World's Largest Civilian Display Team Jets into Sussex This Week
12th August 2019
The world’s largest civilian display team, the Breitling Jets, make their Sussex debut this week, displaying across all four days at Eastbourne International Airshow from 15 – 18 August, sponsored by Ginsters.
Featuring 55 displays in total across the free seafront show, fans can also look forward to the thundering Typhoon, the heavy duty Chinook, the poignant Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the final season of the Tucano before it retires from RAF service.
World record holders, The Blades, and family favourites, the Wingwalkers, will be in action, along with new displays from the Ultimate Warbirds, Sea Fury T-20, Gazelle Squadron, Strikemaster pair and the Norwegian T-33 Shooting Star, which will be performing alongside its former cold war ‘enemy’ the MiG-15.
The Tutor, Mustang, Rich Goodwin Pitts Special, FireFlies and The Tigers Parachute Display Team complete the free four day line up.
Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Tourism and Enterprise, Cllr Margaret Bannister said “We’re really excited to see this incredible French team paint the skies across Eastbourne, not once, but four times, in a rare visit to the south coast. Don’t forget to pick up the essential flying guide in our official programme and donate into the bucket collection – the funds will help to keep Airbourne flying high in the future.”
On Sunday evening, the FireFlies look set to delight with a shimmering twilight performance using LED lights and wingtip pyrotechnics, co-ordinated for the first time to both music and aerial fireworks. A dazzling firework finale follows at the earlier time of 9.30pm, sponsored by Ginsters and supported by the Eastbourne Hospitality Association and Frontier Fireworks.
On the Ground
On the ground, budding air crew can climb aboard a replica Chinook in the RAF and Army military exhibition, test their fitness on the RAF Cadets climbing wall, try out the new RAF Motorsports driving simulator or RAF Operation Virtual Reality (min 10 years) and experience flying the latest F35B Lightning II jet.
As well as children’s entertainment beaches, simulators and a Big Wheel, Twitter fans can see themselves on the big screen by tweeting their airshow selfies using #EastbourneSelfie, with live streaming of all the flying action on Saturday and Sunday.
Free Family Films
At the end of flying each day, the big screen will transform into a free open air family cinema with movie screenings for Christopher Robin (Thursday), Peter Rabbit (Friday), The Lego Movie 2 (Saturday) and Mamma Mia – Here We Go Again (Sunday). In the evening, music fans can also enjoy the likes of the Swingshift Big Band, and tributes to Little Mix and Take That at the Bandstand.
Paws for a Selfie and Give Generously
Ace and Aimee Airbear will be greeting fans with donation buckets and posing for selfies on the Western Lawns, as children, and grown ups too, can meet the cuddly duo for a #bearhug.
With donations helping to fund flying displays at the airshow, 30% of the money is also split between local charities The Chaseley Trust, Parkinson’s UK (Hailsham) and Eastbourne Blind Society to support their valuable work. Organised by Steve Newman, Mike Barlow, Robin White and supported by Sovereign Harbour and Hailsham Rotary Clubs, the collectors will be out and about every day.
Beat the Traffic
Best parking spots are on Five Acre Field off Lottbridge Drove with bus services running to the Pier, or for a closer spot near the Western Lawns, there is premium parking on King Edwards Parade (opposite Staveley Road).
For an aerial view of the bigger displays over Eastbourne, Beachy Head offers overflow parking, where helicopter pleasure flights also operate offering stunning national park views, and airshow commentary can be picked up live on Radio Airbourne 87.7FM.
Where to Watch
Entry to the Western Lawns and seafront is free, however to guarantee a great viewing spot, exclusive seating is available at the Bandstand in the centre of the display line from £7 per adult, or for a VIP day with first class seats and dining, the Aviator Club is available on the Western Lawns with private facilities and perfect views.
Pick up a Programme
Support the airshow and buy a programme! With a full round-up of all flying times, ground attractions, handy discount vouchers and an exclusive chance to win a Citizen Red Arrows watch, the souvenir programme is available, priced at £4, from a variety of stockists, Eastbourne Tourist Information Centre, Seafront Office and sellers at the event.
Airbourne is proudly sponsored by Ginsters, Boundless CSMA, Caffyns, More Radio, Eastbourne Motoring Centre, Euro Selfdrive, Environment First, Gemini Print, Stagecoach, Stone Cross Garden Centre, The View Hotel, W. Bruford, Eastbourne Hospitality Association and Frontier Fireworks.
To order a programme, donate online, view live streaming or to book hospitality or airshow seating, visit www.eastbourneairshow.com.
