Organisers of the English Riviera Airshow in Paignton, Torbay, Devon — led by Torbay Council — have warned that the event will be stopped immediately if anyone flies drones, kites, or balloons near the display area. The warning comes as the community prepares for the show’s 10th anniversary, scheduled for Friday 29 May to Sunday 31 May 2026.
The Civil Aviation Authority has put a Restricted Area (Temporary) in place covering a 4-nautical-mile radius (about 4.6 miles) around the Paignton Green display site to keep pilots and spectators safe. Torbay Council has said any unauthorised flying in this area will lead to the airshow being paused until the object has been landed and removed by the appropriate authorities.
Devon and Cornwall Police, together with event security and stewards, will enforce the restriction. Torbay Council and English Riviera Airshow officials say officers may confiscate equipment and pursue prosecutions against offenders. Organisers also plan to use ground spotters and potentially electronic drone-detection technology to help identify unauthorised activity. The measures are intended to protect high-performance display teams, including the RAF Red Arrows.
The event is listed on the Military Airshows UK 2026 calendar and is being promoted locally as the show’s 10th anniversary. Local reporting and the council estimate the airshow generated around A35 million for the Bay’s economy in 2025 — an economic benefit organisers say they want to protect by avoiding unnecessary delays to the flying programme.
