Airshow to charge for first time

The Red Arrows will fly over Eastbourne for three days of the show

Visitors to a south coast airshow are to be charged admission for the first time in its 16-year history.

Last year's Eastbourne Airbourne was unable to attract sponsorship and made a loss which had to be covered by the borough council's taxpayers.

The council said charging admission would help secure the future of the airshow, with profits being pumped into the tourism in the East Sussex town.

Tickets will cost £5 per day, with buy- one-get-one-free offers available.

The four-day show is held on the seafront in August.

This year, exhibitors and trade stands will be inside the paid-admission area, which will run from the Beachy Head side of Eastbourne Pier to the end of the Western Lawns.

The Red Arrows have been booked for three days, with the RAF Typhoon, Hawk, Tucano and Tutor aircraft also making appearances.

"Airbourne is a world renowned event and attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from across the globe," said Councillor Steve Wallis.

"With the cost of securing top flying displays rising and becoming harder every year, a small admission charge is the best way to help us secure the long-term future of this popular event.

"The fact that all income generated will be ring-fenced and pumped directly back into Eastbourne tourism is a huge incentive."