With an expanded opening night, new attractions on the ground and major aviation milestones to celebrate, the English Riviera Airshow 2026 promises to be a fantastic weekend for the whole family.

Taking place from Friday 29 to Sunday 31 May in Paignton, the Airshow celebrates 10 years since the event first launched in 2016. To mark this milestone anniversary, event organisers have announced a range of exciting new additions to the three-day programme, giving residents and visitors even more reasons to come along this year.

The English Riviera Airshow is a collaborative effort supported by us, the English Riviera BID Company, local businesses and organisations, and aviation enthusiasts.

Friday launch: “The Take Off”

The Airshow weekend begins earlier than ever with an extended Friday programme launching the event on Friday 29 May.

Paignton seafront will burst into life from 2pm as event stalls and the fun fair open, offering a wide choice of food, drink and family-friendly attractions. Live music on the main stage will provide the soundtrack throughout the afternoon and early evening, creating a vibrant festival atmosphere along the seafront.

As the evening draws in, spectators can turn their attention to the skies and enjoy one of the most exciting additions to this year's Airshow programme - a Friday evening of flying displays.

Flying will take place from 6:30pm with iconic display teams including the RAF Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF), RAF Tutor and the stunning Pyrotechnic Firebirds taking to the air.

The evening will conclude with a magnificent fireworks display over the Bay, officially opening the English Riviera Airshow 2026 and setting the tone for an action‑packed weekend ahead.

Emergency Services Village

A standout new feature for 2026 is the Emergency Services Village. Making its first appearance at the Airshow, this dedicated area will highlight the vital work of local and national emergency responders. Visitors can meet teams from Devon & Cornwall Police, Fire and Rescue, HM Coastguard, Devon Air Ambulance and Mountain Rescue, explore specialist vehicles and equipment at close range, and learn more about the lifesaving services they deliver every day.

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. Visitors can meet personnel, ask questions and learn more about the skills, technology and teamwork behind modern military aviation.

Aviation milestones

For the first time in history, a woman will lead the RAF Red Arrows who will be flying their distinctive Hawk fast jets on Friday and Saturday of the Airshow. Wing Cdr Sasha Nash took over from Wing Cdr Adam Collins as the most senior officer in the Royal Air Force aerobatic team earlier this year and the English Riviera Airshow will be one of her first public appearances in her new leadership role.

Adding further significance to the 2026 event, this year marks the 90th anniversary of the Supermarine Spitfire’s first flight on 5 March 1936. Few aircraft are as instantly recognisable or emotionally resonant as the Spitfire. Its distinctive shape and unmistakable sound have become powerful symbols of British resilience, innovation and engineering excellence. Visitors can see this historically significant aircraft in action as it soars above the crowds on all three days of the Airshow as part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

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. While the event footprint may be reduced, audiences can still expect a full and vibrant Airshow weekend, packed with an exciting range of on‑the‑ground entertainment and unforgettable flying displays.

Cllr Jackie Thomas, Torbay Council Cabinet Member for Tourism, Culture & Events, and Corporate Services, 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, Chief Executive Officer, 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.”

The English Riviera Airshow has been held annually since 2016. It combines thrilling flying displays with ground-based festivities, captivating audiences of all ages.

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