Eastbourne Airbourne returns after three years

It was a glorious sunny day on Eastbourne seafront as people browsed the many stalls, enjoyed the rides  - and checked out the Chinook parked on the town’s Western Lawns.

Others set up on the beach with deckchairs while others went out in boats for some of the best seats in the house to watch the airshow.

The day started with The Tigers parachute team, who soared down at a startling pace before landing gracefully on the beach in front of the applauding crowd.

At Western Lawns in Eastbourne. Pictured is a Chinook

Wing walkers provided an acrobatic performance from around 2pm and by 3pm, the long-awaited Battle of Britain memorial flight rumbled over.

A Lancaster Bomber flanked by a Hurricane and Spitfire flew from west to east past Eastbourne.

A Spitfire, Lancaster Bomber and Hurricane fly by

They circled before each plane took turns in its own individual flyby in what was a hair-raising moment. The Lancaster Bomber is one of only two left in existence in flying condition.

Airbourne then travelled forward with the 1954 Strikemaster, one of the first jet planes of its time.

This was followed by the Red Arrows which provided the set piece performance with twirling fast-paced acrobatic manoeuvres. They flew from inland over the excited crowd’s heads.

The Red Arrows yesterday

The seven-strong team took turns in what appeared to be a game of “chicken” as they hurtled towards each other with a stream of smoke behind them before turning away at the very last moment.

Margaret Bannister, lead cabinet member for tourism and culture services at Eastbourne Borough Council, told The Argus it was brilliant to be back in action after Covid-enforced cancellations.

She said : “It’s just wonderful to have Eastbourne Airbourne back. It has been just such a great day.

“The weather has been fantastic, we have been so lucky.

Busy down in Eastbourne

"Even now there are still boats out at sea and loads of people on the seafront. It has been so busy.

“For a Thursday to be this busy is nothing short of a miracle really. It only bodes well for the rest of the three days.

“I’m going to be here the whole weekend.”

Airbourne continues until Sunday.