Dave Thomas: Our spectacular English Riviera Airshow was up there with best!

WOW ! As I sit down to write my column this morning, I am immensely proud of the amazing Airshow that has just been delivered. Some of you may recall: This time last year, we really didn't know if we would be able to afford another event. Last year's Airshow cost the council £300,000. This was never going to be continued or sustainable at this level. Something had to change.

Hence in October ‘23, Council agreed we would commit £100,000, but the event would require us to work much closer with the community and this is exactly what we have done. The event wouldn’t have been possible without the support of local organisations and businesses who have sponsored or provided in-kind support, and the fantastic team from across the community who have worked tirelessly for months to bring you ‘Your English Riviera Airshow’. The town has had a real buzz for the last week as it seems everyone has been talking about the Airshow – it certainly didn’t let anyone down.

The continued support from our community and businesses is vital to ensure we can keep bringing you a bigger and better event year-on-year. 

During the event we held a one minute of silence, which was led by the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant for Devon – Nick Powe on the Sunday morning to honour Squadron Leader Mark Long from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, who sadly lost his life in the incident in Lincolnshire the previous weekend. Mark flew the Typhoon at the first Torbay Airshow in 2016 and our thoughts and prayers go to Mark's family and friends at this very difficult time.

Continuing with my thoughts of others who have made the ultimate sacrifice for this country, on Thursday June 6, 2024, the nation will be marking the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Landings, a pivotal moment in history. This was the day Allied forces executed the largest amphibious invasion ever witnessed. Their courage and sacrifice paved the way for freedom and peace across Europe.

Across the UK, a wide range of tributes and ceremonies are taking place, including lighting of Beacons, lighting lamps and ringing out bells for peace. This is where Cathedrals and Churches are being encouraged to ring their bells at 6.30pm on the anniversary.

Meanwhile, within the bay we have lots of events taking place leading up to Thursday. Brixham Future working with Brixham Town Council have pulled together a week of events taking place in the fishing town; however the main event features a commemoration parade led by the Scottish Piper Band, which takes place on Thursday June 6 at 10:30am. The parade will march from the ‘Man and Boy’ statue with a service being held when the parade arrives at the Breakwater Car Park, Brixham

Over in Torquay on the same day, an Embarkation service will take place on Beacon Quay at 11am.

The lighting of our Beacons will be another event to put in your diary. There are several beacons you can visit including, The Beacons at Corbyn Head, Daddyhole Plain and at Shoalstone Pool. These will all be lit at 9.15pm as part of the continuing UK-wide tribute.

Before I sign off for another week, I do want to give a big shout out to this year's Armed Forces Day which is taking place on Paignton Green on Saturday June 22 from 10 am to 6 pm with a parade from Paignton Harbour at 11 am. I know this is a few weeks away, but it is a great event to visit and well work putting in your diary.

Organised by the Veterans of Torbay, this is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community. There will be a range of displays, live music and children’s attractions on the green throughout the day.  

Until next week.