In 18 pictures: Eastbourne Airbourne 2026 gets underway with spectacular flying displays

These pictures were taken by Marie Richardson and show daring air displays being performed delighting spectators.

It has not been a straightforward build-up to this year’s event, with the Red Arrows unable to make it in time and a train derailment near Lewes causing widespread travel disruption in the area.

Between today and tomorrow (Sunday, August 16), onlookers can enjoy the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight: Dakota, Spitfire & Hurricane and the RAF Tutor Display Team, as well as the P-51 Mustang ‘Marinell’ (new for this year) and ‘Sally B’ B-17 Flying Fortress.

There will also be a Royal Navy Black Cats Helicopter Solo Display each day, in addition to the RAF Typhoon, 'Spirit of Kent' Spitfire and the Jet Pitts.

The Aerosuperbatics WingWalkers will perform solo displays on Friday and duo displays on Saturday and Sunday.

Only at the weekend will visitors be able to see the Red Devils, The Starlings Aerobatics Team and a Conair Turbo Firecat (new for this year).

The full list of flying displays are available at www.visiteastbourne.com/airshow/flying/flying-line-up (exact times of displays are only available in the official Airbourne programme).

A Military Exhibition Zone can be found in the Western Lawns where recruiting teams from the British Army and the Royal Air Force will host a range of interactive activities, including state-of-the-art simulators.

There will also be rides and attractions for children to enjoy in Western Lawns, while the Air Bears will be meeting the crowds and collecting donations each day.

A wide variety of food and drink vendors are on hand to fuel visitors, and there are plenty of market stalls for keen shoppers too. The full list of traders at Airbourne are available at www.visiteastbourne.com/airshow/attractions/food-and-shopping.

There are also numerous road closures that visitors should be aware of.

Until Tuesday, August 18 at 11.59pm, King Edward’s Parade, Grand Parade, Marine Parade, Cavendish Place and Wilmington Square (both sides) will be partially closed. Access will be maintained for residents of Elms Avenue using Grand Parade.

Devonshire Place, Ascot Close and Wartling Road will be partially closed until Sunday, August 16 at 11.59pm, but access to residents is maintained for the latter two roads.