English Riviera Airshow

Join us Friday 29th May – Sunday 31st May 2026!

The Airshow is free to attend and is funded by various partners – Torbay Council, English Riviera BID Company and many corporate sponsors, individual donors and many others.

The English Riviera Airshow, held in Paignton is a spectacular event. The weekend event features breathtaking air displays over the stunning natural amphitheatre of South Devon's beautiful bay. Of course, we'll say it's the best Airshow in the UK, but when you have some of Devon's best beaches as a backdrop and access to world-class food and activities all within walking distance, who can blame us?! In fact, each year, the Airshow attracts almost 200,000 people to The English Riviera. And the best bit of all, the airshow is completely free!

RAF line-up announced for English Riviera Airshow’s 10th anniversary

This year's Airshow will see incredible aerial displays across all three days of the event

Event organisers are thrilled to announce that the Red Arrows, Typhoon and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight have all been confirmed for this year's English Riviera Airshow which takes place from Friday 29 to Sunday 31 May in Paignton.

The English Riviera Airshow’s flying programme has grown significantly over the years, and visitors will be thrilled to learn that this 10th anniversary event will offer three action‑packed days of aerial displays, taking place from Friday through Sunday.

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

The stellar line-up features three of the Royal Air Force's (RAF) most famous and impressive aerial display teams, demonstrating incredible speed, agility, precision and heritage. Together, they will transform Torbay’s coastal skyline and help to create one of the UK’s most spectacular free airshows of the year.

The world-famous Red Arrows will take to the skies on both Friday and Saturday of the Airshow, giving spectators the chance to see their impressive display twice over the long weekend. Their trademark red, white and blue smoke trails promise to create unforgettable moments along the stunning Torbay coastline

For the first time in history, a woman will lead the Red Arrows. 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.

Flying their distinctive Hawk fast-jets, the Red Arrows are known for their trademark Diamond Nine Shape, breathtaking formations and precision flying.

The Typhoon will be wowing the crowds on both Saturday and Sunday. Famous for the thunderous roar of its twin engines, the Typhoon display team will fly their Eurofighter Typhoon FGR4 aircraft. The fourth-generation fighter plane is capable of incredible speed and is a highly agile, multi-role combat aircraft. Crowds can expect heart‑pounding passes, dramatic climbs and the unmistakable sound that announces the Typhoon long before it appears overhead.

History lovers and aviation enthusiasts will be thrilled that the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) has been confirmed for all three days of the Airshow: Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The flight will feature the C47 Dakota, Hurricane and Spitfire aircraft. 

The BBMF is dedicated to maintaining the priceless artefacts of RAF heritage and commemorating those who have fallen in the service of this country.

Alongside the RAF display teams, the Airshow will also feature a wide range of civilian aircraft which will be announced closer to the event. Spectators can expect jaw‑dropping aerobatics and breathtaking freestyle displays designed to delight crowds of all ages.

This year’s Airshow will celebrate a major milestone: the 10th anniversary of the very first English Riviera Airshow in 2016. Building on the event’s growing momentum, the 2026 Airshow promises incredible flying displays, vibrant entertainment on the ground, a fantastic opening-night celebration and a buzzing festival atmosphere across the whole weekend.

In addition to the world-class flying displays, the event has on the ground experiences, usually a military village, funfair, craft fair, live performances, and an array of local South West traders and exhibitors.

The English Riviera Airshow is organised by Torbay Council with support from the English Riviera BID Company.

Where can I watch the English Riviera Airshow?

The main action takes place on Paignton Green, with plenty of stalls, activities, commentary and a festive atmosphere to go along with it.

However, if you'd like to watch from afar, there are some great clifftop vantage sites across the Bay. If you are staying in Torquay, we would recommend perching up on Daddyhole Plain, while both Beacon Quay, Meadfoot Beach and Thatcher Point are also very popular. If you are over in Brixham, we would highly recommend both Berry Head and Battery Gardens, while more great spots in Paignton include Roundham Head and the end of Paignton Pier. 

Travelling to Paignton for the English Riviera Airshow

Those looking to join the festivities by car can purchase their car parking tickets through the English Riviera Airshow website.

Make a Weekend of It

The Airshow takes place across two days, so it's the perfect opportunity to make a weekend of it and enjoy all there is to offer on the English Riviera. There's accommodation to suit every need from award-winning boutique B&Bs and your favourite branded hotels to holiday parks and self-catering accommodation.

You won’t be disappointed with the fabulous food and drink on offer either. There is no shortage of seriously good restaurants and there’s something to suit every pocket and taste, from traditional fish and chips to exceptional fine dining. There are a plethora of wine and cocktail bars, traditional pubs and cafés too, many with exceptional views across the Bay.

And on the days when you’re not taking in the sights of the Airshow, why not visit one of the many attractions? With prehistoric caves once the home of ancient humans, a model village and a steam train to name a few, there’s something for everyone.

Or why not just experience the great outdoors? Walk the stunning South West Coast Path, take a ferry ride across the Bay, or visit a nature reserve. Or you could take to the water and go wild swimming, stand up paddleboarding or, for the more adventurous, there’s coasteering and an exhilarating rib ride!