Like music festivals, summer here in the UK wouldn’t be the same without the various airshows that take place during this time of the year. Airbourne is an annual airshow in Eastbourne, East Sussex on the south coast of England. Not only is it one of the UK’s largest airshows, its also free! If you’re in or around the South East of England between the 11th and 14th of August and looking for something to entertain the kids during the school holidays, then this event could be perfect for you and your family. So why should you go? Well, in this post I’m sharing my top 10 reasons why you should consider taking the kids to Airbourne!
1. It’s Free!
I kind of gave this away in the title of this post but yes, you read it right – Airbourne is a free event for you and your family. The event was actually voted the UK’s Best FREE Airshow by Airscene. It also won ‘Tourism Event of the Year 2015/16’ at the Beautiful South Awards, and came Highly Commended in the 2016 VisitEngland Award.
2. Great Flying Line Up
The event boasts a 2 mile flying display line along Eastbourne seafront and features the very best in military and civilian aviation display teams including the Eurofighter Typhoon, Chinook and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight all confirmed for 2016, plus many more.
3. The Red Arrows
Okay, so I already mentioned the great flying line up, but the Red Arrows are that good, that they are worth highlighting alone.
After recently closing the Queen’s 90th Birthday Flypast, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, better known as the Red Arrows will be back flying above Eastbourne’s skies this summer following the announcement of their 2016 flying programme!
4. It’s a Music Festival Too!
Visitors to Airbourne will not only be able to enjoy what’s going on in the skies above but also the fantastic live entertainment line-up taking place on the music stage on the beach, with live bands playing into the early evening.
There will be a whole host of music and entertainment to keep the party going. Check out the video above to get a better idea of what this is all about.
5. Get a Birds Eye View
Feeling a little thrifty? For quite a reasonable £40pp you can take a Helicopter pleasure flight over Beachy Head enabling you to see Eastbourne & the surrounding area from a unique viewpoint!
6. Tri-Service Exhibition
Airbourne airshow is well supported by the Royal Air Force and the other UK armed services. Not only can you see these guys doing their stuff in the air, you can find The Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Royal Marines and the British Army in a dedicated area on the Western Lawns, where you can meet the recruiting teams, ride a simulator and take the Marines Challenge.
7. Kids Beaches
There are two designated beach play areas for children with giant inflatable’s and bungee trampolining. Lots of fun for children of all ages! See Play Zones marked on the site map in the Airbourne 2016 programme.
8. Fireworks Display
If you’re attending on the final day of the event, be sure to catch the spectacular firework display, which is said to be quite impressive!
9. Top Gear Simulator
As part of the ground based entertainment on offer, this years event includes a Top Gear Simulator ride. This is your chance to see what its like to get inside and experience some of the most up to date supercars. Using original BBC footage and presented in full HD you feel the full force of acceleration, slick gear changes and phenomenal braking.
10. Choose Where to Watch
There are few different places where you can watch the action: The seafront/beach, at the bandstand in an exclusive seating area (£10 adults, £6 children), or for somewhere a bit different and unique, watch from the park n’ view car park at Dencher, Beachy Head
You can find out more information about Airbourne on the official website or by visiting the Airbourne Facebook page.
Have you visited the Airbourne Airshow before? Have you been to any other airshows? Please leave your comment as I would love to read your thoughts.
*Disclosure: this is a collaborative post
Thanks for stopping by,
Love you all ❤
Franca 💋
This looks like a great day out and the fact it is free makes it even better! X
Yes you are right, the idea of having the option to see something like this and not having to pay makes it even better! lol Thanks for commenting, 🙂 x
That’s so funny!! My boy only said last weekend that we should take our sons to an airshow!!!! I used to LOVE them when I was a child — great write up hun!! 🙂 Am off to Google our nearest one! x
What a coincidence! I think this should be a great family day out . Who doesn’t like to see a fun airshow. I love them and I’m sure my girls will do too! Hope you find one nearby. Thanks so much for commenting Caro, 🙂 xx
You don’t usually get much for free these days but this sounds like such a fab day out. Wished we lived closer – I’m a bit of a plane geek! x
Got to love a free day out with the kids!!! the red arrows are a definite must to see 🙂 thanks for sharing!
What a great day out, I can’t believe you get all that for free. x
this looks so fun! My son loves aeroplanes (as does his dad) 😉 love that it is free! x
This looks like a great day out and amazing considering that it is free. I just need to check out where Eastbourne is (showing my very rubbish knowledge of UK geography here!)
Free days out I feel always end up being the best! There’s no pressure to rush and get round to seeing everything because at the end of the day it was free. When there’s less pressure you end up being so much more relaxed and have a better time xx