Dave Thomas: Big month of celebration and opportunity

We’ve got a busy and exciting month ahead, culminating in the 2025 English Riviera Airshow, taking place from May 30 to June 1. With just over three weeks to go, organisers have unveiled the full display line-up, promising a weekend filled with returning favourites and thrilling new additions to delight residents and visitors alike.

For the first time, the Airshow will launch with a special Friday night ‘take-off’ event, adding a whole new dimension to the weekend. As dusk settles over the Bay, the iconic Spitfire will grace the skies in a powerful, nostalgic display. 

This will be followed by the Fireflies performing a stunning pyrotechnic aerial display. The evening will conclude with a firework finale at 10pm and live music on the main stage, headlined by Funk City Band.

Saturday and Sunday bring a packed programme of elite aerial displays from world-class pilots. Among the highlights are the RAF’s Red Arrows, famed for their formation flying, the powerful Typhoon Display Team, and the historic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, offering a poignant tribute to aviation history.

This year’s Airshow also commemorates the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. Marked across all three days, the tribute honours the courage and sacrifice of those who served in World War II, creating an opportunity for reflection alongside celebration.

Back on the ground, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. On Saturday, BBC Devon will host the main stage, presenting a line-up of emerging talent through ‘BBC Introducing’. Curated and compered by BBC presenter Daniel Pascoe, the show will feature performances by Emma Pick, AJ & Elliot, Harbour, and Devon’s own indie folk trio, Tors.

The event village on Paignton Green will be open from 6pm–10pm on Friday, 10am–10pm on Saturday, and 10am–8pm on Sunday, offering something for all ages and interests. Visitors can enjoy the STEM marquee, showcasing exciting developments in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths. There’ll be a bustling craft fair, a Military Village featuring armed forces displays, and a wide variety of food and drink stalls with local and regional flavours.

For those seeking high-adrenaline fun, the fun fair and the Typhoon aircraft flight simulator—using real-life footage—will deliver a hands-on flying experience that brings the air displays even closer.

Beyond the Airshow, our focus also remains firmly on Torbay’s long-term growth and regeneration.

 I’ll be heading to Leeds alongside our partners Willmott Dixon and Milligan to represent Torbay at the UK Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF). With more than 16,000 industry professionals expected to attend, this national forum is a key opportunity to promote Torbay as a location for investment and development.

Now in our third consecutive year at UKREiiF, Torbay’s presence continues to grow in strength. This year, we will launch the Torbay Investment Prospectus, a strategic document backed by £130 million of public funding. It outlines a bold vision for the Bay’s future, highlighting development opportunities across Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham. The aim is to bring new investment partners on board and accelerate the regeneration already underway.

The Prospectus will also showcase how effective collaboration between public and private sectors is delivering meaningful, sustainable growth in coastal communities—positioning Torbay as a compelling example of success in action.

We’ll also be supporting the Great South West partnership, representing Cornwall & Isles of Scilly, Devon, Dorset, and Somerset. Within the Great South West Pavilion, we’ll promote major investment-ready projects that contribute to the wider region’s prosperity and resilience.

Finally, a brief update on Local Government Reorganisation.  I was advised that feedback on Torbay’s interim plan would be received during the week commencing Monday April 28. As of writing on Friday May 2 at 4pm, no correspondence has been received. I will provide an update as soon as further information is available.

As we look forward to this month of celebration, opportunity, and community engagement, I want to thank everyone who plays a part in making these events and initiatives possible. 

From our hardworking organisers and partners to local businesses, volunteers, and most importantly, you - our residents – your continued support, energy, and pride in Torbay is what makes this momentum possible. Together, we’re building something special—and we’re only just getting started!