Thousands will flock to the seaside this week as an air show celebrates its 30th anniversary.

Eastbourne Airbourne has become a staple of the summer events calendar with attractions including the Red Arrows.

This year’s show will once again see dozens of aircraft displays over the seafront – including more new planes flying for the first time.

When is Airbourne?

Eastbourne Airbourne will take over the town’s seafront for four days this week between Thursday, August 15, and Sunday, August 18.

Dozens of planes will fly along a two-mile stretch of the seafront from around lunchtime each day until around 5pm.

Flights will take place over the sea between Silverdale Road and Terminus Road, near Eastbourne Pier.

Where can you watch the flying displays?

Planes will be flying all along the seafront near Grand Parade and King Edward’s Parade and viewing areas will be set up along the beach and towards Western Lawns.

Visitors will also crowd around Wish Tower to get some of the best views of the planes as they head over the seafront.

Crowds at Airbourne in 2023Crowds at Airbourne in 2023 (Image: Chris Hook)

Planes will also be able to be seen from Beachy Head, where people can pay to park and watch the displays.

Visitors can also reserve seating for the event near Eastbourne Bandstand.

What time are the Red Arrows flying?

The Red Arrows are always a big attraction for those heading to Airbourne, and this year the RAF flying squad will be heading in on Thursday.

The Red Arrows at Airbourne 2022The Red Arrows at Airbourne 2022

Times for the display are yet to be released.

Which planes are flying at Airbourne?

This year’s festival includes 12 different display groups across the four days, including several new displays for 2024.

This year’s schedule is:

Thursday, August 15:

  • Red Arrows
  • Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
  • Swedish Air Force Historic Flight
  • Bronco Demo Team
  • Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers
  • Rich Goodwin’s Jet Pitts
  • Jet Provost T5
  • Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight Mustang and Spitfire

Friday, August 16:

  • RAF Typhoon
  • RSF Grob Tutor Display
  • Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
  • Swedish Air Force Historic Flight
  • Bronco Demo Team
  • Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers
  • Rich Goodwin’s Jet Pitts
  • Jet Provost T5
  • Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight Mustang and Spitfire

Saturday, August 17, and Sunday, August 18:

  • D-Day Memorial Display featuring Blenheim, Spitfire and Mustang
  • The Starlings Aerobatic Team
  • RAF Typhoon
  • RSF Grob Tutor Display
  • Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
  • Bronco Demo Team
  • Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers
  • Rich Goodwin’s Jet Pitts
  • Jet Provost T5
  • Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight Mustang and Spitfire

How do I get to Airbourne?

Brighton residents can get to Airbourne each day by taking the 12, 12A, 12X and 13X bus services to Eastbourne.

From Hastings, residents can take the 99 service.

Train services will also be available to Eastbourne.

For those wishing to drive to Eastbourne, parking can be pre-booked for Five Acres Field in Lottbridge Drive, King Edward’s Parade and Beachy Head Park and View car park.

A park and ride service will run from Five Acres Field.