Home / Arts and Entertainment / Airshow Aims for Record £5M+ Summer Boost
Airshow Aims for Record £5M+ Summer Boost
8 Mar
Summary
- Airshow aims to generate over £5m for Torbay businesses.
- The event is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
- Organizers hope for Red Arrows' return as headline act.
The upcoming 10th anniversary of the English Riviera Airshow is poised to deliver a substantial economic lift to Torbay. Organizers are projecting that this year's event will surpass the estimated £5m in business generated locally in 2025. The airshow, set to take place from May 29 to 31, aims to draw even more visitors than in previous years.
Local businesses, including hotels, bars, cafés, and shops, are expected to benefit significantly as the event kicks off ahead of the main holiday season. Councillor Jackie Thomas highlighted the 10-year milestone as a "remarkable achievement," noting the airshow's growth despite challenges faced by similar events nationwide. Industry figures suggest a strong return on investment, with local traders earning approximately £15 for every pound spent on staging the airshow.
The event's finances have stabilized, with a reduced loss of £33,000 in 2025 compared to substantial losses in earlier years, attributed to increased local business sponsorship. While the participation of the RAF Red Arrows as headliners is hoped for, their 2026 schedule is still unconfirmed. The program will feature aerial displays and family entertainment on Paignton Green, preceded by a Friday night Take-Off event with fireworks, live music, and a Spitfire flypast.
