Airbourne prepares for spectacular final day as major rail disruption affects journeys

The Western Lawns site will be open from 10.30am until 5pm, with the flying programme expected to begin around lunchtime and continue through the afternoon.

Sunday’s line-up includes the RAF Typhoon Display Team, bringing its combination of speed, power and noise to the skies above the seafront.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is also scheduled to appear with its Dakota, Spitfire and Hurricane, alongside the RAF Tutor Display Team and Rich Goodwin’s Jet Pitts.

The Red Devils Army Parachute Display Team will make another appearance after joining Airbourne for the weekend, while the Starlings Aerobatic Team will perform its close-formation routine.

Historic aircraft scheduled for the final day include the P-51 Mustang “Marinell”, the “Spirit of Kent” Spitfire and “Sally B” — the last airworthy B-17 Flying Fortress in Europe.

The Conair Turbo Firecat is also due to return after making its Airbourne debut on Saturday. The French-based aircraft, originally designed to tackle wildfires, is expected to demonstrate its water-dropping capabilities over the sea.

Other displays scheduled for Sunday include a duo performance from the AeroSuperBatics WingWalkers and the Royal Navy Black Cats helicopter display.

The Red Arrows will not appear at this year’s show. Organisers previously announced that adverse weather in North America had delayed the team’s return from an overseas tour.

All flying remains subject to weather conditions, aircraft serviceability and operational commitments. Exact display times are available in the official Airbourne programme, with updated schedules being issued during the day. Airbourne’s official flying line-up

Away from the flying, visitors can explore military exhibitions, children’s entertainment, rides, food stalls and other attractions between the Western Lawns and Eastbourne Bandstand.

The four-day event will officially end with a fireworks display from Wish Tower Beach at 9pm. Radio Airbourne will begin the countdown with music along the seafront from 8pm. Official fireworks information

Major rail disruption

Anyone travelling to Eastbourne by train is being warned to allow considerably more time because of several major problems affecting the East Sussex rail network.

No trains are running between Polegate and Eastbourne following a landslip reported on Friday afternoon. National Rail says the line is expected to remain closed throughout Sunday, with replacement buses operating between the two stations.

Southern is advising Airbourne visitors to travel through Brighton and take a train to Polegate before transferring to a replacement bus for Eastbourne. Additional carriages have been added to some services, but trains, stations and replacement buses are expected to be extremely busy. National Rail’s Polegate–Eastbourne update

The railway between Haywards Heath and Lewes also remains closed following Thursday’s train derailment near Lewes. Replacement buses are running between Haywards Heath and Lewes, calling at Cooksbridge and Plumpton, although capacity is limited. Passengers travelling from London towards Eastbourne are being directed through Brighton.

Southern says passengers should allow at least 60 minutes of additional journey time and check their journey before leaving home. Southern’s latest service information

There are also no trains between Oxted and Uckfield because of urgent track repairs. That closure is expected to continue until at least 8am on Tuesday, 18 August. Hourly replacement buses are operating between Oxted, Crowborough and Uckfield.

Passengers should check the latest information through National Rail or Southern before travelling and be prepared for queues and longer journeys.

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