The dates of the World’s biggest FREE seafront airshow have been confirmed as Airbourne is set to return to Eastbourne seafront for four days from 13-16 August 2009.

Taking place for its 17th year in 2009, the seafront airshow regularly attracts a fast and furious mix of fast jets, aerobatics, helicopters, freefall parachutists, and old warbirds plus crowd-pleasing arena attractions.

From visitors meeting and speaking to pilots from across the world to watching adrenaline-fuelled arena displays ranging from the Royal Marines Unarmed Combat to a Jet Pack Man fuelled only by his engine-powered rucksack, Airbourne is renowned for putting on the biggest action-packed show on the south coast.

The Leader of Eastbourne Borough Council, Councillor David Tutt said “I am extremely pleased to announce the dates for this year’s Airbourne. It’s a highlight of Eastbourne’s summer and a favourite with visitors from across the world. Kids love watching the dynamic aerobatics in the skies while visitors return year on year to admire a glorious display from the beautiful setting of Eastbourne seafront.”

Every year, Eastbourne Borough Council work alongside the RAF to put on a dazzling show, which features top flying displays, flight simulators, full size replica aircraft and ground exhibits from the RAF careers team.

The seafront airshow based on the open landscape of the Western Lawns also features a wide range of trade stands to suit all pockets from children’s attractions to a diverse catering village with Eastbourne beaches providing a magnificent setting to watch all the action.

With evening entertainment also scheduled to take place, Airbourne makes the perfect day out for those long summer days; from Bandstand concerts to a breathtaking firework finale on the Sunday night.

The Council are currently working with the local Business Community on Airbourne so that it becomes a self-funding event.

For more information and the latest news airshow enthusiasts can sign up online to become a Friend of Airbourne and receive regular updates to their inbox. Visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk or telephone 0871 663 0031.

Crowd favourite the Red Arrows are getting ready to zoom over Eastbourne town centre next week before dazzling spectators with their aerobatic formations at Airbourne, the world’s biggest seafront airshow.This year the iconic Red Arrows are set to whizz through the skies above Eastbourne town with a breathtaking arrival in Big Arrow formation before performing in the seafront skies. Unlike recent years where the famous diamond-9 have flown in from opposite directions along the coast, 2008 will see the team surprise spectators as they soar directly overhead into a drilled routine of tight formation aerobatics and synchronised manoeuvres.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said “We are extremely pleased to welcome back the Red Arrows for 2008 and their spectacular arrival straight over spectators’ heads will really give visitors something to look out for. The line up for 2008 is very impressive and we have a host of displays; from the Tutor, Typhoon, Hawk and Tucano celebrating 90 years of the RAF to the bold team of Guinot Wingwalkers. Plus there is plenty of action on the ground too with a brand new free-running team all the way from Holland.”

The Red Arrows are set to impress spectators as they close the show at 4.50pm on Friday, and then kick off the flying action on Saturday and Sunday with displays scheduled for 1pm.

Also joining them in the skies over Eastbourne seafront during the four day airshow are The Tigers who’ll drop onto Eastbourne beach with their smoke-trailing parachute formations. Plus other appearances include The Blades, RAF Chinook, Mustang, Spitfire and a special fly over from the Plane Sailing Catalina who hasn’t displayed at Airbourne for over five years.

Visitors on the ground will be able to watch arena demonstrations from the Essex Dog Display Team as they leap through hoops of fire and can cheer on the Go Fast Parkour Team who are set to make an impact with their energetic free-running.

The return of the Go Fast jet pack man sees a brave performer use only his engine-powered backpack to lift off, while the RAF Swing Wing Band provide a musical sound to yesteryear as they continue their tradition of touring seaside resorts.

Tickets to Airbourne are still on sale and at only £5 per person per day, airshow fans can enjoy the best views and guarantee their position at the forefront of all the flying and arena action.

Available online from visiteastbourne.com, over the counter at Eastbourne Tourist Information Centre and from the Box Office on 01323 412000, Airbourne enthusiasts are encouraged to book their tickets now.

The airshow kicks off next Thursday 14 August and a brand new Airbourne souvenir magazine is on sale now from Eastbourne Tourist Information Centre and VisitEastbourne.com containing all the flying and display times, plus special features, photographs and interviews.

For more information on Airbourne telephone 0871 663 0031 or visit www.visiteastbourne.com or www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk

Visitors can Go Green at the world’s biggest seafront airshow as artist, David Kefford invites spectators to recycle their rubbish and transform a piece of aviation memorabilia into a modern day sculpture.This year, visitors to Eastbourne seafront airshow, Airbourne, will be able to do more than just watch planes dazzle in the skies overhead. Airshow fans are being invited to do their bit for the environment during the four day event and instead of binning their used cans, water bottles and cardboard; they can drop their rubbish off at the art sculpture point on the Wish Tower Slopes to provide materials to build the recycled sculpture.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said “I am very excited about this unusual art project taking place at Airbourne. It is something completely different and totally new for the airshow and with David building the sculpture over all four days; visitors will literally see the transformation before their eyes. Judging by some of David’s previous recycled projects, the change promises to be pretty spectacular.”

From cardboard boxes to drink cans, from bubble wrap to water bottles, leaflets and cartons, David will work with just about any materials. With his starting base, David employs a unique and lively technique to build the sculpture and has previously transformed a saloon car and traditional black cab.

From 14-17 August 2008, David will work on his most ambitious challenge yet – transforming a plane tail unit. With a team of volunteers, a hands-on approach will use packaging tape, cable ties and cord to bind the objects together as the plane unit becomes virtually unrecognisable by the end of the four days.

David Kefford is looking forward to working on the Airbourne sculpture: “I really wanted to use a section of a real airplane as the basis to the project to provide a ‘tangible’ connection and context to the event. Visiting Duxford to select my starting point provided plenty of inspiration and I can’t wait to start building the sculpture.”

With bumper flying displays including the Red Arrows, Catalina and Guinot Wingwalkers, brand new arena attractions from the Go Fast Parkour group and Essex Dog Display team, and Bandstand evening entertainment over all four nights, the addition of the novel recycling project means there really is something for everyone at Airbourne this summer.

For further information on Airbourne visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk or www.visiteastbourne.com or telephone 0871 663 0031.

Fans of the biggest seafront airshow in the world have just a few days left to redeem their Buy One Get One Free (BOGOF) vouchers slashing Airbourne entry to just £2.50 per person.The offer printed exclusively in Eastbourne Herald and Gazette since mid June, ends this Friday 8 August and all vouchers must be redeemed by midnight on Friday, either online at www.visiteastbourne.com, over the counter at Eastbourne Tourist Information Centre or from the Box Office on 01323 412000. With standard tickets priced at £5 per person per day, airshow enthusiasts are being encouraged to make the most of the discount with the Red Arrows, Guinot Wingwalkers, Plane Sailing Catalina and much, much more set to perform at this year’s Airbourne.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said “Eager Airbourne spectators need to make the most of the discount while it lasts as this year’s airshow is shaping up to be the best yet with a real variety of displays and brand new exciting arena action. The offer ends this Friday but with plenty of ways to book tickets, there is no excuse for missing out this summer. Thousands of tickets have already been sold so fans that have yet to purchase tickets are urged to do so.”

The Red Arrows are set to perform on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at this year’s airshow when it returns from 14-17 August, with a bumper line up of flying displays scheduled over all four days providing nearly 25 hours of spectacular aerobatic action.

A full round up of flying times will be available in the new look official Airbourne glossy souvenir magazine, which goes on sale this Friday. Featuring colourful photos, exclusive interviews and fantastic competitions, Airbourne fans can buy copies in advance from the Tourist Information Centre or on the day from programme sellers along the seafront.

For those that don’t make it in time for the BOGOF ticket offer, Airbourne tickets will still be available from the Tourist Information Centre and Box Office in the week leading up to the event, as well as on the day from ticket entries located along the seafront priced at £5 per person per day. No BOGOF vouchers can be redeemed on the day of the airshow.

Ticket entrances will be located at gates 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 14, 18, 21 and 22 along the seafront during the airshow and tickets will also be available from the Five Acre Field Park and Ride.

For more information and Airbourne location maps visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk or telephone 0871 663 0031.

Airbourne spectators are in for arena action with a difference in 2008 as the RAF College Band and Go Fast! Parkour team all the way from Holland headline the Western Lawn displays when the world’s biggest seafront airshow returns to Eastbourne next month.

On the ground Airbourne action sees several new and novel introductions for 2008 boasting a variety of displays; from the team at Go Fast impressing audiences with their energetic free-running to the RAF Swing Wing Band continuing their long tradition touring at seaside resorts, plus Europe’s premier dog team, the Essex Dog Display jump through hoops of fire. With hospitality at Airbourne going arena-side for 2008, airshow fans can book a day out at the Aviator Club and enjoy front-row arena seats with a three-course summer lunch for just £50+VAT per person.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said “I’m very excited about the Airbourne arena line-up for 2008 and I’m sure it will be a huge hit with airshow spectators. The opportunity to turn the arena and flying action into a first class day out with Aviator Club hospitality is fantastic and great for a special occasion with family and friends, or, for wining and dining business clients.With spectacular flying displays also confirmed from the Red Arrows, Guinot Wingwalkers, Catalina, RAF Typhoon, Hawk, Tucano and Tutor, plus the impressive Chinook helicopter, Airbourne is really shaping up for a bumper four days in August.”

The Royal Marines Commando Display Team is also set to perform their unarmed combat in the Airbourne arena. Visitors will be wowed as the team that are based at the Royal Naval Air Station, demonstrate their ability to defend attacks and showcase the skills that they deploy all over the world in mountains, desert, jungle and even the Arctic.

Tickets for an exclusive day out at the Aviator Club are on sale now and airshow fans can enjoy uninterrupted views of all the twists and turns in the skies as well as on the ground action, for only £50+VAT, when Airbourne returns to Eastbourne from 14-17 August.

Including a champagne welcome and three-course summer lunch, make the most of the Aviator Club with the best seats on the seafront and dine alfresco at the biggest international airshow.

The flying schedule is shaping up to be action-packed too with the Red Arrows zooming through Eastbourne skies on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A full round-up with times will be available in the official Airbourne souvenir programme on sale from 8 August.

To make a booking for Aviator Club Hospitality telephone the Events team on 01323 415442 or visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk to download a booking form.

For tickets to the airshow buy online from VisitEastbourne.com E-shop, pop into the Tourist Information Centre or telephone Eastbourne Box Office on 01323 412000.

For further information on Airbourne airshow visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk

Exclusive Bandstand viewing seats for the world’s biggest seafront airshow are selling out fast with visitors keen to make the most of the best, unrestricted views of the dynamic flying displays over Eastbourne seafront.Tickets went on sale last month offering visitors the chance to book a seat for the day around the town’s historic Bandstand with exclusive views of Airbourne airshow. At just £10 per person when combined with Airbourne entry, the tickets present excellent value for money at the forefront of all the flying action as the Red Arrows, Guinot Wingwalkers, Blades aerobatic team, Spitfire and RAF Typhoon, Hawk, Tutor and Tucano get set to zoom through Eastbourne skies this August.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said “The Bandstand exclusive viewing seats are proving extremely popular this year with visitors eager to make the most of the uninterrupted views of the Airbourne flying displays all from the beautiful setting of the Bandstand’s upper balcony. There are some top displays coming up at Airbourne this year and knowing you have your own seat to enjoy the airshow makes the event a top day out this summer, with visitors making group bookings for friends and family.”

Sales are very high for the weekend package tickets of Airbourne entry plus exclusive viewing seat and airshow organisers, Eastbourne Borough Council, are considering releasing more seats to fulfil the growing demand from weekend visitors.

On sale through VisitEastbourne.com’s E-shop, the combined ticket at just £10 per person per day offers a top saving and was the number one online seller for June. With Airbourne entry tickets also available online at just £5, or £2.50 with the Herald and Gazette Buy One Get One Free vouchers, online orders have hit an all time high.

For those that have yet to reserve their space on Eastbourne seafront, or their exclusive seat at the Bandstand, tickets are still available online through VisitEastbourne.com, over the counter at Eastbourne Tourist Information Centre or from Eastbourne Box Office on 01323 412000.

The Aviator Club is also new for 2008 and offers arena-side hospitality on the Western Lawns, making an extra special treat for a birthday or special occasion. The airshow also makes a fabulous setting to entertain business clients and prices start from just £50 for a three-course summer lunch and champagne welcome on the front row of the arena action. To find out more about the Aviator Club or to make a booking call 01323 415442.

With sales increasing every day as the airshow approaches, Airbourne organisers are set for a busy month in the lead up to the event as flying schedules are finalised and the new souvenir programme goes on sale.

Airbourne returns to Eastbourne seafront from 14-17 August. For further information telephone 0871 663 0031 or visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk

Budding DJs will have the chance to hit the waves on their own prime time radio show, as Radio Airbourne 87.7FM brings back its X-Factor style DJ competition.The Radio Star competition, run by Eastbourne Borough Council and sponsored by Specsavers, is now open to entries from aspiring DJs and radio enthusiasts of any age. Competing for their own hour long arena-side show at Airbourne airshow on Sunday 17 August, entrants can compete for the sought after slot by sending in a 5-minute audition tape ready to impress the tough panel of judges.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said “This really is an opportunity not to be missed by any budding radio presenter to get some hands-on experience in a real radio studio and gain some behind the scenes production skills, with top advice from some experienced broadcasters. Taking to the waves for the first time, the winner could well be the next big radio star.”

Entrants must make a real impression on a two-man panel, including Specsavers’ Matt Briggs and Radio Airbourne’s own Mr Nasty, Station Manager, Ian Harling. Looking for a Radio Idol, entries will be judged on vocal abilities and lively content ready to rouse Airbourne visitors this August.

Ian said “It’s going to be a tough fought competition, but I will be critical and only the best can make it. We are looking for raw talent so experience isn’t essential, just a good voice, interesting dialogue and the desire to be number one, with real attention to detail.”

The winner will get to spend a full day with the team working behind the scenes of the official radio station to the world’s biggest seafront airshow and will receive a recording of their own show on CD.

This year, Radio Airbourne 87.7FM, joins the airwaves from Monday 11 through to Sunday 17 August, broadcasting live commentary, pilot interviews, traffic and weather updates and a great variety of music. Broadcast 24 hours a day, listeners will be able to tune in at any time throughout the week to get the latest flying news and previews.

Entries are open now for budding radio stars to send in their own 5-minute long CD or Mini Disc recording, with entries closing on 3rd August. Recordings should be sent to the Station Manager, Radio Airbourne, Eastbourne Borough Council, 68 Grove Road, Eastbourne, BN21 4UH.

There are also plenty of opportunities to advertise on Radio Airbourne 87.7FM. Telephone the Events Team on 01323 415442 to find out more.

For more information on Airbourne and Radio Airbourne 87.7FM visit www.eastbourneairshow.com or telephone 0871 663 0031. To book tickets for this year’s airshow telephone the Box Office on 01323 412000, visit www.visiteastbourne.com or pop into Eastbourne Tourist Information Centre.

Visitors to Eastbourne’s annual airshow can sit back and watch dynamic flying displays in style from a host of daredevil sky performers including the Red Arrows, Guinnot Wingwalkers and Tigers parachute team with exclusive seating around Eastbourne Bandstand.

Package tickets for the exclusive Bandstand viewing area are on sale from Friday 20 June at just £10 per person, giving free entry into the airshow plus a reserved seat at the Bandstand. Offering unrestricted views of all the twists and turns of the skies from the south coast’s premier outdoor entertainment venue, visitors can chill out, enjoy a cool refreshment and watch the action on their own deckchair for the day.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said “The package offer of admission AND an exclusive viewing seat is a fantastic deal and offers visitors the chance to enjoy every bit of the airshow while relaxing and taking in the sun. Airbourne promises an action-packed day out for all the family and what better way to enjoy the event, than to have the freedom to wander round and watch the arena displays, knowing you have your own seat to return to when the overhead flying action begins.”

Airbourne visitors are being encouraged to reserve their seats early, with exclusive viewing tickets on sale from Friday. With exclusive Bandstand seats priced at £7 and Airbourne admission £5 when purchased separately, the package ticket offers value for money at this year’s airshow.

Available from the seafront office, Tourist Information Centre and online through Visit Eastbourne’s E-shop, Airbourne fans can ensure they’re at the forefront of all the Airbourne action when the airshow returns to the Western Lawns from 14-17 August 2008.

For more information on the exclusive Bandstand seating telephone 0871 663 0031 or visit www.visiteastbourne.com or www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk

Airbourne fans make a note of this date now: Friday 20 June 2008 – the day tickets go on sale for the biggest seafront airshow in the world.Tickets for Eastbourne’s annual airshow will be available from Eastbourne Box Office, Tourist Information Centre, and online through Visit Eastbourne’s E-shop and enthusiastic visitors are being encouraged to book their tickets early. Priced at just £5 per person, visitors will also be able to take advantage of Buy One Get One Free offers in Eastbourne Herald and Gazette, with special vouchers slashing tickets to just £2.50 for a limited time period.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said “Tickets for Airbourne really are a bargain price and present excellent value for money. Eastbourne is proud of its airshow and the four days in August promise to be action-packed with displays from the Red Arrows, RAF Typhoon, Tucano and Hawk, plus a special appearance from the Catalina. With tickets admitting visitors to the premier viewing position on Eastbourne seafront, they are guaranteed the best views and the most action.”

Advance tickets will be available online through e-shop on www.visiteastbourne.com , over the phone on 01323 412000, or over the counter at Eastbourne Box Office and Tourist Information Centre.

Airbourne returns to Eastbourne seafront from 14-17 August 2008. With the Red Arrows, Guinnot Wingwalkers, and Tigers parachute display team already confirmed to perform daring aerobatics at this year’s airshow, visitors will also be able to buy tickets on the day from booths located along the seafront.

For more information telephone 0871 663 0031 or visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk or www.visiteastbourne.com

Tickets are now on sale for exclusive arena-side hospitality at Airbourne, the biggest seafront airshow in the world, as the dynamic seafront airshow launches The Aviator Club. Brand new for 2008, Airbourne hospitality goes arena-side where guests are invited to enjoy uninterrupted views of all the twists and turns in the skies, with a champagne welcome and three-course summer lunch. The Aviator Club will offer Airbourne enthusiasts the best seats on the seafront to enjoy the dynamic flying displays while dining alfresco in the sunniest place in the UK.

Eastbourne Borough Council Spokesperson for Tourism, Cllr Steve Wallis said “Airbourne is a fantastic event in Eastbourne and the highlight of the summer, with the chance to be amazed by daredevil stunts from the Red Arrows and enjoy Eastbourne’s stunning seafront location. I am really pleased to launch The Aviator Club and it’s a brilliant opportunity for a special day out with family and friends or to wine and dine clients in a cool, seaside location.”

Organisers of the airshow, Eastbourne Borough Council, are looking forward to offering guests the chance to enjoy Airbourne in comfort and style. The Club opens at 12 noon, welcoming visitors with a glass of champagne before they tuck into a three-course lunch, with fine wine, Pimms and champagne all on tap.

With tickets for The Aviator Club at just £50, it promises all the fun of an action-packed day with the added luxury of the hospitality tent. Sit back, relax and watch breathtaking displays from the Red Arrows, Guinnot Wingwalkers and RAF Typhoon.

To book tickets or get a booking form contact Jayne Howard from the Events team on 01323 415442 or e-mail jayne.howard@eastbourne.gov.uk. For more information about Airbourne telephone 0871 663 0031 or visit www.eastbourneairshow.co.uk