The English Riviera Airshow returns to the coast of Devon from Friday 29 May to Sunday 31 May 2026, marking the event’s 10th anniversary with a weekend of aerial displays and community activities. Centred on Paignton Green, the free event will feature performances visible across the entire Torbay coastline, including Torquay and Brixham.
Organised by Torbay Council with support from the English Riviera BID Company, the show is expected to attract approximately 200,000 visitors. This influx of people provides a significant economic benefit to the region, with previous data indicating the show generates around £5 million for the local economy. The English Riviera Airshow serves as a major boost for hotels, shops, and cafes throughout the area ahead of the main summer holiday season.
This year’s programme features several high-profile performances, headlined by the Royal Air Force Red Arrows. The 2026 display marks a historic moment for the team as Wing Cdr Sasha Nash makes her first public appearance as their leader, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the team’s history. Attendees can also view the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which includes a Spitfire to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the aircraft’s first flight, as well as displays by the RAF Typhoon Display Team.
New to the event for 2026 are an Emergency Services Village, designed to showcase the work of local and national responders, and an expanded programme for Friday evening that will conclude with a fireworks display. Since its inception in 2016, the event has grown into a major fixture for the region, and organisers continue to encourage public attendance at this free community gathering.
About this article: This story was put together with the help of AI tools and checked by a real person on our team. We're a small crew trying to cover as much of the UK as we can on a limited budget. We're getting better every day - but we're not perfect yet. If something looks off, let us know. You're part of the process.
