Thank you to everyone who visited Sidmouth for the 2026 Regatta and Air Show. We hope you enjoyed the spectacular displays, exciting events and celebrations along the seafront, despite the weather!
Details for the 2027 event are yet to be confirmed. Please check back for the latest information, including dates, timings and the programme, which will be added here as soon as they are announced.
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Jurassic Coast, the weekend combines thrilling air displays, competitive water sports and a lively seaside atmosphere right in the heart of Sidmouth. This year also features a packed programme of family activities, a foodcourt at the Ham, a Branscombe Brewery bar, Red Arrows merchandise and even the chance to experience a Red Arrows Flight Simulator.
If you’re planning a visit, here’s everything you need to know.
When is the Sidmouth Air Show?
The Sidmouth Air Show takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, 28–31 August for 2026, alongside the Sidmouth Regatta. Air displays are scheduled throughout Friday afternoon, creating a spectacular viewing experience from the Esplanade and surrounding coastal viewpoints.
This year’s running order includes:
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Sidmouth’s own Road Arrows
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Lifeboat and Lifeguard demonstrations
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Stampe Display Team
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Navy Wings Swordfish
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Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota
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AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers
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Rich Goodwin Jet Pitts Muscle Plane
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And the Red Arrows closing the show
Where can I watch the Sidmouth Air Show?
The best place to watch the Sidmouth Air Show is along the Sidmouth seafront, Esplanade and beach areas, where aircraft fly directly over Lyme Bay.
The natural shape of the coastline creates a viewing “amphitheatre”, meaning spectators can enjoy uninterrupted views of the displays against the cliffs and open sea.
Popular viewing spots include:
Regatta Weekend Highlights
Across Saturday and Sunday, visitors can enjoy sailing races, Surf Lifesaving, a Treasure Hunt, Tug of War, the Three‑Legged Event, the Fancy Dress Raft Race, the Gig Club Regatta, Sea Shanty Singers and the Grand Fireworks Display, a full weekend of seaside celebration.
Regatta Grand Prize Draw
The Regatta Grand Draw offers residents and visitors the chance to win VIP all‑day tickets to the 2027 Sidmouth International Jazz & Blues Festival, headline tickets for Sidmouth Folk Festival 2027, and a huge range of prizes donated by local businesses. Every ticket purchased helps support the future of this much‑loved free event.
What happens at the Sidmouth Air Show?
The Sidmouth Air Show features a series of aerial displays, flypasts and aerobatic performances over the coastline, creating a spectacular afternoon of entertainment above the Jurassic Coast.
This year, the confirmed display lineup is as follows:
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Sidmouth & Exmouth Lifeboat Display
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Sidmouth Lifeguard Team Demonstration
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Stampe Display Team (1930s barnstorming bi‑planes)
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Navy Wings Swordfish
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Battle of Britain Memorial Flight C47 Dakota
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AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers
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Rich Goodwin Jet Pitts Muscle Plane
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RAF Aerobatic Display Team – The Red Arrows
What is the Sidmouth Regatta?
The Sidmouth Regatta is a long-running coastal event celebrating Sidmouth’s maritime heritage.
Held alongside the Air Show, it features a full programme of water-based racing and community competitions.
Events typically include:
The regatta showcases both local sporting talent and the unique setting of the East Devon coastline.
What else is on during the Sidmouth Regatta weekend?
The Sidmouth Regatta weekend is much more than just racing and air displays.
Along the seafront, visitors can expect a lively atmosphere with:
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Live entertainment and performances
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Food stalls and local traders
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Family-friendly activities throughout the day
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Evening celebrations across the town
It’s one of the busiest and most exciting weekends in Sidmouth’s summer calendar.
Is there a fireworks display at Sidmouth Regatta?
Yes! The Sidmouth Regatta weekend traditionally includes a fireworks display over Sidmouth seafront, usually on the Saturday evening.
The display takes place around Port Royal, lighting up the night sky over Lyme Bay and drawing large crowds along the waterfront. You can find out more information about the fireworks here.
Where can I park for the Sidmouth Air Show and Regatta?
Parking for the Sidmouth Air Show and Regatta is available across Sidmouth, including East Devon District Council car parks and additional temporary parking areas that are usually opened for the event.
Extra parking is often made available at:
Visitors are strongly encouraged to arrive early, as Sidmouth is extremely busy throughout the weekend.
More parking information will be available closer to the time. Keep an eye on this page and sidmouth.gov.uk for the most up-to-date information.
How busy does Sidmouth get during the Air Show and Regatta?
Sidmouth is very busy during the Air Show and Regatta weekend, with thousands of visitors arriving to watch the displays and take part in the celebrations.
The seafront is the main focal point, so allow extra time for travel, parking and walking into central viewing areas.
Plan your visit to Sidmouth in August 2026
The Sidmouth Regatta and Air Show 2026 is set to be one of the standout summer events in Devon, combining aerial displays, water sports and a vibrant seaside atmosphere.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to a much-loved tradition, it’s a weekend that captures Sidmouth at its very best.
