The RAF Chinook and historic Canberra cold war jet will join the Airbourne line-up this August, along with the Optimus Prime Transformers truck which will display on the ground, as the Hollywood blockbuster is released in cinemas this month.
The show already features the Red Arrows on all four days celebrating their 50th anniversary, along with the arrival of the much anticipated Canadian Lancaster, which returns to Europe after 50 years, joining the only other Lancaster in the world for their first display together as part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
The huge twin rotor Chinook helicopter, a firm favourite with Airbourne fans, will return demonstrating its superb agility and heavy lifting capabilities during Eastbourne’s international free airshow which returns from 14 – 17 August.
Brand new for Airbourne on Sunday, will be a display by the World’s only airworthy Canberra, a 1950’s jet aircraft with immense power and noise. The RAF’s first jet bomber, the Canberra had nuclear capabilities and such was its strength, that it continued in service until as late as 2006 and has only recently begun to display again.
Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure & Sports Services, Cllr Carolyn Heaps commented “The Canberra has an amazing history and a powerful, low rumbling display that will captivate both historic aircraft fans and fast jet fans. I am delighted we will get to see it here for the first time, it is an exciting addition to the Red Arrows 50th year and the much anticipated arrival of the Canadian Lancaster.”
On the ground, fans of the Transformers will be able to see a full scale replica of the Optimus Prime truck featured in the latest film Transformers Age of Distinction, released in UK cinemas last weekend. As the film maintains its number one position in the US Box Office, Airbourne was chosen to host the truck on its UK tour, after the success of last year’s Disney Planes display at Airbourne. The giant truck joins an impressive list of attractions, which also features the Delorean time travel car from Back to the Future.
Shadow Cabinet Member for Tourism, Leisure & Sports Services, Cllr Philip Ede said “This is set to be a fantastic year for Airbourne both in the skies and on the ground. The Chinook has been such a valued workhorse for our troops in recent campaigns and I look forward to seeing the return of this huge but remarkably agile helicopter. With a strong family audience at the show, I am sure the Optimus Prime truck will be a huge attraction and great fun for children and fans of the film.”
Latest Flying Line-Up
The Canberra and Chinook join an amazing line-up with the Red Arrows displaying on all four days, as they celebrate their 50th anniversary with some new moves and new look Union Jack tail fins. Another first, will be the arrival of the Canadian Lancaster TCAF FM213, as the last two Lancaster bombers in the world display together for the first time in 50 years, with Eastbourne chosen for this poignant once-in-a-lifetime display alongside the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight which will consist of the British Lancaster, Hurricane, Spitfire and Dakota.
Fast jet fans can also enjoy the resounding heavy metal of the Eurofighter Typhoon and precision aerobatics from The Blades, Breitling Wingwalkers, Gnats, Rv8tors, Jet Provost, O’Briens Flying Circus, Tucano, Tutor, Lynx and Sea King. An impressive historic line-up includes the Mustang, Vampire, solo Spitfire and parachute displays from the Army Tigers and the Royal Navy Raiders freefall parachute display teams, who will be dropping in on the beach throughout the show.
Fireworks
Also celebrating the Red Arrows 50 years, Airbourne will close with a special red, white, blue and gold firework display on Sunday night.
New Music Stage
A new music stage on the beach will entertain the crowds with live music well into the evening, including Britain’s Got Talent boy band The Mend, a DJ set with Made in Chelsea’s Jamie Laing and a performance by X-Factor finalist Luke Friend. On Sunday night, the end of show party with Heart Breakfast will close a fantastic four days with the Red Arrows themed firework display at 10pm.
The Heart Angels will also be on the beach every day of the airshow with a special Heart viewing zone by the stage, and the opportunity to have your photo taken in Heart’s giant deckchairs, in a fun photo competition.
WWI Display
BBC History will be bringing their WWI tour to Eastbourne on 16 – 17 August. Visitors can try their hand at making ID permits, learn about communications, become a war reporter and meet experts from the Imperial War Museum to search their families’ connection to the war.
Alongside the new BBC tour, the Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment Living History Group will be at Airbourne over all four days giving visitors the chance to experience life as a soldier, including uniforms, weapons, equipment and training. Featured in both TV and film, the Living History Group have appeared in shows such as ‘Downton Abbey’ and advised on the film ‘War Horse’.
On the Ground
The RAF, Army and Navy village returns with a bigger exhibition than ever before featuring a new field hospital, an inflatable assault course, AAC Gazelle and a tank. In addition to the Transformers Age of Distinction display and Delorean time travel car, will be the Barny Bear Interactive Digital Wall and the Haribo Big Bag Tour – a fun-filled sensory experience in giant inflatable bags of sweets, and little drivers can get behind the wheel of a mini tank for the ultimate driving experience!
Children’s entertainment beaches provide non-stop fun throughout the day and top flight display line hospitality in the Aviator Club offers 3 course lunch from £85 per person and Cirrus Rooms buffet from £66 per person. Exclusive seating can also be booked online at £12 per adult and £8 per child.
Fans can also get a birds eye view of the flying from iconic beauty spot Beachy Head or take to the skies with a helicopter pleasure flight over the scenic South Downs National Park.
Airbourne returns from 14 – 17 August from 10am every day with free entry and live music until 7.30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, followed by Bandstand concerts each evening. On Sunday evening an end of show party with the Heart Breakfast team kicks off at 6pm, with a fantastic firework display at 10pm.
For more information visit www.EastbourneAirshow.com or telephone the Tourist Information Centre on 0871 663 0031.