CROWDS turned out in force for a mesmerising Red Arrows display at the weekend.

The famed Royal Air Force aerobatics display team performed a thrilling display for the thousands of enthusiasts who packed the beaches and lined the clifftops at Eastbourne for the annual airshow.

Airbourne was celebrating 25 years of showcasing aircraft new and old from around the world.

Nine bright red Hawk aircraft flew in mesmerising formations, rolls and loops, wowing crowds with smoke in red, white and blue.

Recordings released for the first time also showed rolling routine footage from the cockpit.

Among the crew was Eastbourne’s own flight lieutenant Toby Keeley, one of the nine pilots in the display team.

Eastbourne Borough Council lead cabinet member for tourism and enterprise councillor Margaret Bannister said: “Superb displays and amazing crowds have made for a memorable 25th year of Airbourne.

“The fast jets were out in full force, and it was a proud moment to see Toby perform as Red 2 for his family over Eastbourne for the first time.”

The free four-day festival enjoyed a successful turnout despite the changeable weather.

The packed programme enjoyed some new displays from the Gyrocopter, Rich Goodwin Pitts Special and Strikemaster jet while the F-16 made a welcome return for the first time in six years.

A surprise last-minute addition of the evocative Sally B, the only flying B-17 in Europe, delighted warbird fans, following news of the grounding of the Lancaster and Hurricane from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Meanwhile free films on the beach, including Disney’s Moana and Jungle Book, kept families entertained after flying each evening.

On Sunday, thousands stayed to watch the glittering twilight pyro-aerobatics from the Fireflies and Twister teams, before a dazzling firework finale.

Airbourne, also known as Eastbourne International Airshow, started in 1993 and is run by Eastbourne Borough Council, which says it contributes to the millions of pounds which tourism brings to the town.

Preparations are already under way for Airbourne 2018 which will be staged from August 16 to 19 next year.

For more information visit www.eastbourneairshow.com.