Airbourne off to flying start with Red Arrows

The airshow has a two-mile (3.2km) flying display line along the seafront

A free seafront airshow has had a flying start on its return to East Sussex for its 30th event.

Eastbourne International Airshow will take to the skies for four days of flights between Thursday and Sunday.

The event, known as Airbourne, will be the 30th held in the town since it started in 1993. The shows were cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.

Crowds gathered on Eastbourne beach on Thursday to see a dazzling display by the Red Arrows on the opening day.

An Eastbourne Borough Council spokesperson said: “After the much-anticipated 60th anniversary Red Arrows display, we have a really interesting mix of aircraft this year."

Liberal Democrat councillor Christina Ewbank, who is also chief executive of the local chamber of commerce, said the event could attract up to 800,000 spectators.

She said: "It's a great advert for Eastbourne."

Christina Ewbank says the event is a "great advert" for the town

Airbourne's flying display director Dave Walton said he had been "busy" in the run up to the event.

"There's a lot to do. It's about a nine-month process to get to this stage."

As Airbourne celebrates its 30th anniversary, the Red Arrows are making their 60th anniversary

When is it on?

The flights will take place over the town every day from Thursday to Sunday.

Flying starts at 14:30 BST on Thursday and Friday, and at 14:15 on Saturday and Sunday - ending at 17:00 every day.

Airbourne opens each day at 10:30 with military exhibitions, food and drink, shopping, and a children's entertainment zone.

Who is performing?

Crowds gathered to watch the opening flying events of the festival

Thursday:

Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Swedish Air Force Historic Flight, Bronco Demo Team, AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers, Rich Goodwin's Jet Pitts, Jet Provost T5, Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight Mustang and Spitfire.

Friday:

RAF Typhoon, RAF Grob Tutor Display, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Swedish Air Force Historic Flight, Bronco Demo Team, AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers, Rich Goodwin's Jet Pitts, Jet Provost T5, Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight Mustang and Spitfire.

Saturday and Sunday:

RAF Typhoon, RAF Grob Tutor Display, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Bronco Demo Team, AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers, Rich Goodwin's Jet Pitts, D-Day Memorial Display featuring Blenheim, Spitfire, and Mustang, Jet Provost T5, The Starlings Aerobatic Team, Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight Mustang and Spitfire.

How do I get there?

The Red Arrows are the aerobatics display team of the Royal Air Force

Spectators coming into the town have been urged to use public transport where possible to reduce the event's carbon footprint, although car parking is available.

There is a park-and-ride at Five Acres Field in Lottbridge Drove as well as parking in King Edward's Parade and the Beachy Head Park and View near The Beachy Head pub.

For those looking to come into the town by train, Eastbourne Railway Station is walking distance from the seafront where a lot of spectators watch the displays.

Where can I watch?

As the displays are taking place above Eastbourne, there are a number of locations where they can be seen.

Most spectators stay on the seafront to enjoy the event, while some take in the views over Eastbourne from Beachy Head.