This year’s Airshow will see incredible aerial displays across all three days of the event.
Event organisers are thrilled to announce that the Red Arrows, Typhoon and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight have all been confirmed for this year’s English Riviera Airshow which takes place from Friday 29 to Sunday 31 May in Paignton.
The English Riviera Airshow’s flying programme has grown significantly over the years, and visitors will be thrilled to learn that this 10th anniversary event will offer three action‑packed days of aerial displays, taking place from Friday through Sunday.
The English Riviera Airshow is a collaborative effort supported by Torbay Council, the English Riviera BID Company, local businesses and organisations, and aviation enthusiasts.
The stellar line-up features three of the Royal Air Force’s (RAF) most famous and impressive aerial display teams, demonstrating incredible speed, agility, precision and heritage. Together, they will transform Torbay’s coastal skyline and help to create one of the UK’s most spectacular free airshows of the year.
The world-famous Red Arrows will take to the skies on both Friday and Saturday of the Airshow, giving spectators the chance to see their impressive display twice over the long weekend. Their trademark red, white and blue smoke trails promise to create unforgettable moments along the stunning Torbay coastline
For the first time in history, a woman will lead the Red Arrows. Wing Cdr Sasha Nash took over from Wing Cdr Adam Collins as the most senior officer in the Royal Air Force aerobatic team earlier this year and the English Riviera Airshow will be one of her first public appearances in her new leadership role.
Flying their distinctive Hawk fast-jets, the Red Arrows are known for their trademark Diamond Nine Shape, breathtaking formations and precision flying.
The Typhoon will be wowing the crowds on both Saturday and Sunday. Famous for the thunderous roar of its twin engines, the Typhoon display team will fly their Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 aircraft. The fourth-generation fighter plane is capable of incredible speed and is a highly agile, multi-role combat aircraft. Crowds can expect heart‑pounding passes, dramatic climbs and the unmistakable sound that announces the Typhoon long before it appears overhead.
History lovers and aviation enthusiasts will be thrilled that the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) has been confirmed for all three days of the Airshow: Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The flight will feature the C47 Dakota, Hurricane and Spitfire aircraft.
The BBMF is dedicated to maintaining the priceless artefacts of RAF heritage and commemorating those who have fallen in the service of this country.
Alongside the RAF display teams, the Airshow will also feature a wide range of civilian aircraft which will be announced closer to the event. Spectators can expect jaw‑dropping aerobatics and breathtaking freestyle displays designed to delight crowds of all ages.
This year’s Airshow will celebrate a major milestone: the 10th anniversary of the very first English Riviera Airshow in 2016. Building on the event’s growing momentum, the 2026 Airshow promises incredible flying displays, vibrant entertainment on the ground, a fantastic opening-night celebration and a buzzing festival atmosphere across the whole weekend.
With so much going on over the three days, residents and visitors are encouraged to make a weekend of it. Around 200,000 visitors are expected over the long weekend, so now is an ideal time to start booking accommodation, parking and reserved spectator seating which people can do by visiting www.englishrivierairshow.co.uk
Organisers are also calling on local businesses, residents and community groups to get involved to help make the event a success. For businesses, there is a wide range of sponsorship and advertising opportunities starting from as little as £150. For those who want to be part of the action, they can sign up to join the crew as a volunteer. For more information visit the English Riviera Airshow website.
Cllr Jackie Thomas, Torbay Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events, and Corporate Services, said: ”We are delighted to unveil such an exceptional RAF line up for this year’s English Riviera Airshow. Having the Red Arrows, the Typhoon and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight perform across the weekend will make our 10th anniversary year truly unforgettable. This is a fantastic opportunity for visitors to experience the power, precision and heritage of the RAF’s most iconic display teams, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone for what promises to be a spectacular celebration.”
Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive Officer, English Riviera BID Company said: ”The English Riviera BID Company is delighted to continue sponsoring this major annual event that attracts thousands of visitors from all round the country who come and stay and enjoy a weekend exploring the English Riviera.”
The English Riviera Airshow has been held annually since 2016. It combines thrilling flying displays with ground-based festivities, captivating audiences of all ages.
Get the latest news and updates by signing up to the English Riviera Airshow newsletter: www.englishrivieraairshow.co.uk/
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