HUGE crowds turned out to watch four days of dazzling air displays at the first Airbourne in three years.

Vintage planes and aerial acrobats took to the skies over Eastbourne for the airshow’s triumphant return after Covid.

The festival was celebrating its 28th year.

Families and plane fanatics packed the town for the festival which was blessed with gloriously sunny weather.

The visitors browsed the many stalls and enjoyed the fairground rides and flight simulators – but for most, all eyes were on the skies.

Since Thursday, The Tigers parachute team has soared down at a startling pace, landing gracefully on the beach in front of applauding crowds.

The Argus: Photo: Tom Freeman, The Argus Camera ClubPhoto: Tom Freeman, The Argus Camera Club

History fans have enjoyed Battle of Britain memorial flights each day as a Lancaster Bomber flanked by a Hurricane and Spitfire flew overhead.

There have also been incredible shows from the RAF Red Arrows, RAF Typhoon and Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers.

Crowds have also been lucky to see displays from favourites including the 1954 Strikemaster, Chinook HC6A, the Rolls-Royce Spitfire and the Roll-Royce Mustang.

New for 2022 was the Firefly, which took to the skies on all four days, and the Rich Goodwin Jet Pitts flew on Saturday and Sunday.

The Argus: Photo: Bradley Moon, The Argus Camera ClubPhoto: Bradley Moon, The Argus Camera Club

Councillor Margaret Bannister, lead member for tourism and culture, told The Argus: “We’ve had an incredible four days here in Eastbourne with sunshine, crowds and some awesome flying displays - we’re so delighted to see so many visitors return after a two year absence, to support the show. 

"Saturday was quite possibly one of our busiest days ever here in Eastbourne, with our robust overflow car parking plans quickly coming into effect to accommodate those additional visitors who were unable to travel by train.

"The work now begins to collect and count in programmes sales and donation boxes from all of the outlets and retail partners across the town, before we can make any decisions on the future of the show.

"Our thanks go to all of our sponsors, emergency services and volunteers who have so generously given up their time and resources to support the event. 

"We also give grateful thanks to the Airbourne fans who have kindly donated to keep the show going. 

"If you haven’t had a chance to donate yet then you can still do so at SaveAirbourne.com, with 30 per cent of the proceeds also supporting local charities.”