Eastbourne Airborne To Return In 2023

The Borough Council have given the Eastbourne International Airshow the green light to return on August 17-20 next year.

Organisers say the free seafront airshow supports the tourism economy and will once again be running on a cost neutral basis, with sponsorship, donations and commercial operations required to fund all costs.

This year, they say, the show attracted one of the biggest audiences of its 28-year history, and they're hoping to continue this success, while also putting extra measures in place to reduce the carbon footprint even further.

Work began with a series of carbon reductions this year, including prioritising flying displays with carbon offsetting schemes, use of electric vehicles and hydrotreated vegetable oil in generators.

The show also introduced the world’s first certified electric aircraft this year, courtesy of OHM Energy, making its debut on the Western Lawns where visitors could find out more about local training opportunities in engineering and renewable energy.

Councillor Margaret Bannister, Eastbourne Borough Council’s Lead Member for Tourism & Culture said:

“We are excited to be bringing back our biggest event of the year and will be working hard to put in place even more measures to reduce our carbon footprint.

"Thank you to everyone who donated, joined as an Ambassador or helped to fund the event financially – your kind support ensured we met our 2022 funding target and this has given Airbourne the chance to fly another year. 

"The work now begins on raising funds for Airbourne 2023 to ensure its success can continue into future years.  Please do continue your support, you can donate towards the 2023 show online now at SaveAirbourne.com, sponsor the show or join as an Ambassador with a monthly donation of your choice.”

Mark Cotman from the Eastbourne Hospitality Association Management Team said:

“Airbourne has become a valuable economic driver for tourism both locally and across the region, promoting the UK staycation, and we are proud to have supported the event this year. 

"In addition to boosting overnight stays in Eastbourne accommodation and spending in restaurants, attractions and shops, the event also plays an important role in raising the profile of Eastbourne as a destination and attracting first time visitors to the town – an essential part of sustaining our tourism industry for future generations.” 

A spokesperson for Eastbourne Borough Council said:

In 2022 the predicted budget outturn shows a cost of £425,550 to run the show, and following sponsorship, commercial sales and donations Airbourne is predicted to have covered all costs with a £10,105 surplus.  The surplus will now be added to the Airbourne 2023 budget to support inflationary costs.

Airbourne 2022 was sponsored by lead sponsor Posturite, Eastbourne Hospitality Association, Your Eastbourne BID, Eastbourne Chamber of Commerce, Boundless CSMA, Birchwood Ford, Caffyns, Elite Medical, Environment First, Euro Selfdrive, Frontier Fireworks, Gemini Print, OHM Energy, Signtek, Stagecoach and W. Bruford.

Bucket collections at the show are managed by the Rotary Clubs of Eastbourne, Sovereign Harbour and Hailsham.  30% of these donations will be presented to three local charities this Autumn - Eastbourne & District Samaritans, Children With Cancer Fund and the RNLI, before work begins on appointing charities for 2023.

Details of sponsorships, advertising and hospitality for next year can be found at the airshow website now.