Organisers have announced the full aircraft line-up for this year’s English Riviera Airshow, with a mix of military and civilian display teams set to take to the skies over Paignton from Friday 29 to Sunday 31 May.
The 2026 event marks the 10th anniversary of the popular airshow, which first launched in 2016 and has since become one of the South West’s biggest free events.
Among the newly confirmed acts are the Royal Navy Black Cats, Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers, Jet Pitts, Firebirds and The Starlings, joining headline RAF displays including the Red Arrows, Typhoon and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
The Royal Navy Black Cats will perform their high-energy helicopter display using AW159 Wildcat helicopters, while the Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers return with their daring stunts atop vintage biplanes.
Award-winning pilot Rich Goodwin will also appear with the Jet Pitts, combining aerobatics with jet-powered performance flying.
Other aircraft confirmed for the weekend include the RAF Tutor, Jet Provost, Westland Wasp and Navy Wings Seafire.
The Firebirds are expected to be one of the highlights of the opening evening, bringing their twilight aerobatic display complete with pyrotechnics and LED lighting.
The RAF Red Arrows will display on Friday and Saturday, while the RAF Typhoon will fly on Saturday and Sunday.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will appear across all three days, featuring the C47 Dakota, Hurricane and Spitfire aircraft.
Flying display times
* Friday: 6.30pm to 9.30pm
* Saturday: 12pm to 4pm
* Sunday: 1pm to 4pm
Alongside the flying programme, visitors can enjoy live music, food and drink stalls, a funfair, carnival attractions and an Armed Forces village across the weekend.
Premium seating and parking packages are available to book online, with organisers encouraging visitors to plan ahead due to the large crowds expected.
Councillor Jackie Thomas, Torbay Council’s Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture and Events, said the 10th anniversary line-up was “set to be a fantastic weekend”.
Carolyn Custerson, chief executive of the English Riviera BID Company, added: “Wow, what a line up! This year’s programme has something for everyone.”
More information, including programmes, parking and seating bookings, is available via the English Riviera Airshow website.
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