F-16 Selects Eastbourne Airshow For Only Mainland UK Seaside Display

The Belgian Air Component F-16 is set to join a thrilling line up of the Red Arrows, Eurofighter Typhoon and Chinook at Airbourne: Eastbourne International Airshow on 15 – 18 August.

The rip-roaring fast jet has signalled a return to the UK’s Best FREE Airshow (as voted by Airscene), with Eastbourne’s seafront display being the only free airshow in the mainland UK set to welcome the team this year.

The heavy metal jet joins an international line up with the Royal Netherlands Air Force AB412 and a new display from a pair of Dassault Flamants from France, who make their UK debut in Eastbourne. The Red Arrows will also fly on all four days of the show, the only UK airshow to receive an incredible four displays.

The four day airshow last year enjoyed the busiest day ever in its 20 year history, and this year looks even more promising with a strong line up of RAF displays from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Tutor, Tucano, Eurofighter Typhoon, Red Arrows and a brand new routine for 2013, for fans of the Chinook.

Parachute teams from The Tigers and Royal Navy Raiders will be dropping in on all the action, plus displays from the Lynx and Sea King will entertain at close range. World record holders, The Blades, will be zooming across the skies, along with more close formation aerobatics from the SWIP Silence Twister team, Rv8tors and the Breitling Wingwalkers, providing daring feats.

For historic and classic jet fans, the iconic Spitfire will be joined by the Jet Provost, Kittyhawk and the unique ‘Miss Demeanour’ Hunter jet.

On the ground, budding aviators can climb aboard a replica Chinook or Hawk in the military exhibition, featuring the best of the RAF, Army and Navy. Arena events and children’s entertainment beaches keep all of the family entertained, including a special free concert in the arena on Thursday and Friday by the Central Band of the RAF.

For top flight hospitality, the Aviator Club and Cirrus Rooms offer fabulous views and great food in the heart of all the action with a buffet lunch or 3 course meal option. Or reserve your place with exclusive seating at the Bandstand for uninterrupted views of all the action.

Fans can also get a birds eye view of the flying from iconic beauty spot Beachy Head or take to the skies with a helicopter pleasure flight over the scenic South Downs National Park.

In the evening Bandstand concerts entertain each night, along with an outdoor film screening at the arena and a seafront firework spectacular over the weekend.

The Red Arrows are due to perform on Thursday 4pm, Friday 4pm, Saturday 5pm and Sunday 3pm (times are subject to change).

Airbourne takes place on Eastbourne seafront with arena and ground displays on the Western Lawns over all four days, and entry is free. For more information visit www.eastbourneairshow.com or telephone 0871 663 0031.