Airbourne fans have a Super Saturday in store at this year’s air show in Eastbourne, as organisers announced this week that the Vulcan bomber will be topping the bill that day, in a 12 hour extravaganza of flying, ground displays, live music, twilight pyro-aerobatics and fireworks.

The free four day event which runs from 13 – 16 August will also feature the world famous RAF Red Arrows on Saturday, along with displays throughout the afternoon from the Eurofighter Typhoon, Tutor, a new Hawk T2 duo display and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which features a four-ship formation from the Lancaster, Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota.

Featuring live music and entertainment on the Airbourne Live beach stage throughout the day, the festival fever continues into the evening with live bands, a twilight aircraft pyrotechnic display and finishes with a fantastic fireworks display across the seafront at 10pm.

Eastbourne Borough Council Senior Head of Tourism & Enterprise, Philip Evans said “We’re really upping the festival factor this year, bringing the Airbourne atmosphere into the evening. It’s not only great for air show and music fans but it’s great for our local economy too, encouraging more people to stay longer and dine into the evening, while experiencing Eastbourne’s seafront at its most vibrant.”

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

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 RAF Red Arrows are confirmed to display over three days, with more flying displays to be announced over the coming weeks. All flying is subject to RAF operational commitments, weather and serviceability.

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 and exclusive hospitality available on the Western Lawns with tickets on sale now.

For more information or to book online visit www.eastbourneairshow.com.

Plans for Airbourne, Eastbourne’s international air show have got off to a flying start this year with the Red Arrows, Eurofighter Typhoon and Vulcan cold war bomber all confirmed to fly at the free, four day air show which returns from 13 – 16 August.

Featuring new look Union Jack tailfins, the world renowned RAF Red Arrows display team will wow crowds on the seafront, beaches and reopened pier with three performances over Eastbourne, in one of the UK’s busiest free flying displays.

Joining the line-up, the RAF Eurofighter Typhoon will provide a fast jet highlight on three days and historic fans can look forward to the return of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which features a four-ship formation from the Lancaster, Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota.

The world’s only flying Vulcan bomber makes an appearance as it nears retirement and the Tutor returns to display its agility, along with a new variant Hawk T2 duo display.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism & Leisure, Cllr Carolyn Heaps said “Eastbourne has a special place in its heart for the Red Arrows so we are delighted to welcome back the world’s best aerial display team. Many special memories are made thanks to this amazing team, from meeting fans on the ground, to marriage proposals and even themed fireworks! Coupled with the awesome Typhoon and what could possibly be the last chance to see the imposing sight and sound of the Vulcan, we are in for a real treat this year.”

The four day show also features plenty of fun on the ground, including a military exhibition, live music on the beach stage, children’s entertainment areas, helicopter pleasure flights, evening concerts and fireworks, which move to a new slot on Saturday night.

Now in what could possibly be its final display season, the Vulcan cold war jet is set to perform over Eastbourne in a remarkable return to the show, after record donations from Airbourne fans last year. The bomber, which last visited the show in 2012, is a rare sight and unique to the display circuit.

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

Shadow Cabinet Member for Tourism & Leisure, Cllr Philip Ede added “With the Red Arrows and the legendary Vulcan Bomber sharing top billing, this promises to be the most popular air show yet, providing a boost to the resort in more ways than one. The factor that makes this appearance of the Vulcan possible is the generous contribution of one particular fan, who deserves our thanks. I know we’ve said it before but this really may be the last time we see this aircraft perform – so make the most of it!”

Eastbourne’s 23rd Airbourne will also mark roughly one year since the pier fire of 2014, which closed the Victorian landmark just two weeks before the air show. The pier, which reopened two months later, is a popular viewing platform during the show and includes shops, restaurants, tea rooms, a bar, nightclub and fishing platform.

Airbourne returns from 13 – 16 August 2015 and entry is free, with more flying displays to be announced. All flying is subject to RAF operational commitments, weather and serviceability.

To beat the crowds, there are exclusive seating areas available at the Bandstand and exclusive hospitality available on the Western Lawns with tickets on sale now.

For more information or to book online visit www.eastbourneairshow.com.

Airbourne 2014 enjoyed a record year with its biggest ever crowd this weekend. With higher than usual visitors throughout the four days, the biggest ever crowd proved to be on Saturday with an unprecedented number of visitors.

Hundreds of thousands of visitors lined the seafront to get a glimpse of the Red Arrows 50th anniversary display the world’s first public display of two Lancaster bombers in formation for over 50 years.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism & Leisure, Cllr Carolyn Heaps said “This has been an amazing year for Airbourne and a wonderful showcase for the town after what has been a very difficult few weeks. The Lancaster formation was just awesome and an emotional experience for many people. I am delighted we were able to share this with some very special veterans on Thursday and Friday, as well as the many thousands of people attending the show.”

Programme sellers and the information tent along with various other places were extremely busy as programmes sold out by the end of the weekend, along with car parks around the town which were at full capacity as hundreds of thousands flocked to the seafront for the event.

Airshow fans from more than 60 countries watched Airbourne streamed live on line with over 1,000 viewers at any one time.

As well as record crowds, Saturday proved to be a day for romance with a marriage proposal on the Airbourne Live stage, also broadcast live on the big screen. Paul Neill travelled over 1,000 miles at the last minute to be with girlfriend Emma Cox, and surprised her with a public announcement in front of thousands on the beach. Airbourne was also the favourite photo spot for newlyweds who came straight from their wedding to get a picture with Optimus Prime and the Red Arrows.

Sunday evening saw an impressive crowd as thousands gathered for the Airbourne finale of fireworks sponsored by Frontier Fireworks and Ansvar. Crowds came early to enjoy the O’Briens Flying Circus Display take flight and to watch the entertainment on the new live stage with Heart and acts such as Hot Detroit, The Mend and headliner Luke Friend from X Factor. Fans also enjoyed Canditron before the fireworks, a fantastic dancing robot display.

The live stage was also a hit the rest of the days with Jamie Laing, De’Vide, Fo Sho’s, SS4A Street Dance squad, Steve Hewlett and many others drawing the crowds between flying displays.

Fans were also glad to see a fantastic tri-service area and ground attractions on the Western Lawns, Wish Tower Slopes and beaches as well as the popular BBC World War One at Home village.

Shadow Cabinet Member for Tourism & Leisure Cllr Phillip Ede said “A stunning and memorable year in Airbourne’s 22 year long history. Some wonderful new attractions have added a great new dimension to the show and attracted many new first-time visitors to the town which is great for business. Our thanks go to the armed forces, emergency services, bucket collectors and many more organisations and volunteers working behind the scenes on this incredible show.”

Airbourne returns from 13 – 16 August 2015. For more information visit www.eastbourneairshow.com

Eastbourne is back to business as usual as the seafront re-opened this lunchtime following yesterday’s fire on the pier.

With all but 200m of beaches, promenades and the road now fully re-open, visitors and residents are back on Eastbourne beach enjoying the sunshine today, with Bandstand concerts, special events and plans for this year’s airshow continuing in full swing.

The Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, Cllr David Tutt commented “We are grateful to the emergency services for their superb response in tackling the fire yesterday and today in the clean-up operation, enabling us to reopen the seafront so quickly.

Despite such a difficult time, I am pleased to say most businesses along the seafront are now re-open and that visitors haven’t been deterred at all today.”

All events along the seafront are continuing as normal with daily Bandstand concerts, including the Swingshift Big Band tonight and last year’s most popular Bandstand concert – the One Direction tribute show, which takes place tomorrow.

This weekend, visitors can also look forward to guided seafront walking tours, a Vintage Bus Running Day, Take That Tribute Show and the opening of a fun children’s military training ground at the seafront Redoubt Fortress, with assault course, monkey bars and bayonet training.

However the resort’s biggest highlight, Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow, kicks off in just two weeks from 14 – 17 August and organisers are continuing with all plans, which utilise much of the length of the seafront.

The free, four day airshow is set to welcome the Red Arrows every day, celebrating their 50 year anniversary, the Eurofighter Typhoon, Chinook, Canberra cold war jet and the UK’s first Lancaster bomber formation in 50 years. The historic display which pays tribute to those who fought in Bomber Command, will feature the last two airworthy Lancaster aircraft in the world, one of which begins its long transatlantic journey from Canada this Monday.

Cllr David Tutt added “The attractions and flying displays at Airbourne are completely unaffected by yesterday’s events and we are continuing with full plans for our live music stage on the beach and our end of show fireworks party, which celebrates 50 years of the Red Arrows.

Viewing areas along the beaches and promenades will be open as usual, so we don’t anticipate space will be compromised.”

Approx 200m of promenade and beaches around the pier will remain closed for several days while essential safety works take place, however it is anticipated these will re-open soon.

Beaches within the lifeguarded safe bathing area west of the Bandstand are also safe to swim.

As a temporary precaution for a few days, swimmers are being advised not to swim to the East of the Bandstand, in case of debris.

For more information visit www.visiteastbourne.com/airbourne

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.

Fantastic photo, filming and interview opportunities around two big anniversaries at the UK’s biggest seafront airshow this August. Travel/lifestyle press visits also available on request for future features and reviews. 

Visitors to this year’s Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow are in for a double treat this year, as the free seafront airshow from 14 – 17 August looks forward to two major 50 year celebrations in the airshow calendar. Alongside a brand new live music stage on the beach, World War One displays and a visit by the Transformers Optimus Prime truck, this year’s show is set to be bigger than ever!

Last Two Lancasters in the World Re-united at Eastbourne

For historic aircraft fans, the long awaited arrival of the Canadian Lancaster RCAF FM213, makes its way across the Atlantic in August, with Eastbourne being the first European show to display the last two surviving flying Lancasters in the world flying together for the first time in 50 years. The poignant once in a lifetime display will feature as part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight every day of the show, which includes a Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster.

Golden Year for the Red Arrows

Celebrating their 50 year anniversary, the RAF Red Arrows will display every day of the four day airshow, with a special 50th display season show and new look Union Jack tailfins. The only show in the UK to receive four displays, Airbourne organisers will mark the teams golden year with a special red, white, blue and gold fireworks display at the end of show party on Sunday night.

Eastbourne Borough Council Senior Head of Tourism and Leisure, Tracey McNulty said “We are extremely excited to have the Canadian Lancaster display at Airbourne this year as part of the Battle of Britain display. Visitors will be thrilled to see the two aircraft unite in the first UK date on the display tour, and aircraft enthusiasts will be eager to hear the iconic roar 8 Rolls Royce Merlin engines, along with many other exciting displays confirmed.; Coupled with the Red Arrows 50 year anniversary, this year’s Airbourne is set to be better than ever!”

Joining the flying line up, fast jet fans can enjoy the resounding heavy metal of the Eurofighter Typhoon and precision aerobatics from The Blades, Breitling Wingwalkers, Tucano, Tutor, Chinook, Lynx and Sea King. An impressive historic line-up includes the Mustang, Canberra, 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.

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 and 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 to 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. The legendary Optimus Prime truck and new Transformers Age of Distinction trailer, will be visiting following the release of the brand new film. Kids will love 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 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.

Celebrating the new feature film release of Disney’s Planes, in UK cinemas 16 August 2013, Disney and the Matadors Aerobatic Team present Team Dusty and Team Ripslinger to Eastbourne’s skies for an out of this world display at Airbourne.

Airbourne 15-18 August is just weeks away and the line up is phenomenal this year. The Matadors are undergoing a Planes makeover and will be entertaining crowds with a movie inspired display!

The two fully Planes branded Sbach XtremeAir XA41s are piloted by air racing champion Paul Bonhomme (Team Dusty) and Steve Jones (Team Ripslinger).

From above the world of Cars and Cars 2, Planes is an action packed 3D animated comedy adventure featuring Dusty, a plane with dreams of competing as a high flying air racer. But Dusty’s not exactly built for racing and happens to be afraid of heights. Dusty turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps him qualify to take on the defending race circuit champ; Ripslinger. Dusty’s courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible.

Eastbourne Borough Council Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure, Cllr Carolyn Heaps said “It is very exciting to have Disney here in Eastbourne at Airbourne and during the launch of the new movie Planes. The Matadors’ Team Dusty and Team Ripslinger display will be great to watch for all the family!”

Visitors should look out for the Disney Racing Hangar near the arena, where they will also have the chance to meet the pilots, test their flying skills and participate in other fun activities! More details including meet and greet times can be found in the Airbourne Programme.

To find out more about Disney’ Planes and to share your photos of the display, check out DisneyMoviesUK on Facebook and Twitter.

For more information on Eastbourne Airbourne go to www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk