Photo: Cpl Phil Major ABIPP/MOD, OGL v1.0OGL v1.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Airbourne returns from Thursday 15th to Sunday 18th August 2024
Updated 29th January 2024 – We’re delighted to let you know that Airbourne 2024 is happening once again this year
2024 marks yet another milestone for Airbourne as it celebrates its 30th year. As usual, the event and takes place over a four-day period from Thursday 15th August to Sunday 18th August 2024.
Unlike many other airshows, one of the best things about the Eastbourne Airshow is that you can watch the air display completely free. One of the prime viewing spots is right in the thick of things at Eastbourne Seafront. As always, this event is extremely popular so expect to be part of a large crowd! If you don’t want to be in the thick of it, there are plenty of opportunities to view from further afield – The air display line stretches a colossal 2 miles so anywhere within a mile radius of Eastbourne’s seafront will still give you a great vantage point.
Whilst we’ve tried our best to make sure all the info below is accurate, we advise that you check the official website to confirm everything if you’re planning on attending Airbourne 2024
Aircraft Appearing at Airbourne 2024 – TBC
RAF Typhoon – Photo with kind thanks to Terry Ryder
The 2024 Flying lineup
**PLEASE CHECK BACK SOON TO SEE THE AIRCRAFT APPEARING
What appeared last year?
- Rich Goodwin Jet Pitts
- Firefly
- Rolls-Royce Mustang & Spitfire
- Team Raven
- The Tigers Army Parachute Display Team
- Tutor T1
- Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Lancaster Spitfire & Hurricane)
- Norwegian Vampire
- Strikemaster
- Pair Fury
- Red Arrows
- Typhoon
- Chinook
- Boultbee Spitfire
A No-show for the Red Arrows in 2024?
Formed at the end of 1964, “The Red Arrows” is the aerobatics display team of the RAF. The team’s legendary displays are a fixture of British summer events and, as you’d expect, the Eastbourne Airshow is no exception as the famous display team usually makes an appearance every year. However, for 2024, the council have announced that the Red Arrows won’t be appearing this year due to “overseas commitments”. On the plus side, however, a spokesperson has been quoted as saying that this would leave the door open for “exciting opportunities to introduce fresh, never-seen-before aerial displays to Eastbourne”.
SAC Adam Fletcher, OGL v1.0OGL v1.0, via Wikimedia Commons
BBMF
Perhaps one of the main attractions, aside from the Red Arrows and the impressive Typhoon is usually the BBMF (Battle of Britain Memorial Flight). Despite not being the fastest planes you’ll see, the BBMF usually consists of the Avro Lancaster, a Supermarine Spitfire and a Hawker Hurricane, two of which are shown in the lead image of this article and also in the image below.
Photo courtesy of Terry Ryder
Like all airshows, flying displays are of course subject to operational commitments, weather and serviceability conditions.
Watch the video
If you’ve never attended the Eastbourne Airshow before, the video below from 2018 will give you a taster of what you can expect.
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Opening times
Ground attractions usually open from 10am to 5.30pm Thursday and Friday and 10am to 6pm on Saturday and Sunday but please check the official website to confirm that it’s the same for this year. The flying displays typically run from lunchtime until around 5pm each day.
Getting there
As the Eastbourne Airshow is always a hugely popular event, it’s worth taking some time to plan your trip. If you’re travelling by car, here are a few useful tips on parking:
Car parking
Obviously, due to the massive increase in visitors over the 4 days, parking can be a real headache if you haven’t planned in advance, Because of this, we strongly recommend heading over to the official website’s dedicated page on parking. For those of you who want to organise this in advance, you can now also pre-book a parking space for added peace of mind, meaning you don’t have to worry about where you can park on the day.
Last year, there was a “park and bus” scheme in operation at Five Acres Field, Lottbridge Drove, BN22 7SG, where you could park up and take the bus down towards the seafront.
The page also contains more information about what car parks are available, where they’re located and how much they cost. There’s also additional info on disabled parking, motorbike parking, coach parking and EV charging points.
The best place to watch? – Park n’ View car park at Dencher, Beachy Head
This is our TOP-TIP for what we think is an awesome view!
This particular location is a bit different… and extremely popular. It gives you a unique opportunity to view the Airshow from a higher vantage point. To get there, head to the Park n’ View car park at Dencher, Beachy Head. There are toilets and refreshments at this location and also a pub if you fancy a tipple. Parking charges will apply. Make sure you set off early from home to avoid the inevitable queues
Please be aware that this location isn’t on the official display line. Nevertheless, it’s still a good vantage point as many planes fly past and you’ll be at roughly the same altitude or even above! If you want to get a good idea of what to expect, watch the video below.
View from Beachy Head
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Tune in on the radio
Last year, the event was broadcast online and on 87.7 FM, so you could tune in to Radio Airbourne. If the same applies this year, you’ll hear the build-up to the event and you’ll also get live commentary during the actual display.
Watch online
If you can’t make it to the 2024 airshow, you’ll still be able to soak up the atmosphere by watching for free online. The live-streaming service should start at midday so visit the official site (link near the top of this page) to watch.
Ground attractions
There are plenty of ways to keep busy at ground level – There’s the Big Wheel, and flight simulators as well as two special beach play areas for the kids which include giant inflatables and bungee trampolining.
Eastbourne’s iconic Big Wheel
**NOT YET CONFIRMED FOR 2024 AT THE TIME OF WRITING
Why not “elevate your senses” on the UK’s largest transportable Ferris wheel. Offering unparalleled panoramic views of the coastline from a towering height of over 160ft, it’s a thrilling experience that you won’t want to miss. The observation “Big Wheel” or Eastbourne Eye is the ultimate way to take in the breathtaking sights of Eastbourne’s air display and ground activities and you can find it located on Western Lawns next to Bistro Pierre
Grand Finale Firework Display
Every year at the close of the Eastbourne Airshow there’s a breathtaking, free firework display. This year’s spectacle will most likely take place at 9pm on Sunday 18th August 2024 and is definitely not to be missed.
Once again, if you’d like to find out about everything that’s going on at this year’s Eastbourne Airbourne Airshow, head on over to the official website and please also consider making a donation to support this fabulous FREE event.
Disclaimer: Please note that this article is intended to provide as accurate information as possible. Whilst we assume most of the details are correct, some details may be subject to change. There also may be additional information that we may have missed so please click on the link further up for the official website if you plan to attend Eastbourne Airshow 2024.