Posts Tagged ‘Eastbourne Airbourne Airshow’

Ultimate Warbirds and Breitling Jets Signal Arrival of New Displays at Eastbourne Airshow

Monday, July 29th, 2019

Breitling Jet Display Team

The Ultimate Warbirds and T-33 Shooting Star will join the world’s largest civilian jet display team, the Breitling Jets, in signalling the arrival of new displays to Eastbourne International Airshow this year, sponsored by Ginsters.

Featuring 55 flying displays at the free seafront show from 15 – 18 August, the new teams will join Airbourne favourites the Typhoon, Chinook, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Wingwalkers and The Blades in four days of awe-inspiring aerial action.

Also joining the line-up of brand new displays for Eastbourne, is the first appearance of a Sea Fury T-20, the Strikemaster as a pair display and the first visit of the Gazelle Squadron duo.

While the Breitling Jet Team travel over from French shores in their six L-39 Albatross jets to bring their first ever display to Sussex, flying the flag for Norway is the T-33 Shooting Star, which will perform alongside its former cold war ‘enemy’ the MiG-15.

For fans of historic fighters, the inaugural arrival of the Ultimate Warbirds will see a co-ordinated four-ship display of four of the most iconic fighters in history in an Eastbourne first, featuring the Spitfire, TF-51 Mustang, Hispano Buchon and P-47 Thunderbolt.

Eastbourne Borough Council Director of Tourism and Enterprise, Phil Evans said “This year sees one of our most varied displays with teams from France and Norway and plenty of new aircraft to enjoy, including the only south coast visit by the world renowned Breitling Jet Team. Our thanks go to Ginsters and our many other sponsors for their support in keeping Airbourne flying high!”

The new displays join other returning favourites including the Tutor, Mustang, Rich Goodwin Pitts Special, Fireflies, The Tigers Parachute Display Team and the Tucano, which flies back as part of a farewell tour after a five year hiatus from the airshow circuit.

On Sunday evening, the FireFlies look set to delight with a shimmering twilight performance using LED lights and wingtip pyrotechnics, co-ordinated for the first time to both music and aerial fireworks. A dazzling firework finale follows at the earlier time of 9.30pm, sponsored by Ginsters and supported by the Eastbourne Hospitality Association and Frontier Fireworks.

Airbourne returns from 15 – 18 August with a military exhibition and Virtual Reality zone, big wheel, helicopter pleasure flights, simulators, children’s entertainment, Bandstand concerts, film screenings and much more. Entry is free.

A very limited number of hospitality places and exclusive seating are available to book and the airshow programme with full flying times, hits stockists from 10 August, with pre-order available now.

Airbourne is proudly sponsored by Ginsters, Boundless by CSMA, Caffyns, More Radio, Eastbourne Motoring Centre, Euro Self Drive, Environment First, Gemini Print, Stagecoach, Stone Cross Garden Centre, The View Hotel, W. Bruford, Eastbourne Hospitality Association and Frontier Fireworks.

To donate online or to book hospitality, seating or trade space, visit www.eastbourneairshow.com

Breitling Jets to Make Eastbourne Debut Thanks to New Airshow Sponsor

Monday, July 22nd, 2019

Breitling Display Team at Eastbourne

The world’s largest civilian jet display team, the Breitling Jets, will be streaming across Eastbourne’s skies this August, thanks to new airshow sponsor Ginsters.

The world renowned French team will be bringing their magnifique headline act to Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow for the very first time, performing every day from 15 – 18 August.

The team of L-39 Albatross jets, led by one of the world’s most experienced pilots, Jacques Bothelin, are known for their close formation precision flying, often at just 3 metres apart, all while flying at speeds of over 700km per hour.

Supported by the UK’s biggest selling pasty producer, the free seafront airshow will also feature a range of fast jets, historic favourites, freefall parachutists, wingwalkers and night time pyro-aerobatic displays.

To top off an exciting four days of displays, Ginsters will also be sponsoring a dazzling finale of fireworks to end the show, supported by Frontier Fireworks.

Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Tourism and Enterprise, Cllr Margaret Bannister said “We are super excited to welcome the Breitling Jets for the very first time and our thanks go to Ginsters for their huge support in sponsoring Airbourne this year. We look forward to welcoming Jacques and his team extraordinaire for a sensational display over the sunny skies of Eastbourne this summer.”

Leader of the Brietling Jets, Jacques Bothelin said “We very much look forward to meeting the crowds at Eastbourne in our first ever display on the Sunshine Coast and can promise a spectacular four days of flying from the Breitling Jets.”

Airbourne returns from 15 – 18 August with more flying displays to be announced. The four day seafront show also features a military exhibition, helicopter pleasure flights, children’s entertainment, Bandstand concerts, film screenings and much more. Entry is free.

To beat the crowds and for prime views, keen aviators can upgrade to first class hospitality with High Fliers @ The Aviator Club from £99 per person and Sunday’s Departure Lounge dining just £55 per person. Both offer exclusive dining and fully stocked bar in a private marquee and viewing area on the Western Lawns. Alternatively, reserved seats are available in the Exclusive Seating area all day from just £6 per adult (£4 per child).

www.eastbourneairshow.com

B-17 and Great War Team Leads an All-Star Century of Flying at Eastbourne Airshow

Wednesday, May 18th, 2016

B-17 by Dan O'Hagan

Eastbourne Airshow is set to celebrate over a century of flying with the long anticipated return of the Flying Fortress and a large scale WW1 air display, both at this year’s free show from 11 – 14 August.

After a 15 year wait, Europe’s only flying B-17 Flying Fortress, Sally B, will make a welcome return for historic fans, while the Great War Display Team brings its first ever 10-ship display of WW1 aircraft to Eastbourne seafront.

The historic line-up joins the already popular RAF Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, King Air and the sky scraping Typhoon.

Fans can look forward to even more teams plotting their flight path direct to Eastbourne, including the Blenheim Bomber and firm family favourite, the heavy duty Chinook.

The addition of the Great War Display team will see Eastbourne’s first ever WW1 display on this scale, demonstrating 10 iconic aircraft in one sequenced display, from the early prototype Sopwith Triplane to a Fokker Dr1.

Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Tourism and Enterprise, Cllr Margaret Bannister said “Many new types of aircraft joined military service during the Great War in 1916 so this is the perfect time 100 years on, to commemorate the part they played in WW1, along with their pioneering influence on the aircraft and pilots of today.”

The Blades, Breitling Wingwalkers, Jet Provost duo, Mustang, Spitfire and The Tigers Parachute Display Team all make a welcome return, while Team Raven bring a new display to Eastbourne featuring a mix of RV-4 and RV-8 aircraft.

Flying the international flag, the B-25 Mitchell Bomber makes its first ever appearance from the Royal Netherlands Air Force Historical Flight, along with an Airbourne debut from the Belgian Bronco and the return of the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron Vampire and MiG 15.

Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow returns from 11 – 14 August with ground displays, military exhibition and pleasure flights, entry is free.

Sunday evening sees the fireworks return back to the traditional end of show finale, with a pyrotechnic twilight display from the Fireflies Aerobatic Display Team and music acts for the Airbourne Live stage announced soon.

For prime views or as a special treat, upgrade to first class hospitality in the Aviator Club or Cirrus Rooms from £70 per person, with exclusive dining and drinks on the lawns. Or reserve a spot in the exclusive seating area all day from just £10 per adult (£6 per child).

Opportunities are also available for businesses to support the show and receive exposure to hundreds of thousands attending, with sponsorship and partnership packages available.

To book hospitality, seating, exhibition space or sponsorship, visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk

RAF Red Arrows Return to UK’s Best Free Airshow

Thursday, February 25th, 2016

Red Arrows at Eastbourne

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows will be back flying above Eastbourne’s skies this summer following the announcement of their 2016 flying programme!

Their appearance at Airbourne, Eastbourne’s international airshow, voted as the UK’s best free airshow in the 2015 Airscene Awards, will see them joined by Royal Air Force displays from the Eurofighter Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the King Air, all of which promise to provide show-stopping displays in Eastbourne, when Airbourne returns from 11-14 August 2016.

Excitement for this year’s Airbourne mounts after this initial release of RAF displays, which confirms that the Red Arrows will fly on Friday 12 and Saturday 13 August. Airbourne organisers eagerly await the news of more aircraft which will display at the airshow, including helicopters, further military aircraft, civilian and commercial display teams.

Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Enterprise, Cllr Margaret Bannister said “We are delighted to hear that airshow favourites, the Red Arrows have chosen to return to Airbourne for two great displays this year, which will no doubt attract many thousands of spectators, and along with the news that some other amazing military aircraft have been confirmed, our award-winning airshow is off to a high flying start! We can’t wait to confirm many more dazzling display teams and stunning jets in what will be another extensive flying programme.”

This year’s flying programme will see the roaring RAF Typhoon soaring above Eastbourne’s beach as it takes the skies on three days of Airbourne; Friday, Saturday and Sunday, when the 29 squadron showcases the aircraft’s incredible speed and performance ability.

Airshow visitors will also have the chance to see the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight on all four days, in a year which marks the 80th anniversary of the Spitfire and the 75th year of the Lancaster Bomber. The King Air a multi-engine pilot trainer which is part of No. 3 Flying Training School based at RAF Cranwell, will fly on Saturday and Sunday.

Airbourne is awaiting news from VisitEngland to hear whether it has achieved Gold, Silver, Bronze or Highly Commended status in the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, after it was announced as a winner in the ‘Tourism Event of the Year’ category by the national tourism board last month; the results will be announced at an awards ceremony in Blackpool on 8 March during English Tourism Week.

The news came less than two months after Airbourne was awarded Gold in the category of ‘Tourism Event of the Year’ at the Beautiful South Awards, organised by Tourism South East.

To treat friends or family to a special occasion or entertain business clients, the Aviator Club hospitality packages are available at Eastbourne’s Western Lawns providing visitors with high-end catering and a chance to mingle with the pilots, as well as uninterrupted views of the display line. Exclusive air show seating at Eastbourne’s iconic Bandstand is also available to book now.

To book hospitality packages and exclusive seating and to find out about trade space, advertising and sponsorship opportunities at Airbourne, and keep up to date with flying display news, go to www.eastbourneairshow.com.

Airbourne Bucket Collectors Raise Thousands for Local Charities and Future Flying Displays

Tuesday, October 20th, 2015

The busiest ever year at Airbourne has brought in the largest amount of public donations from generous givers, in the seven years since Airbourne introduced bucket collections at the international air show.

The final total raised by Rotary Club volunteers was an impressive £36,415.82, part of which will assist in the funding of future flying displays at Airbourne, with another thirty percent of the total being donated to three local charities.

The charities being supported by this year’s Airbourne bucket collections are Friends of Eastbourne Hospital; Kent, Sussex and Surrey Air Ambulance and Riding for the Disabled Association who will each receive £3641.58. In the last seven years a total of £45,989 has been donated through funds raised at Airbourne, to various charities connected to the local area.

Eastbourne Borough Council’s Leader, Councillor David Tutt and Don Perman of Sovereign Rotary will be presenting each of the charities with a cheque during a special presentation held at the International Lawn Tennis Centre at 5.30pm on Monday 19 October, in which Rotary volunteers will also be thanked for their time and efforts in raising these vital funds.

The Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, Cllr David Tutt said “Without the generous donations of the public, future Airbourne displays wouldn’t be possible, so a very big thank you goes out to the thousands who donated whilst at the air show. This year the total donations collected exceeded the amount raised in 2014 by £1,107, despite the air show being torrentially rained off on 13 August, which is rather astounding and demonstrates a great public desire to keep Airbourne going.

“I would also like to thanks the organisers of the collections campaign, Sovereign Harbour and Hailsham Rotary clubs who were joined by volunteers from Eastbourne, Eastbourne AM, Eastbourne Sovereign and Beachy Head Rotary Clubs, who all helped to raise funds throughout the four day air show from 13-16 August.”

Organisers of Airbourne are encouraging people who attended the free air show in August to vote for Airbourne in the category of ‘Best Free Air Show’ in this year’s Airscene Awards. Votes can be placed at www.airscene.co.uk/airscene-awards-2015 until 29 November.

www.eastbourneairshow.com

Super Saturday Brings Biggest Ever Crowd to Airbourne

Wednesday, August 19th, 2015

The sun came out for Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow over the weekend with the show’s busiest ever day in its 23 year history.

The free four day airshow welcomed its biggest ever audience on Super Saturday as hundreds of thousands watched the Vulcan bomber fly for a final time over the town, along with the first ever free-to-watch flight of the world’s only flying Blenheim bomber.

The culmination of the 12-hour Super Saturday extravaganza saw stunning twilight pyro-aerobatics, Scouting For Girls on stage and a new Saturday night firework display. 12,000 watched the chart topping band from the managed beach stage area alone, with thousands more lining the seafront to see the firework spectacular, sponsored by Ansvar and Frontier Fireworks.

The Airbourne souvenir programme had its best ever sales day on Saturday, over a third more than the previous best on Vulcan day in 2012, and by the end of Saturday, parking was already 22% up on previous years with more cars than ever before using the car parks and Beachy Head Park ‘n’ View areas. On the sea on Saturday, over 150 boats passed through the locks to view the displays, with late night queues at the locks on their return.

Friday proved popular too and many stayed into the evening to watch De’Vide on the Airbourne Live stage, sponsored by TJ’s Nightclub, or to see Toyah at the Bandstand, which proved to be a sell out success.

Eastbourne Borough Council Senior Head of Tourism and Enterprise, Phil Evans said “After a damp start, Airbourne certainly caught up after the rain with three awesome days of flying. It was fantastic to see so many families enjoying the show and many more around town dining into the evening. The atmosphere on Super Saturday evening was amazing, we’ve never seen the seafront look so vibrant!”

More than 200 volunteer bucket collectors were in force during the show, with collections organised by the Rotary Clubs of Sovereign Harbour and Hailsham, along with support from the clubs of Eastbourne, Eastbourne AM, Eastbourne Sovereign and Beachy Head.

Airbourne returns from 11 – 14 August, and exclusive seating is available to book now. In the meantime work continues throughout the week to count in all of the bucket collections, which will help to fund next year’s flying displays.

Airbourne fans can still donate at Eastbourne Tourist Information Centre in Cornfield Road, at the Seafront Office or online at www.eastbourneairshow.com

Eastbourne Gears Up for Final Vulcan Display

Thursday, August 6th, 2015

Eastbourne gears up for its final Vulcan display next week as the world’s only flying Vulcan bomber makes its last trip to Airbourne, the town’s four day free seafront airshow from Thursday 13 – Sunday 16 August.

Thousands will bid a fond farewell to the cold war jet at 2.32pm on Saturday 15 August which retires at the end of the season, before welcoming the world’s only flying Bristol Blenheim, in its first ever free display.

Along with Eastbourne’s first ever Norwegian MiG-15 jet fighter display, the Belgian NH90 helicopter, Typhoon, Chinook and the RAF Red Arrows, Airbourne crowds will be in for a treat.

Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Enterprise, Cllr Margaret Bannister said “This is an astounding year for historic jets and international teams. The Vulcan is adored by many and Airbourne is one of just a handful of opportunities left to ever see this aircraft in the sky.”

The Blenheim joins an impressive historic line up which also features a Norwegian Vampire duo, Kittyhawk, Jet Provost, Bulldog, Spitfire, Mustang and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Local Heroes to Close Day One

Local men Flt Lt Ben Polwin and Flt Lt Toby Keeley, will be returning to home ground after their Hawk duo display on Thursday, as both pilots hail from Sussex. Former Park College student Toby, began his flying career at Hailsham Air Training Corps and has since flown the Tucano, Hawk and Tornado GR4.

Known under the call signs of Ninja 1 and Ninja 2, Ben and Toby will close the show on Thursday with their brand new Hawk duo display and will be meeting fans on the ground during the show.

The Blades Celebrate 10 Years

Celebrating 10 years in the sky, former Red Arrows pilots The Blades, return with a very special display and a chance to win a flight with the team in the Airbourne £1 lottery, with all proceeds supporting the future of Airbourne.

French team Patrouille Reva also bring a highly technical display in their purpose built aerobatic aircraft, along with a packed line-up featuring the Tutor, Royal Navy Sea King, Rv8tors, Breitling Wingwalkers and The Tigers parachute team.

Super Saturday

The Airbourne Live stage on the beach returns thanks to TJ’s Nightclub with live music from 11am to 7.30pm each day, including talent show stars De’Vide of BBC1’s The Voice UK on Friday. The party continues on Super Saturday, a 12-hour extravaganza of flying and entertainment, in a Heart hosted evening presented by Tom, Nicola and Jack from Heart Breakfast. Entry is free, however numbers are limited, so music fans are advised to arrive early.

Featuring dazzling twilight pyro-aerobatics from brand new flying duo AeroSPARX, chart topping band Scouting for Girls headline on stage at 9.15pm, before explosive Saturday night fireworks close the day’s events at 10pm, sponsored by Ansvar Insurance and Frontier Fireworks.

On the Ground

The four day show also features plenty of fun on the ground, including an RAF, Navy and Army exhibition on the Western Lawns with Harrier, Chinook and Gazelle cockpits to climb aboard, children’s entertainment areas and Transformers star car Autobot Bumblebee makes an appearance (Sat & Sun only).

Helicopter pleasure flights offer spectacular views from Beachy Head and at the Bandstand, evening concerts include Big Band Night on Thursday and the legendary pop-punk princess Toyah, on Friday. BBC South East Today also broadcast live from the show from 6.30pm on Friday, as their Festival Friday tour hits town.

Give a Quid

Entry is free, with flying displays part funded by public donations each year, including generous support from Sussex residents David Dickens, Brian Bunce and Jayne Howard. This year collections will be organised by the Rotary Clubs of Sovereign Harbour and Hailsham, with 30% of the proceeds passed onto local charities Kent, Sussex & Surrey Air Ambulance, Riding for the Disabled and Friends of Eastbourne Hospital.

More ways to support Airbourne include donating online, buying an Airbourne Lottery ticket or buying a Souvenir Programme featuring daily updated flying times and money off vouchers for just £4, available from the Tourist Information Centre, Seafront Office, selected newsagents and from programme sellers around town.

Watch, Listen & Tweet

Airbourne is open from 10am each day, with Red Arrows displays at 4pm on Friday, and 4.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.

The Bandstand offers exclusive seating in the centre of the display line at £12 per adult, and Park and View areas at Beachy Head cost £5 per day for a birds-eye view of the displays.

Fans can post their airshow selfie to the Tweetwall giant screen on the beach using #eastbourneselfie, tune into Radio Airbourne 87.7FM, supported by Specsavers, for live commentary and updates, or watch online for live coverage by Planes TV at VisitEastbourne.com/AirbourneTV.

Parking

Parking is available at Five Acre Field in Lottbridge Drove costing £4 per car with a bus service running to and from the pier. Additional parking is also available to the west of town at St Andrew’s School field, with a bus to Airbourne (Sat & Sun only), and donations to Eastbourne Sovereign Rotary Club. Or beat the traffic and come by bike, using the free cycle park in Howard Square.

For more information visit www.eastbourneairshow.com or telephone 01323 415415.

Last Flying Bristol Blenheim to Make Free Airshow Debut at Eastbourne Airbourne

Monday, August 3rd, 2015

The only flying Bristol Blenheim bomber in the world is set to make its free air show debut this August, when it displays for the seafront crowds at Airbourne: Eastbourne International Air Show.The recently restored WW2 bomber, which flew its first public display in May, is yet to display for fans at a free airshow. It will join the Belgian NH90 helicopter and the Norwegian MiG-15 jet, all new attractions to Airbourne, in a truly international line-up.

The free four day airshow which returns from 13 – 16 August, has added the new attractions to its packed flying programme which already includes the final display season of the Vulcan bomber, plus the Typhoon, Chinook and RAF Red Arrows display teams.

The Blenheim’s first display will be on Super Saturday on 15 August, a 12 hour extravaganza of flying, ground displays and twilight pyro-aerobatics, plus live music on the beach from chart-toppers Scouting for Girls and Saturday night fireworks at 10pm.

Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Enterprise, Cllr Margaret Bannister said “The Blenheim will be an awesome addition to Airbourne and a wonderful tribute to those who flew during World War Two. Along with our first ever MiG and the NH90, it’s fantastic to see Airbourne attracting teams from Norway, France and Belgium, bringing a spectacular international programme to the show.”

The only flying Blenheim in the world, it took 12 years and 28,000 man hours to rebuild, and played a major part in WW2, scoring the first combat victory of any aircraft using its own radar. Its joins an impressive historic line up which also features a Norwegian Vampire duo, Kittyhawk, Jet Provost, Bulldog, Spitfire, Mustang and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, with a four-ship formation from the Lancaster, Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota.

A new star attraction for the show, the MiG-15, was originally developed by the Soviet Union, and became one of the first successful swept-wing jet fighters, playing a major part in the Korean War.

It joins the brand new Hawk T2 duo display, The Rv8tors, Breitling Wingwalkers, Royal Navy Sea King, Tutor, The Tigers Parachute Display team and French team Patrouille Reva.

The Blades return in their 10th anniversary year to display for the crowds, along with a special prize of an aerobatic flight and hospitality for two at their home base at Sywell Aerodrome. The prize is available to win in the Airbourne lottery, with tickets costing £1. Tickets are available now at the Tourist Information Centre, Seafront Office and at the show.

The four day show also features plenty of fun on the ground, including a military exhibition, children’s entertainment areas, helicopter pleasure flights and evening concerts at the Bandstand, including Big Band Night on Thursday and the legendary pop-punk princess Toyah, on Friday.

The Airbourne Live stage on the beach, sponsored by TJ’s nightclub, will feature music throughout each day and into the early evening, with a wide variety of acts to be announced over the coming weeks.

Airbourne: Eastbourne International Air Show returns from 13 – 16 August 2015 and entry is free.

For more information or to book online visit www.eastbourneairshow.com, or email events@eastbourne.gov.uk, or telephone 01323 415442.

Airbourne Fireworks Move to New Super Saturday Slot

Wednesday, July 15th, 2015

airbourne pyrotechnics by Graham Huntley

Airbourne will bring its Super Saturday to a close with an explosive firework show this August sponsored by Eastbourne’s Ansvar Insurance.

The traditional end of show fireworks take up a new Saturday night slot on 15 August, bringing a spectacular climax to a 12-hour extravaganza of flying, twilight pyro-aerobatics and music on the beach, headlined by chart topping band Scouting for Girls.

The four day flying programme at the free show will see a packed day of action over Eastbourne’s skies on the Saturday, as fans bid a final farewell to the only flying Vulcan bomber, before it retires at the end of this season.

As well as waving goodbye to a much loved favourite, fans can enjoy Eastbourne’s first ever glimpse of the world’s only working Blenheim bomber, along with Airbourne’s first MiG-15 and displays by the Typhoon, Chinook and RAF Red Arrows.

In the evening, brand new aerobatic team Aerosparks will be lighting up the skies after sunset, in a stunning display of synchronised wingtip pyrotechnics from the dazzling flying duo.

Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Enterprise, Cllr Margaret Bannister said “The new Saturday night slot will be great for families looking to stay into the evening, and with one of our most spectacular flying and musical line-ups in the shows 23 year history, we’re expecting a thrilling four days.”

Local company, Ansvar Insurance have stepped in for a second year running to bring fireworks to the show in partnership with pyrotechnic experts Frontier Fireworks. Especially chosen by the Red Arrows for their own 50th anniversary celebrations at RAF Scampton last year, Frontier Fireworks and sponsor ansvar are promising an explosive choreographed show.

Jane Williams, Marketing Manager at Ansvar Insurance said “‘The firework display last year was spectacular and such a great way to celebrate Airbourne. We’re delighted to be sponsoring the event once again and look forward to a fantastic evening on the 15th August.”

Kicking off the fun-packed celebrations on the Airbourne Live beach stage sponsored by TJ’s Nightclub, Tom, Nicola and Jack from Heart Breakfast will host an evening of live music launching the firework countdown at 10pm. Although entry is free, numbers are limited, so music fans are advised to arrive early.

The popular beach stage will be offering a wide range of music and entertainment throughout the four days with performances from the likes of Hot Detroit, Decadence Sleaze, Dorey the Wise, Unihorn, The Do Theys, Beth Ellwood, Matt Ginno and the Street Styles 4 All Demo Squad.

Brighton band Half Crown also take to the stage, having just performed alongside the likes of Basement Jaxx at Brownstock. De’Vide from BBC1’s The Voice, make a popular return to Airbourne, and Scouting for Girls take up the headline slot on Saturday at 9.15pm.

Airbourne returns from 13 – 16 August with four days of flying, ground displays, children’s entertainment, helicopter pleasure flights and live music every day.

Entry is free, with flying displays part funded by public donations each year, including generous support from Sussex residents David Dickens and Brian Bunce. This year collections will be organised by the Rotary Clubs of Sovereign Harbour and Hailsham, with 30% of the proceeds passed onto local charities Kent, Sussex & Surrey Air Ambulance, Riding for the Disabled and Friends of Eastbourne Hospital.

Lottery tickets costing just £1 are also available at the Tourist Information Centre and Seafront Office for the chance to win hospitality and a flight with The Blades, with all proceeds supporting future flying displays at the show.

To donate online or for exclusive seating, airshow hospitality or more information visit www.eastbourneairshow.com.

Last Flying Blenheim to Make Free Airshow Debut at Airbourne

Wednesday, June 17th, 2015

Bristol Blenheim

The only flying Bristol Blenheim bomber in the world is set to make its free air show debut this August, when it displays for the seafront crowds at Airbourne: Eastbourne International Air Show.

The recently restored WW2 bomber, which flew its first public display in May, is yet to display for fans at a free airshow. It will join the Belgian NH90 helicopter and the Norwegian MiG-15 jet, all new attractions to Airbourne, in a truly international line-up.

The free four day airshow which returns from 13 – 16 August, has added the new attractions to its packed flying programme which already includes the final display season of the Vulcan bomber, plus the Typhoon, Chinook and RAF Red Arrows display teams.

The Blenheim’s first display will be on Super Saturday on 15 August, a 12 hour extravaganza of flying, ground displays and twilight pyro-aerobatics, plus live music on the beach from chart-toppers Scouting for Girls and Saturday night fireworks at 10pm.

Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Culture, Tourism and Enterprise, Cllr Margaret Bannister said “The Blenheim will be an awesome addition to Airbourne and a wonderful tribute to those who flew during World War Two. Along with our first ever MiG and the NH90, it’s fantastic to see Airbourne attracting teams from Norway, France and Belgium, bringing a spectacular international programme to the show.”

The only flying Blenheim in the world, it took 12 years and 28,000 man hours to rebuild, and played a major part in WW2, scoring the first combat victory of any aircraft using its own radar. Its joins an impressive historic line up which also features a Norwegian Vampire duo, Kittyhawk, Jet Provost, Bulldog, Spitfire, Mustang and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, with a four-ship formation from the Lancaster, Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota.

A new star attraction for the show, the MiG-15, was originally developed by the Soviet Union, and became one of the first successful swept-wing jet fighters, playing a major part in the Korean War.

It joins the brand new Hawk T2 duo display, The Rv8tors, Breitling Wingwalkers, Royal Navy Sea King, Tutor, The Tigers Parachute Display team and French team Patrouille Reva.

The Blades return in their 10th anniversary year to display for the crowds, along with a special prize of an aerobatic flight and hospitality for two at their home base at Sywell Aerodrome. The prize is available to win in the Airbourne lottery, with tickets costing £1, 30% of proceeds will go to charity and 70% to fund flying displays at the show. Tickets are available now at the Tourist Information Centre, Seafront Office and at the show.

The four day show also features plenty of fun on the ground, including a military exhibition, children’s entertainment areas, helicopter pleasure flights and evening concerts at the Bandstand, including Big Band Night on Thursday and the legendary pop-punk princess Toyah, on Friday.

The Airbourne Live stage on the beach will feature music throughout each day and into the early evening, with a wide variety of acts to be announced over the coming weeks.

Airbourne: Eastbourne International Air Show returns from 13 – 16 August 2015 and entry is free.

The flying display is part funded from public donations each year at Airbourne, thanks to contributions by Sussex residents David Dickens and Brian Bunce and the collections organised by Marco and Cathy Giorgi and the Rotary Clubs of Sovereign Harbour and Hailsham, with 30% of the proceeds also passed onto local charities.

To beat the crowds, there are exclusive seating areas available at the Bandstand at £12 per person, and exclusive hospitality available on the Western Lawns from £75 per person (including vat), ideal for special occasions or entertaining clients.

With thousands attending over the four days, Airbourne offers great trade space opportunities from just £163 per day, when attending all four days.

For more information or to book online visit www.eastbourneairshow.com, or email events@eastbourne.gov.uk, or telephone 01323 415442.