English Riviera Airshow boosts Torbay economy by £5m

Plans are already underway for English Riviera Airshow 2026 after the amazing success of this year's event which is estimated to have generated £5million to the Bay's economy.

Tens of thousands of people flocked to the resort, especially Paignton seafront, to enjoy the three-day extravaganza on land and in the air where the world-famous Red Arrows stole the show.

The free event, held annually on Paignton Green, is one of the most highly anticipated fixtures in the English Riviera’s calendar.

Car parks were rammed, trains between Torquay and Paignton packed and traders and stall-holders on the promenade made a killing.

This year’s show featured dramatic flypasts from the Red Arrows – the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team – and the RAF Typhoon Display Team, whose roaring, head-turning engines proved a firm favourite with spectators.

It is being estimated that for every £1 invested in the show there was a return of £15. Carolyn Custerson, chief executive of the English Riviera BID Company, who helped  sponsor the show, said: "It is a great return on investment and we are now in a good position to take the event forward."

Torbay Council invested £100,000 in the event with council leader Dave Thomas declaring: "We put in £100,000 with a return of £5million. I will take that any day personally."

He added: "It's great news. The show is going from strength to strength. I said last year that it was the best but this year has surpassed that."

The event lost more than £300,000 in its first year just three years ago, a loss the council said at the time that it could not continue to make and with some critics and opponents saying it should be ditched.

Across the weekend, a selection of the UK’s most iconic aircraft took to the skies and could be spotted from gardens and streets across Torbay. The Red Arrows made their dramatic entrance from behind the crowds, soaring over Paignton town and releasing trails of red, white and blue vapour in the colours of the Union Flag before their main performance over the sea.

Above: Image: MiraclePR/miraclepr.com

Although the event avoided the weather disruptions of previous years, strong winds meant the Red Devils Army Parachute Display Team were unable to perform on either day due to safety concerns.

On the ground, there were military vehicles, costumed performers – including a transformer – and one of the only Typhoon simulators in Europe. Music played on the main stage throughout the weekend, with performances from BBC Radio Devon. Introducing artists and local bands that kept the crowds dancing into the evening.

The event also paid tribute to the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day), marked earlier in May, with stands representing the RAF, Navy and Army personnel in the dedicated Military Village.

Torbay’s newly appointed Deputy Mayor, Cllr Hazel Foster, formally opened Friday evening’s events. She said: “I was pleased to join the Lord Lieutenant of Devon, David Fursdon, for an act of remembrance, a parade of the colours by 200 (Torquay) Squadron ATC, and a tour of the military village on Paignton Green. We were well placed as the Red Arrows arrived!

Above: Image: MiraclePR/miraclepr.com

“I also spent some time volunteering to sell programmes – everyone bought helps fund the aerial displays and the wide range of entertainment that everyone can enjoy for free.

“Thank you to everyone who made this year’s airshow such a success, especially the many volunteers who gave up their time to support it.”

Torbay Council leader Dave Thomas and cabinet member for tourism, culture and events, Cllr Jackie Thomas, were also among the team of volunteers.

Above: Dave Thomas donning the Mood Bear Costume. Image: MiraclePR/miraclepr.com

Cllr Thomas said: “We enjoyed everything from managing seating areas on the seafront and selling programmes to helping with the wide array of merchandise. I even had the joy (and challenge!) of donning the Mood Bear costume — in partnership with Fostering South West, who were at the show highlighting the essential role of foster carers.

“A massive thank you also goes to the Torbay Council Events Team and the many dedicated volunteers who gave up their time to ensure the event ran smoothly. From parking coordination to accessible viewing areas, supporting traders, and ensuring public safety — your efforts do not go unnoticed and are deeply appreciated.”

The council’s small events team spends most of the year planning the airshow. Behind the scenes, they coordinate everything from the main stage and gazebos to risk assessments and site layout, ensuring the event is safe and enjoyable for all.

Visitors praised the event on social media, with one Facebook user thanking emergency services and volunteers who responded to a medical incident: “You all caught me, looked after two little pups, and ensured that I made it to Torbay Hospital, where I was again looked after so well that I have been able to come home.”

Another wrote: “The Typhoon was amazing – like a magic trick when it disappeared into the clouds at the end!”

A third added: “Brilliant show. I think it was the best one so far. Well organised. A big well done to all the people involved. We had a fabulous weekend.”