The English Riviera Airshow returns to Paignton seafront this weekend (Friday 29, Saturday 30 & Sunday 31 May), with tens of thousands of visitors expected to flock to Torbay for one of the region’s most spectacular weekends of the year.
The English Riviera Airshow returns to Paignton seafront next weekend (Friday 29, Saturday 30 & Sunday 31 May), with tens of thousands of visitors expected to flock to Torbay for one of the region’s most spectacular weekends of the year.
Celebrating a milestone 10th anniversary since the Airshow first launched in 2016, this year’s event promises a thrilling three-day programme, featuring a breathtaking line-up of world-class flying displays and a wide range of on-the-ground entertainment.
With so much going on throughout the weekend and large crowds expected, people are encouraged to plan ahead so they can fully experience everything on offer and make the most of the celebration.
The English Riviera Airshow is a collaborative effort supported by Torbay Council, the English Riviera BID Company, local businesses and organisations, and aviation enthusiasts. It is one of the largest events in the Southwest and is completely free to attend.
What's on
This year’s Airshow has an enhanced and extended Friday programme, with plenty going on throughout the day and into the evening to kick-start the long weekend in spectacular style. Visitors are welcome to come along from 2pm on Friday when Paignton seafront will burst into life with event stalls, fun fair rides and live music.
Friday flying will start from approximately 6:45pm with a breath-taking display from the world-famous RAF Red Arrows, followed by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the RAF Tutor.
As darkness descends, the Pyrotechnic Firebirds will deliver a mesmerising flying twilight display filled with colour, sparks and aerial artistry. The evening will conclude with a dazzling fireworks finale over the Bay at approximately 10pm, officially opening the English Riviera Airshow 2026 and setting the tone for an action-packed and unforgettable weekend.
On Saturday and Sunday, the Event Village on Paignton Green will be open from 10am and will be buzzing with activity, packed with attractions, entertainment and stalls for visitors of all ages.
The English Riviera Airshow offers a huge range of entertainment both in the skies and on the ground. Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy:
Thrilling flying displays
Live music from talented local artists and bands
Fun fair rides
Children's activity tents
Traders Village
Military village where you can meet RAF, army and navy personnel
Emergency Services Village where you can meet police and rescue teams and explore specialist vehicles and equipment
Torbay Council will also have their Residents Engagement stand at the Event Village – a great opportunity to connect directly with Council officers, share views, ask questions and learn about local plans and developments. From 11am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday, there will also be an opportunity for people to have their blood pressure checked by a qualified member of staff from Mayfield Pharmacy. Look out for the Torbay Council gazebo in the Event Village.
Flying displays will take place from approximately 12pm to 4pm on Saturday and approximately 1pm to 4pm on Sunday.
The Red Arrows will take to the skies at 12pm on Saturday, drawing in crowds with their iconic precision flying and dramatic formations. Spectators can also look forward to jaw-dropping displays from the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, RAF Tutor, Royal Navy Black Cats and many other civilian and military aircraft teams.
The incredible RAF Typhoon Display Team will be closing the show on both Saturday and Sunday – delivering an amazing finale of speed, power and noise. Spectators can watch the Typhoon display at 3:37pm on Saturday and 3:55pm on Sunday.
On Saturday, the fun continues long after the flying ends. Plenty of attractions, stalls and bars will remain open and live music will fill Paignton Green until 10:30pm. On Sunday, live music, stalls and bars will remain open until 5pm.
Whether you’re coming for the awe-inspiring flying displays, family-friendly fun or vibrant seaside atmosphere, the English Riviera Airshow 2026 is not to be missed.
Event layout
The Airshow event site will look different this year due to essential sea defence works that are currently taking place along the Paignton and Preston seafront. All the event attractions and facilities will be centred across North Green and Middle Green - South Green will not be in use. Event organisers have worked closely with contractors to ensure the smooth running of the Airshow. All construction work on the site will be paused during the event and construction areas will be made fully secure and safe.
Due to the more compact layout of this year’s event site, some areas of the Airshow may feel busier than usual at peak times. To help keep everyone comfortable and ensure the site remains easy to navigate, organisers have introduced a range of measures to manage the flow of visitors.
A colour-coded zoning system will be in place, with different areas clearly marked by flags and signage. Throughout the day, updates will be shared on the big screen, via announcements on the PA system and across event social media channels, highlighting busier areas and encouraging visitors to explore quieter zones. These measures are designed to help everyone move around the site more easily and enjoy the event in a safe and relaxed environment.
Cllr Jackie Thomas, Torbay Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events, and Corporate Services, said: “As we mark 10 years of the English Riviera Airshow, we’re expecting a very busy and exciting weekend. We’ve put measures in place to help manage crowd flow, and we ask visitors to follow guidance on the day so everyone can enjoy the event safely. We look forward to delivering another fantastic Airshow and we invite everyone to come along.’’
Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive Officer, English Riviera BID Company said: “With new features and even more to see and do throughout the weekend, there are plenty of reasons to spend longer at this year’s Airshow. It’s a great chance to enjoy a full weekend on the English Riviera and enjoy everything that our beautiful Bay has to offer.''
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