The RAF Red Arrows and two aerobatic champion women aviators will lead a world-class line-up at Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow from 13 – 16 August.
The world-famous Red Arrows will perform three times at the show, and they are joined by the RAF Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Tutor, Jet Pitts, The Starlings, Stampe Formation Team and the Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers, as the confirmed acts to be announced so far at the UK’s biggest free seafront airshow.
Seven-times French champion, 2024 British champion and the first woman to compete in the Red Bull Air Race, Mélanie Astles, will make her Eastbourne debut flying the Extra 330SC every day. The trailblazing aviator is one the world’s top female pilots and uses her racing experience to her advantage, creating phenomenal, gyroscopic displays.
Also joining the show for the first time, the 2023 Standard National Aerobatics Champion and Tiger Trophy Champion Isabel Rutland, will debut the P-51 Mustang ‘Marinell’, a WWII warbird which first arrived in the UK on D-Day in 1944.
The line-up of champions continues with The Starlings, flown by British Aerobatic Champions Michael Pickin and Tom Cassells, and crowd favourite Rich Goodwin returns flying the world’s first jet powered Pitts Special.
Flamboyant biplane aerobatics will once again dazzle the crowds from the Stampe Formation Team, along with the incredible acrobatics of the Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers, with both solo and duo displays planned, plus more flying displays to be announced soon.
An Eastbourne Borough Council spokesperson said, “Airbourne 2026 is already shaping up to be one to watch, packed with airshow favourites and some exciting ‘firsts’ to look forward to. From daring female pilots to the excitement of the Red Arrows and the awesome Typhoon, this year’s show could be the most exciting and inspirational yet!
“We do still need your support though to keep Airbourne flying and do urge businesses to get in touch if you can help fund some more displays, the firework finale or simply book advertising to reach the hundreds of thousands of spectators and families. Supporters can also join the Ambassador programme with a monthly donation from just £2 – with an exclusive gold badge to collect at the show.”
Voted UK’s Best Free Airshow in 2025 by Airscene, Airbourne hospitality and seating areas are now on sale, along with car parking and pre-ordering for the souvenir programme (including free pin badge), sponsored by PRG Marketing Communications Ltd.
Both The Aviator Club, with signature dining and private cabanas, and The Departure Lounge with premium BBQ, return offering early bird discounts of up to £20 per person for those booking in advance. Exclusive seating also returns to the Bandstand offering great views of the displays and a guaranteed seat to come back to.
In addition to the RAF and Army ground displays, shopping villages, simulators and children’s entertainment areas, tribute concerts will perform each evening at the Bandstand, with a firework finale on Sunday evening – subject to sponsorship.
With more displays to be announced, the flying line-up so far includes:
Red Arrows (Fri – Sun)
Typhoon (Fri – Sun)
Tutor (Fri – Sun)
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight: Dakota, Hurricane & Spitfire (Thurs – Sun)
Mélanie Astles Extra 330SC (Thurs – Sun)
P-51 Mustang ‘Marinell’ (Thurs – Sun)
Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers (Thurs – Sun)
Rich Goodwin Jet Pitts (Sat – Sun)
The Starlings (Sat – Sun)
Stampe Formation Team (Thurs – Fri)
Airbourne 2026 is supported by Cloud Connx, Eastbourne Hospitality Association, Elite Medical, Environment First, Euro Self Drive, Frontier Fireworks, The Lansdowne, More Radio, Neighbourhood First, PRG Marketing, The View Hotel and Visit Eastbourne.
Also supporting the show is Caffyns – the Eastbourne Airshow Official Pilot Transfer Sponsor dealership - providing net zero emissions pilot and logistic vehicles.
Fans can support the show and keep Airbourne flying high with a one off donation or a monthly pledge from as little as £2 a month at www.SaveAirbourne.com, with all proceeds supporting the flying displays at the show.
For more information or to book hospitality, seating, parking, trade space, sponsorship/advertising, pre-order a programme or make a donation visit www.EastbourneAirshow.com.
