Teignmouth, UK – The Teignmouth Airshow, a beloved fixture of the Devon summer calendar, will not take place in 2025. The volunteer committee behind this free, community-funded event has announced that they have been unable to secure the necessary funds and overcome logistical obstacles to host the airshow this year.

Since its debut in 2019, the Teignmouth Airshow has grown into one of the largest free events in Teignbridge, attracting thousands of visitors to marvel at stunning aerial displays. However, financial shortfalls and additional challenges, including the demolition of the old aquarium, have grounded the event for 2025, leaving organizers and fans disappointed but hopeful for a future return.

The Teignmouth Airshow first soared into existence in July 2019, quickly establishing itself as a highlight for aviation enthusiasts and families across Devon. Organized entirely by a dedicated team of volunteers, the event has relied on community goodwill, sponsorships, donations, and grants to remain free-to-attend. The COVID-19 pandemic forced cancellations in 2020 and 2021, but the airshow roared back to life in 2022, followed by successful events in 2023 and 2024. Over the years, it has showcased an impressive lineup of aircraft and aerobatic teams, cementing its reputation as a must-see spectacle.

Among the standout performers have been the RAF Red Arrows, whose precision flying in the Hawk T1 has thrilled crowds with breathtaking formations. The RAF Typhoon Display Team has brought the raw power of the Eurofighter Typhoon to Teignmouth’s skies, while the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight has honored history with displays of iconic aircraft like the Spitfire and Avro Lancaster. Aerobatic teams have also been a major draw, with The Blades dazzling audiences in their Extra 300LP planes, Team Raven delivering high-energy performances in Vans RV8s, and The Starlings showcasing dynamic duo aerobatics in the Extra NG and Cap 232. The Gazelle Squadron’s Westland Gazelle helicopters and the AeroSuperbatics team’s wing-walking displays on Boeing Stearman biplanes have added further variety to the lineup. Individual performers like Will Greenwood in his Yak-3, Corinne Dennis in her agile Pitts Special, Rich Goodwin in his Pitts S2S Muscle Biplane, and Iain Smith in the Jubilee Pitts S1-S have contributed their own unique flair, making each airshow a diverse and unforgettable experience.

Yet, the financial burden of staging such an ambitious event has grown increasingly difficult to bear. In an open letter released in February 2025, the Teignmouth Airshow Committee revealed that they need £90,000 to ensure the event’s safety and success. “Despite the efforts of our volunteer committee, securing the necessary funds of £90,000 needed to host a safe and successful Airshow has proven increasingly difficult,” they wrote. As a free event, the airshow depends entirely on external funding, but this year, the committee has fallen drastically short. In previous years, last-minute fundraising efforts pulled the event through, but the committee acknowledged that this approach is unsustainable. “The added stress of last-minute fundraising, on top of organizing a large-scale event, places significant pressure on our volunteers,” they explained.

Beyond funding woes, logistical challenges have further complicated preparations for 2025. The demolition of the old aquarium by the Town Council has introduced significant uncertainty into the planning process. The committee highlighted that “the lack of clear information on the impact of these works, combined with strained relationships, has created even more obstacles for our team to navigate.” These issues have compounded the financial strain, pushing the volunteers to a breaking point and ultimately leading to the cancellation decision. “These challenges only increase the stress and uncertainty for our volunteers which, when coupled with the financial strains, have driven the committee to the decision to hold off this year’s Airshow,” the letter stated.

The committee expressed their regret in the announcement, writing, “Unfortunately, the Teignmouth Airshow Committee have made the tough decision that Teignmouth Airshow will not be going ahead this year. This has not been made lightly, and we understand the disappointment it will bring to the thousands of people who were looking forward to attending this summer.” The airshow’s cancellation marks a significant loss for Teignmouth, where the event has become a symbol of community spirit and collaboration. “Teignmouth Airshow is a truly unique event, organized and fundraised for by a small team of volunteers,” the committee noted. “It shows what can happen when we work together. However, what most people don’t see is the sheer amount of work that goes on behind the scenes planning every detail.”

Despite this setback, the committee is far from giving up. They remain steadfast in their determination to revive the airshow in 2026, using the intervening time to regroup and secure sustainable funding. “This isn’t the end for Teignmouth Airshow,” they assured supporters. “The committee remains determined to bring this much-loved event back in 2026, giving us time to explore new fundraising opportunities and to secure the backing needed to make it happen in a more financially sustainable way.” The volunteers, who collectively dedicate thousands of unpaid hours to the event, are driven by their passion for the airshow and their commitment to the community.

The committee closed their letter with a heartfelt thank-you to all who have supported the airshow over the years. “We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported the Airshow in previous years—our sponsors, local businesses, volunteers, and visitors, whose enthusiasm and generosity have helped to make Teignmouth Airshow a great community event,” they wrote. They are now calling for new sponsors and creative fundraising ideas to help bring the event back stronger than ever. “If you or your business would like to get involved in helping us bring the Airshow back, we would love to hear from you,” they added, encouraging the public to stay tuned for updates and upcoming fundraising events.

While the skies above Teignmouth will remain silent in 2025, the legacy of the airshow endures through the dedication of its volunteers and the memories of its spectacular displays. With renewed efforts and community backing, the Teignmouth Airshow aims to take flight once more in 2026, promising to once again fill the summer air with the roar of engines and the wonder of aviation.