The English Riviera Airshow 2026 is approaching

Everything you need to know

The first appearance by the Red Arrows in the UK this year will be an early highlight of the 2026 English Riviera Airshow.

Three days of displays over Torbay kick off on Friday May 29 with an evening show by the crack Royal Air Force aerobatic team.

Here’s everything you need to know to enjoy the show

WHEN IS IT?

Flying takes place over three sessions, on Friday May 29 from 6.45pm to 9.20pm; on Saturday May 30 from noon until 4pm and on Sunday May 31 from 1pm to 4pm.

WHERE IS IT?

The event site on Paignton seafront will look different this year due to sea defence works currently taking place along the Paignton and Preston waterfronts. All the event attractions and facilities will be centred across North Green and Middle Green at Paignton, with South Green out of action.

Torbay Council says event organisers have worked closely with contractors to ensure the smooth running of the show, and all construction work will be paused for the weekend.

Many more vantage points around Paignton are busy at display time, including Roundham Head, Hollicombe and Sandringham Gardens.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

It won’t cost you a penny to watch. Just find yourself a vantage point, roll out the blanket, get yourself some food and drink, and enjoy.

WHAT IS IT?

The English Riviera Airshow has been running since 2016, meaning that it celebrates its 10th anniversary this time around. The air shows of 2020 and 2021 were cancelled, along with countless public events worldwide, as a result of the Covid pandemic.

WHAT’S NEW?

The Airshow weekend begins earlier than normal, with an extended Friday programme starting with events, stalls and funfair on Paignton seafront from 2pm. There will be live music, food and drink. Flying will take place from 6.30pm, and the evening will conclude with a fireworks display.

WHAT’S FLYING?

The Friday evening line-up, starting from 6.45pm, features the RAF Red Arrows; the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight comprising a Dakota, a Hurricane and a Spitfire; an RAF Tutor and the Firebirds with an evening pyrotechnic display.

Saturday’s scheduled displays, from noon onwards, are the RAF Red Arrows; Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers; Jet Provost; Battle of Britain Memorial Flight; RAF Tutor; Royal Navy Black Cats; The Firebirds; Jet Pitts from Rich Goodwin Airshows and the RAF Typhoon.

In the air on Sunday from 1pm will be the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight; Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers; RAF Tutor; Jet Provost; The Firebirds; Royal Navy Black Cats; Jet Pitts from Rich Goodwin Airshows and the RAF Typhoon

IS THIS A FIRST?

The 2026 English Riviera Airshow marks the first Red Arrows display in the UK this year, a distinction secured as a result of having a Friday night slot for the first time. The ‘Reds’ have been training in Greece, honing their new display before showing it off in public.

WHAT’S THAT NOISE?

The RAF Typhoon, which features in the flying programme on Saturday and Sunday, is by far the noisiest aircraft of the weekend as well as being the fastest and most up-to-date. The Typhoon FGR Mk4 is a highly capable and agile combat aircraft used for air policing, peacekeeping, and high-intensity conflict. The Typhoon has seen service in Libya, Iraq, Syria Romania and the Baltic.

HOW CAN IS SEE THE SHOW IF I CAN’T GET TO TORBAY?

AeroView.tv is the show’s official live streaming partner and will be broadcasting the action live with free streaming and expert commentary. Click https://watch.aeroview.tv/ for all the details and the action over the weekend.

HOW DO I GET THERE – WHERE DO I PARK?

Plentiful trains and buses serve Paignton town centre, which is only a five minute stroll from the seafront. If you’re coming by car there is Premium Parking close to the seafront at Colin Road, Hyde Road or Victoria Park. Other local car parks are also available. Premium Parking isn’t cheap, but it does get you close, and it gets you a programme and a nice badge.

If you come to the show by bicycle, the good people at Parkfield, at the north end of the Green, are offering secure cycle parking on the Saturday and Sunday.

WHAT’S HAPPENING ON THE GREEN?

In addition to the live music and the huge choice of food and drink, a stand-out new feature for 2026 is the Emergency Services Village which will highlight the vital work of local and national emergency responders including police, fire service, coastguard, air ambulance and mountain rescue. Specialist vehicles and equipment will be on display.

Running alongside this will be the much-loved Military Village, giving visitors the chance to get up close with the people who fly, maintain and support the aircraft seen in the skies. Crews from the RAF Red Arrows, Typhoon Display Team and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be on hand, alongside representatives from the Royal Navy and British Army. 

WHO IS SASHA NASH?

For the first time in the team’s long history, a woman is in charge of the RAF Red Arrows in 2026. Wing Commander Sasha Nash took over earlier this year and the English Riviera Airshow will be one of her first public appearances in her new leadership role. An experienced pilot with combat experience, she heads the team of 150 people who make up the Red Arrows on the ground and in the air.

WHY IS 2026 SPECIAL FOR THE SPITFIRE?

This year marks the 90th anniversary of the Supermarine Spitfire’s first flight in 1936. Few aircraft are as instantly recognisable as the Spitfire, with its distinctive shape and unmistakable sound. Visitors can see it in action on all three days of the airshow as part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

WHAT DO PEOPLE SAY?

Cllr Jackie Thomas (Con, Preston), the Torbay Council cabinet member for tourism, culture and events, said: “We are giving visitors even more reasons to come to the English Riviera Airshow this year. By expanding the opening night into a full Friday celebration and introducing new attractions like the Emergency Services Village, we’ve created three packed days of entertainment that everyone can enjoy completely free of charge. The English Riviera Airshow offers unforgettable experiences and something new to discover every day for the whole family.”

Carolyn Custerson, the Chief Executive Officer of the English Riviera BID Company, said: “With new additions and more to explore across the weekend, visitors have even more reasons to spend time at this year’s airshow.  It’s a fantastic opportunity to make a weekend of it and experience the very best of the English Riviera.”