Local Reviews
In August 2023, Gary T said about Airbourne, Eastbourne International Airshow
We had a drink here before moving on and noticed how contemporary and modern it was. Very light inside and plenty of tables both inside and outside to enjoy the show. We would definitely come back here again and would consider staying in one of their rooms next year.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2024, Nige T said about Airbourne, Eastbourne International Airshow
Firstly, commenting on a few other reviews......
Stacks of just-off seafront parking spaces are reserved for disabled badge holders, hundreds, if not thousands of them. No idea how to get one, or if they can be reserved or not.
The seafront itself is closed to traffic & only support & exhibitor/trade parking is allowed. Normal car parking is very limited during the show.
Yes, park & ride is expensive £25 and I believe £40 at Beachy head. The motorist is always an easy target.
If you have to drive, go to a town on the rail line, like Polegate & then train or bus the final part. Or park up around Hampden park or Rodmill & walk, or take the bus.
Best to take the train. Makes it all stress free. Don't rush home, wander the exhibits & stalls for an hour or so after the display & let the crowds dissipate.
The display is all paid for by donation & sponsorship, they do the very best they can do with the money they have. Available display aircraft are much depleted as the years go by, Bretling, for example no longer fly & there is no Chinock display flying this year. In 2024, Red Arrows were only available Thursday as they were off overseas the next day. The organisers cannot magic up display aircraft.
2024 Thursday had weather stopping BBMF and the Drackon & two more planes had mech faults so could not fly. Not the fault of the organisers.
Take your own chair, or buy one from the many stalls selling them. All the fixed benches are full all day long. There is plenty of space for everyone to see the display, either on the beach itself or along the prom, it stretches from the pier right up to the Western Lawns, where there are many attractions, simulators etc. Take plenty of sun-cream & a hat, there is no shelter from the sun.
Fantastic day out. stalls right the way along the prom, plenty to see & do before & after the display. Loads of food stalls, including a free Army field kitchen! Don't just go to see the planes, but visit the stalls & pier, look at the well-kept seafront gardens.
Generally, less aircraft fly on Thursday & Friday, with a full line-up on Sat & Sun. Still good to see any day.
Take a radio (or wired headphones if your phone has a radio). Normally on 87.7 is the event radio station. Get all the updates & they also broadcast the live commentary, so if you cannot hear it clearly on the PA system, you can listen this way. They also update traffic info, line-up changes & the like.
Lots of bars & restaurants in Eastbourne, including the hotels who generally take non-guests as well. wise to pre-book a restaurant.
Like any event it is weather dependant and the line-up can change. Go along & have a great day out, even if weather is poor, still loads to do & see.
Eastbourne has two Weatherspoon's, so real-ale drinkers and cheapskates are well catered for :o)
I have no connection or financial gain from the airshow or surrounding business, I'm just a visitor to the show.
Stacks of just-off seafront parking spaces are reserved for disabled badge holders, hundreds, if not thousands of them. No idea how to get one, or if they can be reserved or not.
The seafront itself is closed to traffic & only support & exhibitor/trade parking is allowed. Normal car parking is very limited during the show.
Yes, park & ride is expensive £25 and I believe £40 at Beachy head. The motorist is always an easy target.
If you have to drive, go to a town on the rail line, like Polegate & then train or bus the final part. Or park up around Hampden park or Rodmill & walk, or take the bus.
Best to take the train. Makes it all stress free. Don't rush home, wander the exhibits & stalls for an hour or so after the display & let the crowds dissipate.
The display is all paid for by donation & sponsorship, they do the very best they can do with the money they have. Available display aircraft are much depleted as the years go by, Bretling, for example no longer fly & there is no Chinock display flying this year. In 2024, Red Arrows were only available Thursday as they were off overseas the next day. The organisers cannot magic up display aircraft.
2024 Thursday had weather stopping BBMF and the Drackon & two more planes had mech faults so could not fly. Not the fault of the organisers.
Take your own chair, or buy one from the many stalls selling them. All the fixed benches are full all day long. There is plenty of space for everyone to see the display, either on the beach itself or along the prom, it stretches from the pier right up to the Western Lawns, where there are many attractions, simulators etc. Take plenty of sun-cream & a hat, there is no shelter from the sun.
Fantastic day out. stalls right the way along the prom, plenty to see & do before & after the display. Loads of food stalls, including a free Army field kitchen! Don't just go to see the planes, but visit the stalls & pier, look at the well-kept seafront gardens.
Generally, less aircraft fly on Thursday & Friday, with a full line-up on Sat & Sun. Still good to see any day.
Take a radio (or wired headphones if your phone has a radio). Normally on 87.7 is the event radio station. Get all the updates & they also broadcast the live commentary, so if you cannot hear it clearly on the PA system, you can listen this way. They also update traffic info, line-up changes & the like.
Lots of bars & restaurants in Eastbourne, including the hotels who generally take non-guests as well. wise to pre-book a restaurant.
Like any event it is weather dependant and the line-up can change. Go along & have a great day out, even if weather is poor, still loads to do & see.
Eastbourne has two Weatherspoon's, so real-ale drinkers and cheapskates are well catered for :o)
I have no connection or financial gain from the airshow or surrounding business, I'm just a visitor to the show.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2024, Lee M said about Airbourne, Eastbourne International Airshow
Went to the Eastbourne airshow this weekend, (sat 17th) with a friend, we booked in to the Queens hotel (which was value for money) on the front opposite the pier, perfect weather, the event had been planned and managed well, as you would assume as it is an annual event, the place was spotlessly clean and the it seemed all those involved on the day were doing their best to make it as pleasant and enjoyable as possible, we set up on the pier close to the pub and meet lots of friendly locals and others who had traveled to the show, it was a fantastic atmosphere, with bands and singers, then it was time for the planes to start, and sadly this is were the it was a little less organised, I had glanced briefly at the flight guide but not really took it in as I expected it to be a full on continuous display, but it was rather disappointing about 7 aircraft doing the best to entertain to crowd leading up to star of the show the typhoon jet (which was awesome) but I think the planners should be a little bit embarrassed on the the amount of planes and the display time, a lot of people come a long way for this show and the total flight tim was about 25 minutes, I feel that for an airshow of this reputation and it's history they could of arranged more planes, fast loud jets and helicopters, I know the red arrows were there on Thursday and they are off on other commitments, but a show like this isn't just about the red arrows, there a lots more that people want to see, I think the term "airshow" maybe a little bit of an exaggeration. That said, the day it's self was fantastic and the locals played their part well they were the perfect hosts to a lovely seaside town.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2024, Paul M said about Airbourne, Eastbourne International Airshow
Firstly, this is a free event and Eastbourne is beautiful. Yes, not many great aircraft to watch (you have to really like planes to find the ww2 stuff interesting, I think we're the only nation who keeps banging on about the last war we actually won for 80 years!). The trip was definitely worth it for the Typhoon at the end. What a noise! Overall, great free event, leave the WW2 rubbish out.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2024, michael anderson said about Airbourne, Eastbourne International Airshow
Lovely day weather was good had lunch on the pier flying display was very good the journey down and by coach was very nice went into town when we realised the display didn't start till 2.30
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2024, G A said about Airbourne, Eastbourne International Airshow
after going for many years this year was a big let down. We went on Friday. The display did not start until 2.30pm when it has normally started just after noon. We pay for seats but as I am disabled we had to sit in an area where the view was restricted. The seats cost £25 up from £20 last year. There was a one hour tea break mid show so the flying was around 3 hours shorter than normal. With regard to the other comments about disabled parking, there are not thousands of spaces, just a few and you have to get there early to get one or it’s a long slog from the normal public car parks. Overall, this was a huge disappointment, especially with the 25% price increase for seating. By the way, I only use the reserved seating area as when I go elsewhere people stand in front of me blocking my view despite me asking them to move. The seating area os normally full but this year it was almost empty (due to price increase?)
I will seriously think twice before deciding whether to go again.
I will seriously think twice before deciding whether to go again.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2024, Lee G said about Airbourne, Eastbourne International Airshow
What happened!!! ???? Been going for years and so disappointed, very few aircraft!!! No way of seeing flying programme in advance! I see why now, if they had half as many planes flying as people collecting money then would have been worth the trip! Such a shame always donate generously to the airborne collectors but that was most disappointing!! I feel it will be the last year as I don’t think many people will return! I get it’s a free event but I would rather pay than donate and see the something that resembles previous years
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In September 2024, PfDjw said about Airbourne, Eastbourne International Airshow
It’s our fourth visit and it was just as good as the first. We knew the red arrows weren’t flying but that didn’t stop us. We love seeing all the planes and wingwalkers and enjoyed it so much. Can’t understand negative reviews. We take a picnic and choose to pay £25 including a brochure and spend a whole day relaxing. Can’t see how it can be any cheaper around any town for parking a whole day with a free airshow. Worth every penny. Thank you so so much. Looking forward to next year
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In March 2025, Brighton9 said about Airbourne, Eastbourne International Airshow
I don't get all the moans. Yes it was a bit slow in 2024 but you could see the Red Arrows, a Typhoon, a Lancaster bomber etc for FREE. They can compress the display into fewer hours and fewer days to save cost and have less down time sure, but don't moan when you haven't paid anything.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk
In August 2025, KentBoyJohn said about Airbourne, Eastbourne International Airshow
Great airshow even though 4/5 aircraft had to pull out. We prebooked the NCP at trinity square. A car perk with large spaces and a few steps from the pier and just £7:90 for the day fantastic and will use again. We then had breakfast at Bangers and Mash which was brilliant, clean and great service and food. We had pre paid for grandstand seats at £40 a seat but they were not clean seats and were so small and close together it was uncomfortable so we sat on a municipal wooden bench on the prom which was much more comfortable. We would therefore not book such seats next year. Two volunteers came to us for donations but were just happy to give us a sticker without donating which seemed strange as that’s not how to raise money. We had bought a programme at £10 and paid £80 for the seats so weren’t too bothered but it’s not the way to raise money. A great day and we will be back next year.
Source: tripadvisor.co.uk