Sidmouth Regatta & Air Show

Like many coastal places around Devon, Sidmouth is home to its very own annual regatta. Taking place every year, the Sidmouth Regatta is a highlight of the town’s calendar and happens over the August bank holiday weekend, alongside the Air Show. The Lyme Bay and Jurassic Coast offer something unique that other local regattas just can’t compete with, those dramatic cliffs and the picturesque Lyme Bay make for a racing circuit like no other, providing endless entertainment for the participants and the viewers alike.

One of the region's best-loved annual events, visitors and residents alike will be pleased to know that the Sidmouth Regatta and Air Show is returning to Sidmouth from 25th August 2023 onwards. In Sidmouth, the Regatta kicks off the August Bank Holiday, starting on the Friday with family-friendly fun fairs and demonstrations from local organisations before, as the evening begins to draw in, the Air Show takes place with a host of wonderful aerial performances. Hosted by the town council, Sidmouth Air Show features flypasts over the seafront and Esplanade, with air displays against the iconic backdrop of the Jurassic Coast.

The event welcomes around 25,000 visitors every year and features displays from the Red Arrows and other air craft showing impressive aerobatic displays, all from the beautiful surroundings of the Sidmouth seafront. Often hosted alongside the Regatta, this is a wonderful way to enjoy the summer months in East Devon. Previous air displays have included RAF Chinooks, a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire, aerobatic jet teams and the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team – all offering an amazing and fitting start to the summer bank holiday and Regatta weekend.

The Lyme Bay offers a unique and safe environment from which to experience the delights of the air show up front over the August bank holiday weekend, with the iconic cliffs and sea views which are just as awe inspiring as the air displays themselves.

The Saturday sees the Regatta start proper with races from a variety of clubs and organisations including surf and lifesaving club races, sailing club races and gig club racing, as well as a variety of family friendly activities and performances. A giant firework display takes place every Saturday night at Port Royal, creating a wonderful carnival atmosphere.