The English Riviera Airshow, is an annual event held in Paignton, Devon but enjoyed across the bay here in Torquay too. The date for...
The English Riviera Airshow, is an annual event held in Paignton, Devon but enjoyed across the bay here in Torquay too. The date for 2023's spectacular event is 3rd-4th June 2023. The two-day event features breath-taking air displays over the stunning natural amphitheatre of South Devon's beautiful coastline.
The full line-up of the world-class aircraft who are set to transform the skies above Paignton has recently been announced and includes:
The RAF Red Arrows Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
Team Raven The Tigers Army Parachute Display Team Jet Pitts Strikemaster Solo Yak 50 Solo Bronco Fairey Swordfish Westland Wasp Wildcat Seafire.
The English Riviera Airshow is organised by Torbay Council with support from the English Riviera BID Company (the local tourism body of which I am a board member) and is a highlight in the English Riviera events calendar.
The airshow is potentially the most impressive in the UK, with the backdrop of some of Devon's best beaches and accessibility to world-class food and activities within walking distance and attracts almost 200,000 people to The English Riviera.
Events are centred around Paignton Green, with free entertainment, including exhibition stands, bars, food stalls, display teams and fairground rides. English Riviera Airshow visitors can also indulge in a range of retail therapy, including gifts and festival essentials. Of course, it’s up in the sky where the breath-taking aerial action takes place, with a packed two-day programme of stunts, displays and flypasts.
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 airshow is completely free (although car parking passes can be purchased) and there are some great clifftop vantage sites across the Bay, as well as Paignton Green itself. From Torquay, as well as the harbour and Princess Pier areas, we can recommend Daddyhole Plain, Beacon Quay, Meadfoot Beach and Thatcher Point too. If you’re thinking of watching in Paignton, it’s easily walkable and you’ll be there in 45 minutes.
If you did want to drive, you can now purchase a car parking ticket for £15 (plus booking fee) over on the English Riviera Airshow website. https://englishrivieraairshow.co.uk/parking-tickets/
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.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), which usually features the Avro Lancaster, Supermarine Spitfire and Hawker Hurricane, will take action on both days of the airshow. The BBMF is a symbol of the Royal Air Force’s finest hour, made up of the three of the most iconic aircraft in world aviation history.
Not only can visitors expect a jam-packed weekend filled with stunning air-displays, on the ground entertainment with flight teams, all the fun of the fair and delicious food and drinks from local traders, this year’s edition of the airshow will see the return of SkyBar, which is set to offer stellar evening entertainment.
After the final flight team sends roars across the bay, SkyBar will open to the public free of charge. With Classic Motown, a dash of Northern-Soul and a pinch of 70’s funky disco from the Motown Pirates and pop, folk and rock from Boundless Brothers, entertainment will start from 5.30pm and run through to 10pm.
The English Riviera Airshow has been such a flying success since it took off in 2016. We hope you can join us for breath-taking aerial displays and daredevil stunts this summer.
As you would imagine, we’re already busy that weekend but we had one room left, and due to a cancellation, we now have two:
Shoalstone Suite and Goodrington Room (at the time of publishing). Please check our website for the latest availability and prices:
WHAT IS THE ENGLISH RIVIERA AIRSHOW 2023 FLYING SCHEDULE?
SATURDAY
13:30 – 14:30
The Tigers Army Parachute Display Team Team Raven Jet Pitts S2S BAC Strikemaster14:40 – 15:00
Break for arena activities15:00 – 16:30
The Black Cats Westland Wasp Fairey Swordfish Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Avro Lancaster, Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire) Yakovlev Yak 50 OV-10 Bronco16:30 – 17:10
Break for arena activities17:10 – 18:00
Supermarine Seafire XVII RAF Red ArrowsSUNDAY
13:00 – 14:30
The Tigers Army Parachute Display Team Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Avro Lancaster, Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire) OV-10 Bronco Yakovlev Yak 50 BAC Strikemaster14:30 – 15:00
Break for arena activities15:00 – 17:00
Jet Pitts S2S The Black Cats Westland Wasp Fairey Swordfish Team Raven Supermarine Seafire XVII RAF Red Arrows