Airshow brings multimillion-pound boost to resort

Organisers are hoping an annual airshow's 10th anniversary will provide a summer boost after bringing in millions of pounds last year.

The English Riviera Airshow is estimated to have generated at least £5m of business in Torbay in 2025, which had the RAF Red Arrows topping the bill.

Torbay Council believes the 2026 show, being staged from 29 to 31 May, could attract even more visitors and give hotels, bars, cafés and shops a lift ahead of the main holiday season.

Councillor Jackie Thomas, cabinet member for tourism, culture and events, said reaching the 10-year milestone for the airshow was a "remarkable achievement".

"At a time when many similar events across the country have struggled to continue, we've not only kept the show flying but have grown it year-on-year," Thomas said.

Industry figures suggested the event earns about £15 for local traders for every pound spent on staging it, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Figures from the council showed the 2025 show cost £285,000, with the council contributing £100,000.

While it still made a loss of £33,000, it was a big improvement on the early years when losses ran into the hundreds of thousands, with the council saying a stronger push for sponsorship from local businesses had helping stabilise finances.

Organisers hope the RAF Red Arrows will return as headliners, although the team has not yet confirmed its 2026 display calendar.

This year's programme includes a repeat of last year's Friday night Take-Off event, which opened with fireworks, live music and a Spitfire flypast.

The weekend will feature aerial displays, family entertainment and activities across Paignton Green, which remains the centre of the action.

Thomas said: "It's never without its challenges, but the enthusiasm and backing from our community make it all worthwhile."

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