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LOCAL charities are being offered the chance to raise vital funds at this summer’s Airbourne, as organisers of Eastbourne’s international airshow launch a fresh appeal for volunteers.
The UK’s biggest free airshow returns to Eastbourne seafront from 13 to 16 August, with organisers urging community groups and charities to join the annual fundraising bucket collection that helps keep the spectacular flying displays in the skies.
Volunteer teams collecting donations across the four-day event will receive 30 per cent of the money they raise for their chosen charity, with the scheme having generated more than £100,000 for good causes since 2012.
The collections, co-ordinated by the Rotary Club of Hailsham, Eastbourne Hospitality Association, and a large team of volunteers, play a crucial role in supporting the future of the popular event.
Eastbourne Borough Council’s Lead Member for Tourism & Place, Cllr Jenny Williams said, “The UK’s best free airshow, and one of the biggest events in Sussex, can only continue with a considerable amount of donations and commercial support.
“It is thanks to the brilliant army of bucket collectors that we have kept this event flying high in recent years, however we desperately need more charity volunteers to capture vital donations from the hundreds of thousands of visitors attending, as well as raising much-needed funds for local good causes.”
Charities can now apply to be part of the bucket collecting teams by completing the online form by 15 June and pledging a number of volunteers to participate in the collection.
Volunteer positions are also available across a range of roles at the airshow from wayfinding and public information to supporting emergency response, with registration available online. All bucket collectors and volunteers receive free parking with Park n Ride permits supplied each day.
This year’s airshow features a packed flying line-up including the RAF Red Arrows, Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Tutor, Royal Navy Black Cats, MiG-17, F-86 Sabre, Rich Goodwin Jet Pitts, Mélanie Astles Extra 330, The Starlings, Stampe Formation Team, The Firebirds, P-51 Mustang ‘Marinell’ and the Aerosuperbatics Wingwalkers.
On the ground, visitors can enjoy a range of attractions including a military exhibition, retail outlets, simulators, children’s entertainment areas, and in the evenings a series of tribute concerts and firework finale – subject to sponsorship.
Airbourne 2026 is supported by Bella & Duke, Cloud Connx, Eastbourne Hospitality Association, Eastbourne News, Elite Medical, Environment First, Euro Self Drive, Frontier Fireworks, Kent, Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance, The Lansdowne, More Radio, Neighbourhood First, NTB Outdoors, PRG Marketing Communications, Pureprint Group, The View Hotel, Visit Eastbourne and Zephyr Tech.
Also supporting the show is Caffyns – the Eastbourne Airshow Official Pilot Transfer Sponsor dealership – providing net zero emissions pilot and logistic vehicles.
Fans can keep Airbourne flying high with a one-off donation or a monthly pledge from as little as £2 a month at www.SaveAirbourne.com, with all proceeds supporting the flying displays at the show.
To volunteer or register a charity, visit www.EastbourneAirshow.com/charity.
