The English Riviera Airshow 2025 is set to soar to new heights, with thrilling new editions for the three-day event.

With just over four-weeks until the 2025 English Riviera Airshow (30 May to 1 June), event organisers have announced the full display line-up. Airshow fan favourites and several new thrilling additions promise a captivating weekend of aerial performances and impressive flybys.

For the first time a special Friday night ‘take off’ event will see the classic Spitfire fly across the Bay at dusk; followed by the amazing Fireflies performing a stunning aerial pyrotechnic display. Night, one ends with a firework show at 10pm, with live music throughout the evening on the main event stage, headlined by Funk City Band.

Across Saturday and Sunday, an array of distinguished display teams and individual performers, each bring their own unique expertise and flair to the weekend. Not forgetting they will be joined by the best and most exciting RAF display teams, the Red Arrows, Typhoon and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Flying teams

• The Royal Navy Black Cats Helicopter display team: an exciting duo performance of Wildcat helicopters, showcasing precision, skill, and the unwavering spirit of naval aviation.
• The Army’s Red Devils Parachute display team: from the elite unit of the British Army Parachute Regiment.
• Team Raven: a formation aerobatic display team fluting Vans RV-8 aircraft.
• Aerosuperbatics Wing walkers: known for their breath-taking acrobatics performed on top of the 1940s Boeing Stearman biplanes.
• Harvard Aircraft: an advanced single-engine trainer, which played a pivotal role in preparing aircrew during World War II.
• Rich Goodwin G-JPIT: performs in his high highly modified Pitts Special, known as the ‘Muscle Biplane’.
• Melanie Astles Extra 330: a top aerobatic pilot, performs in her Extra 330SC aircraft.
• Jet Provost: a British jet trainer aircraft that was primarily used by the Royal Airforce (RAF) from 1955 to 1993.
• The Fireflies: perform with two Van’s RV-4 aircraft, featuring a twilight pyrotechnic display (Friday) and daytime displays.
• Spitfire: takes centre stage on Friday evening and returns on Saturday and Sunday.

Spectators will also be treated to a special tribute to the 80^th Anniversary of VE Day on all three days of the Airshow to honour the memory of those who fought in World War II.  

Display times

• Friday – between 20:55pm and 21:20pm
• Saturday – between 2pm and 6pm
• Sunday – between 12pm and 4.15pm

Information about all display teams, including exact flight times can be found in the English Riviera Airshow 2025 Programme which can be purchased via the English Riviera Airshow website. 

BBC Introducing

Across all three days there is a huge range of activities and live music acts. On Saturday, BBC Devon will be running the main stage, with ‘BBC Introducing’ stella performances and solo artists, all compared by BBC Introducing Radio host, Daniel Pascoe. Local bands and artists such as Emma Pick, AJ & Elliot, Harbour and Tors, a three-piece indie folk band from Devon are also in the line-up to perform, with more acts yet to be announced.

Event Village

The event village on Paignton Green will be open from 6pm until 10pm on Friday, on Saturday 10am until 10pm, and on Sunday from 10am until 8pm.

Airshow organisers are thrilled that Bays Brewery are ‘on board’, providing the beer at this year’s event. Their involvement highlights our shared commitment to local collaboration and supporting the Torbay community.

In between flying and main stage music acts, explore the STEM marquee which will showcase local Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths developments and businesses, shop at the local craft fair, meet heroes at the Military Village, enjoy a range of food and drink, and for those looking for more high energy activities head to the fun fair and typhoon aircraft flight simulator, which uses real life footage, offering a real experience of the flight displays.

Enhancing your Experience

Enhance your English Riviera Airshow experience by booking official parking and premium seating packages. Take the stress out of finding parking over the weekend, pre-book spaces in our official car parks that are a few minutes’ walk from the event village. Plan ahead and enjoy a hassle-free experience. Book official Airshow parking. 

Cllr Jackie Thomas, Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events and Corporate Services at Torbay Council, said; “We are counting down the days to our biggest and best English Riviera Airshow. Three days of free, live entertainment that everyone is welcome to come and enjoy. Flying, fireworks, live music, activities and a packed event village, we’ve got it all.

“Whether you live 2 miles or 200 miles away, come and join us on the English Riviera.”

Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive Officer, English Riviera BID Company, said; “The natural amphitheatre of the English Riviera is undoubtedly the best place in the UK to host an Airshow. “

Whether you want to be in the heart of the action, enjoying the displays from a picturesque cliff top or sat watching from a harbourside bar or restaurant, our stunning coastline offers viewing points right around the Bay, meaning your Airshow experience can be tailored to suit your needs. We’ve got accommodation to suit all budgets and a host of award-winning attractions and experiences so why not make a weekend of it with us.”

Make a weekend of it

Make a Weekend of the English Riviera Airshow. Enjoy three-days of exciting free entertainment, experience the English Riviera’s hospitality, and explore everything the area has to offer. We look forward to welcoming you.

The English Riviera website includes suggestions for accommodation to suit all needs, from lively caravan and touring parks and homely self-catering cottages to luxury hotels and personal B&Bs. Check out the website for more information.

The official travel partner Great Western Railway offer direct routes to the English Rivera and our Airshow location. Trains to Devon | Cheap Devon Train Tickets | Great Western Railway (gwr.com)

For more information, latest updates and VIP extra’s visit the official English Riviera Airshow website: English Riviera Airshow - 30 May - 1 June 2025  or follow the event on Facebook, and Instagram.

About the English Riviera Airshow

The English Riviera Airshow, held annually since 2016, is the UK’s premier aviation event. It combines thrilling flying displays with ground-based festivities, captivating audiences of all ages. The Airshow is a collaborative effort support by Torbay Council, the English Riviera BID Company, local businesses and organisations, and aviation enthusiasts.

Image: Fireflies, credit Paul Johnson Flightline UK.