The English Riviera Airshow, held in Paignton, Devon is a spectacular event. The date for 2024's event is 1st-2nd June 2024. The weekend event features breathtaking air displays over the stunning natural amphitheatre of South Devon's beautiful bay. Of course, we'll say it's the best Airshow in the UK, but when you have some of Devon's best beaches as a backdrop and access to world-class food and activities all within walking distance, who can blame us?! In fact, each year, the Airshow attracts almost 200,000 people to The English Riviera. And the best bit of all, the airshow is completely free!
For the first time in the Airshow’s history, there will be a special opening night on the Friday before the event (31 May). Members of the public are invited to Paignton Green from 6pm to 10pm where they can kick off the weekend and enjoy a great line-up of live music headlined by The Barefoot Bandits. As with the rest of the Airshow, the opening night is free to attend and there will be plenty of food and drink stands to choose from.
Music lovers will be pleased to hear that this year’s Airshow will feature live music all weekend from Friday (31 May) to Sunday (2 June) on Paignton Green. Music will fill the air as we showcase incredible acts, BBC Devon introducing artists, and local bands playing into the night. Devon-based 10-piece band Joey the Lips will headline at 9:15pm on Saturday. Meanwhile, Sunday will feature a range of local bands and artists such as Harbour Band, AJ & Elliot and The Vinyl Avengers. To see the full line up of live music and timings visit www.englishrivieraairshow.co.uk
Another new addition for 2024 is our static spitfire. Visitors can see the classic fighter aircraft up close or choose to pose for a professional photograph (charges apply). Meanwhile, the event village will include a new Artisan marquee featuring premium crafts, gifts, food and drinks from local businesses.
This year’s Airshow will also have an event village on Preston Green. Visitors can enjoy a variety of stalls, catering stands and a bar while watching the breathtaking aerial displays taking place over the weekend.
For those who can’t make it in person, Aeroview TV will be covering the English Riviera Airshow live on their Youtube channel. With three cameras to cover the event, it’s a fantastic way to view and listen to the Airshow, especially if you can’t get to the event villages or want to avoid the crowds and noise. To find out more visit https://aeroview.tv/english-riviera-airshow/
If you want to enhance your Airshow experience, there is a range of additional paid-for services not seen in previous years. For just £25, enjoy the dedicated seating area filled with deckchairs and reserved for premium seating guests only. Alternatively for £35, you can upgrade to a premium seating package which will give you access to luxury WC facilities so that you don’t need to queue. There is a limited amount of seating, so people are advised to book as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Organisers are also offering a VIP Hospitality package in partnership with Mercure Hotels. For £1000 (for a table of ten), you and your guests will enjoy private premium viewing areas, locally crafted beverages, delectable street food and live music in our private entertainment space. This is a luxury experience not to be missed.
The full air display line-up for the 2024 English Riviera Airshow is still taking shape, stay tuned for more announcements. In the meantime:
Saturday 1 June:
RAF Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Lancaster Hurricane Spitfire) and RAF Typhoon. Jet Pitts, Catalina, Jet Provost T5 and Bronco.
Sunday 2 June:
Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Lancaster Hurricane Spitfire) and RAF Typhoon. Jet Pitts, Catalina, Jet Provost T5 and Bronco.
The team behind organising the English Riviera Airshow have received confirmation that the RAF Red Arrows, RAF Typhoon, and the Battle of Britain Memorial flight teams will be appearing at the two-day event this June.
The English Riviera Airshow which is taking place on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 June will once again host the best, noisiest and most exciting RAF display teams.
Back for the first time since 2019, the RAF Typhoon will roar across the sky on both days, showcasing its pure power and agility. A marvel of modern engineering, the noise, speed, and bright engine glow, the RAF Typhoon is guaranteed to thrill crowds.
To celebrate their 60th display season, the RAF Red Arrows, return to the English Riviera with their full nine-ship team. The iconic crimson jets, with their synchronised manoeuvres, will streak across the Bay on Saturday 1 June.
The RAF Red Arrows, UK display season is reduced this summer, as the team head to North America in August, meaning the English Riviera Airshow were incredibly lucky to secure them for another year.
The Battle of Britain Memorial flight, made up of the Lancaster, Spitfire, and Hurricane will gracefully display together on both days. Their gentle engine purrs pay homage to our history and the valour of those who defended our skies during World War II. A fitting tribute as the nation marks the 80th Anniversary in the D-Day landings later in June.
All air displays are subject to change depending on weather conditions and operational commitments which could take the military displays elsewhere at short notice.
The English Riviera Airshow is organised by Torbay Council with support from the English Riviera BID Company.
Where can I watch the English Riviera Airshow?
The main action takes place on Paignton Green, with plenty of stalls, activities, commentary and a festive atmosphere to go along with it.
However, if you'd like to watch from afar, there are some great clifftop vantage sites across the Bay. If you are staying in Torquay, we would recommend perching up on Daddyhole Plain, while both Beacon Quay, Meadfoot Beach and Thatcher Point are also very popular. If you are over in Brixham, we would highly recommend both Berry Head and Battery Gardens, while more great spots in Paignton include Roundham Head and the end of Paignton Pier.
Travelling to Paignton for the English Riviera Airshow
Those looking to join the festivities by car can purchase their car parking tickets through the English Riviera Airshow website.
The official designated car park for the free-to-attend event is the Victoria Car Park on Garfield Road, Paignton, and is just a short walk from the main event site on Paignton Green.
Make a Weekend of It
The Airshow takes place across two days, so it's the perfect opportunity to make a weekend of it and enjoy all there is to offer on the English Riviera. There's accommodation to suit every need from award-winning boutique B&Bs and your favourite branded hotels to holiday parks and self-catering accommodation.
You won’t be disappointed with the fabulous food and drink on offer either. There is no shortage of seriously good restaurants and there’s something to suit every pocket and taste, from traditional fish and chips to exceptional fine dining. There are a plethora of wine and cocktail bars, traditional pubs and cafés too, many with exceptional views across the Bay.
And on the days when you’re not taking in the sights of the Airshow, why not visit one of the many attractions? With prehistoric caves once the home of ancient humans, a model village and a steam train to name a few, there’s something for everyone.
Or why not just experience the great outdoors? Walk the stunning South West Coast Path, take a ferry ride across the Bay, or visit a nature reserve. Or you could take to the water and go wild swimming, stand up paddleboarding or, for the more adventurous, there’s coasteering and an exhilarating rib ride!