An airshow will return in 2023 after being described as an “essential part” of the tourism industry.
Airbourne, Eastbourne's International Airshow, has now been officially given the green light to continue next year.
There had been some doubt over its future. In 2021 it was announced it would be returning for one year only due to financial uncertainty after the Covid pandemic.
But Eastbourne Borough Council said today that it will be back next August.
This year marked 28 years of the show as it returned for the first time since the pandemic.
Thousands flocked to the town to watch displays from planes such as the Red Arrows.
Eastbourne Borough Councillor Margaret Bannister, lead member for tourism and culture, said: “We are excited to be bringing back our biggest event of the year and will be working hard to put in place even more measures to reduce our carbon footprint.
“Thank you to everyone who donated, joined as an ambassador or helped to fund the event financially – your kind support ensured we met our 2022 funding target and this has given Airbourne the chance to fly another year.
This year’s event was so successful that it made a surplus of more than £10,000, which will be reinvested into the 2023 show.
Mark Cotman, of the Eastbourne Hospitality Association management team, said: “Airbourne has become a valuable economic driver for tourism both locally and across the region, promoting the UK staycation, and we are proud to have supported the event this year.
"In addition to boosting overnight stays in Eastbourne accommodation and spending in restaurants, attractions and shops, the event also plays an important role in raising the profile of Eastbourne as a destination and attracting first-time visitors to the town – an essential part of sustaining our tourism industry for future generations.”
Steps are also being taken to continue the event’s aims of reducing its carbon footprint. Measures this year included prioritising displays with carbon offsetting plans and the use of electric cars and vegetable oil powered generators.
Airbourne will return from August 17 to August 20, 2023.
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