green between Friday 30 May and Sunday 1 June, was to feature flying displays, fireworks, live music and entertainment, organisers said.

Some of the UK's most iconic aircraft were due to take to the skies, including the RAF's Red Arrows, who were due to open the show, they added.

Devon and Cornwall Police said officers were to carry out extra patrols, and also warned the public to expect heavy traffic and road closures.

What's on and when?

Visitors can enjoy some of the UK's most iconic aircraft take to the skies during the event

The airshow, set against the backdrop of the Torbay coastline, has been held annually since 2016 and is the first event in the UK's airshow calendar.

It is set to include performances from the RAF Red Arrows, the RAF Typhoon and British Army's Red Devils Parachute Display Team.

Organisers said the event had been growing year-on-year, with a special opening night on Friday for the first time in its history.

Here is the planned line-up of what spectators can expect.

Friday 30 May - Opening night 18:00-22:00:

• Spitfire flypast at dusk

• The Fireflies pyrotechnic display

• Live music headlined by The Funk City Band

• Fireworks display at 22:00

Saturday 31 May - Flying will take place between:

• 14:00 and 16:00

• 16:30 and 18:00

• RAF Red Arrows to close the show

Sunday 1 June - Flying is scheduled between:

• 12:00 and 13:15

• 13:50 and 14:55

• 15:20 and 16:15

Flying times were subject to change, said organisers.

Meanwhile, visitors could enjoy live music, entertainment and a wide range of food and drink stalls at the event village on the green throughout the weekend.

Road closures

Organisers said road closures and safety measures would be in place between 11:00 BST and 19:00 on Saturday and Sunday, limiting vehicle access around Paignton seafront.

Police and Torbay Council have advised visitors to use public transport, walk or cycle. Drivers should allow extra time for their journey, they added.

Devon and Cornwall Police said: "If you need to talk to us about something, or just want to meet your local officers, then please come up and say hello - that's what we are here for."

Details of road closures and diversions are on the Torbay Council website.

The airshow is free to attend and funded by various partners, including Torbay Council, the English Riviera BID Company, several corporate sponsors and individual donors.