Popular Eastbourne Air Show 'Airbourne' To Return In 2022 For One Year Only

Eastbourne Airshow is returning next year, for one year only.

Following the Coronavirus pandemic, the free airshow will return from 18–21 August, and due to the current financial situation it must run without cost to the taxpayer to guarantee its future. 

Visitors can support the show financially in many ways, from booking grandstand seating and buying exclusive membership to donating online, and businesses can support the show too with advertising and sponsorship available.

Without enough financial support over the next year, a decision would then need to be taken to ground the airshow for good in 2023.

Eastbourne Borough Council Lead Cabinet Member for Tourism & Culture, Cllr Margaret Bannister said:

"This really is the final boarding call for Airbourne. Rising costs of insurance and security over the years have increased the financial vulnerability of the show to such an extent, that unless we can increase visitor donations and financial support from our local businesses, then we really do need to retire our biggest event of the year!

"Covid-19 has had such a devastating effect upon the council’s finances, that we can no longer support events financially, unless they can support themselves. 

"Airbourne has such a positive impact upon the town’s economy, with hundreds of thousands of visitors over the four days, many of whom stay overnight, so we are asking those who enjoy visiting the show and the many businesses who benefit from tourism in Eastbourne to please dig deep and help Airbourne take flight in future years.”

Eastbourne’s events team is continuing with existing green initiatives, such as removing single use plastic from the event. The organisers are actively working alongside transport and aviation partners to explore opportunities to reduce the events carbon footprint.

Anyone can pledge their support by donating online, however a range of packages and experiences will also soon be available for visitors to upgrade their visit, making ideal gifts in the lead up to Christmas. 

From grandstand seating areas with private toilet facilities and a new family zone, to airside dining packages, guaranteed on site parking and exclusive membership packages, there will be plenty of options to suit all budgets, making the perfect gift for any airshow fan.

Business packages are available too, offering a range of hospitality, advertising, exhibition space and sponsorship.

To donate towards Airbourne 2022 or to register interest in reserved seating, gifts, membership packages or commercial opportunities visit www.eastbourneairshow.com/support.