Eastbourne International Airshow 2025: Fireworks, Flying & Four Days of Seafront Thrills

If you're looking for a free, family-friendly summer event on the south coast with serious wow factor, Eastbourne International Airshow 2025 (aka Airbourne) should be firmly pinned to your calendar. Running from Thursday 14th to Sunday 17th August, this seaside spectacular is now into its 31st year — and showing absolutely no signs of slowing down.

Expect roaring jets, dazzling aerobatics, parachute teams, classic warbirds, ground exhibitions, music, and to top it all off — a massive firework finale over the beach on Sunday night.

Eastbourne’s Firework Finale: Sunday Night Sorted

Airbourne signs off in proper style on Sunday 17th August with a stunning firework display at 9pm, launched from the Wish Tower beach. It’s free to attend and absolutely worth sticking around for after the planes have packed up.

The fireworks cap off four solid days of aviation action with a blast of colour and noise, right over the sea. It’s the perfect way to end your airshow weekend with a bang (literally), whether you're a front-row seafront regular or a first-timer just there for the lights.

Pro tip? The best views are from Eastbourne’s main promenade — but get there early. You won’t be the only one with that idea.

What’s Flying in 2025?

Each day from lunchtime through to late afternoon, Eastbourne’s skies become a buzzing theatre of aerial brilliance. Across the four days, you'll see:

• Modern jets and RAF displays

• Classic aircraft from the Battle of Britain era

• Precision aerobatic teams

• Daring wingwalkers and formation stunts

The flying schedule changes slightly each day, so it’s worth checking the official programme nearer the time if you’ve got a favourite jet to see.

The display line stretches for two miles between the Pier and Western Lawns, so bring your sun cream, a camping chair, and something cold in the cool box. You’re in for the long haul — and you won’t be disappointed.

Where to Watch the Action

Want the best seat in the house? You’ve got options.

There’s ticketed seating available along the seafront for prime viewing of the air displays — Grandstand, Promenade and Bandstand options are available from £30 for adults and £25 for children. These close at 5:30pm, so if you're sticking around for the fireworks, you’ll need to shift down to the beach or public areas afterwards.

Prefer a quieter spot with a bit of elevation? The Park n’ View site at Beachy Head offers panoramic views of the aircraft against the Eastbourne coastline, with loos and refreshments on hand. Ideal if you like your sky shows a little more chilled.

It’s Free – But It’s Worth Supporting

Eastbourne Airshow is completely free to attend — which is pretty rare for an event of this scale. But like any good thing, it only keeps going with support.

There’ll be donation points around the site and online if you fancy chipping in a few quid to help keep the event running strong into 2026 and beyond. You can also grab an official souvenir programme or pin badge for £10 to take home a memento and support the cause.

Make a Weekend of It

Airbourne isn’t just about what’s up in the air. On the ground you’ll find:

• Military exhibitions and recruitment displays

• Children’s entertainment

• Food and drink stalls galore

• Live music and tribute shows

• Pop-up attractions all along the seafront

It’s a full-blown summer festival with a serious adrenaline streak. Bring the kids, the grandparents, the neighbour’s dog – just don’t forget your camera.

Want Your Own Firework Finale?

If Airbourne’s display leaves you itching to unleash your own sky-shattering masterpiece, you’re in the right place. We stock the UK’s biggest range of fireworks for every kind of celebration – from birthday barbecues and beach parties to weddings, Diwali, New Year’s, gender reveals and more.

Take a look at our collections:

• Rockets that’ll rattle your windows

• Barrages with serious bang-for-buck

• Fireworks for weddings

• Fireworks for Diwali

• Gender reveal fireworks

We do fireworks properly — no duds, no nonsense, just jaw-dropping pyro and expert advice to go with it.

Planning More Firework-Filled Days Out?

Eastbourne is just one of dozens of top firework events happening across the UK this year. If you’re planning a summer road trip, staycation or just want more bang in your calendar, check out our 2025 Firework Events Roundup for the full lowdown.

See all the best UK firework events for 2025 →