Local Charities Fly High After Airbourne Cheque Presentation

6th December 2022

Three charities have been presented with thousands of pounds following the success of bucket collections at this year’s Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow.

Eastbourne RNLI, Children with Cancer Fund and Eastbourne & District Samaritans each received a donation of £3,310.77 at a recent presentation.

Also at the presentation were representatives from Sovereign Harbour and Hailsham Rotary Clubs, who both co-ordinated the bucket collections during the four day free airshow.

This year’s show was the first in two years following the Covid-19 pandemic and the bucket collections now bring the total amount raised for charities from the event over the years to more than £100,000.

The bucket collections have become integral in securing a vibrant flying programme at the airshow, with 70% of donations helping to fund the flying displays and the remaining 30% of donations being split between three local charities, all of whom support the show with volunteer collectors.

With Airbourne set to return next year, organisers have also revealed that as well as two local charities, the People’s Charity – chosen by members of the public – will also return in 2023.

Councillor Margaret Bannister, Eastbourne Borough Council’s Lead Member for Tourism & Culture, said, “It was wonderful to see so many people donating at this year's Airbourne and that has resulted in bumper donations to the three chosen charities.

“These donations really do make a huge difference to local charities - we have seen the brilliant work that they do and are proud to have supported them at this year’s show.

“As a free airshow, the bucket collections are a fundamental source of funding and the rest of the donations will go a long way to keep Airbourne flying high with a packed programme of displays in the future.

“I would also like to thank the volunteer bucket collectors who were out all four days of the airshow.”

Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow returns next year from 17-20 August and bookings are now open for Airshow Hospitality, the Airbourne Supporters Club and the Air Bear Club.  Fans can also join as an Airbourne Ambassador with monthly payments from just £2.

To be the first to hear exclusive event and flying announcements for Airbourne 2023, sign up to become an Airshow insider at EastbourneAirshow.com.