The return of the Three-Legged event and a call for volunteers and collectors.
Sidmouth Town Council earlier this year confirmed that the RAF Aerobatic Team, The Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Dakota will be in attendance for the annual Sidmouth Regatta Airshow which this year returns on Friday 28 August and will feature an exciting programme of aerial displays that each year draws thousands of people to Sidmouth’s seafront to enjoy the spectacle.
Among other aircraft joining the Red Arrows and Dakota this year, will be a Fairey Swordfish of the Navy Wings flight. This former Royal Navy aircraft will look very at home over the sea at Sidmouth and is a very special guest being one of only a handful of surviving airworthy Fairey Swordfish in the world. Famously used aboard Royal Navy Carriers in the second world war and particularly remembered for their role in the hunt for the Bismarck and in helping to patrol the North Atlantic Convoy lanes.
Regatta Events will continue on Saturday and Sunday including a live band just before the annual Grand Firework Display on the Saturday evening. The legendary Raft Race which made a welcome return in 2025 is joined by another returning crowd favourite for 2026, the Three Legged event around the town. Other events will be announced shortly.
Organisers are now appealing to local residents and supporters of the Sidmouth Regatta & Airshow to give a little time on Friday 28 August 2026 to help with fundraising collections, which play a vital role in supporting the event and securing it’s future. Sidmouth Town Council organises and helps fund the airshow to ensure it remains a free event for everyone. Donations collected on the day help cover the overall cost of staging the event and support its future in the years ahead. With overheads such as insurance, security and infrastructure continuing to rise, bringing such events to Sidmouth remains challenging so your help is needed to help ensure the event can continue.
If you are able to help as part of the collections team, or assist with counting donations later in the evening, please contact Sidmouth Town Council at towncouncil@sidmouth.gov.uk or call on 01395 512424.
No previous experience is needed, and volunteers can offer as much or as little time as they are able to give. Anyone interested in getting involved is encouraged to get in touch for more information.
Volunteers will be needed from 4pm, collecting donations via buckets and contactless payment points at designated locations across the town. As a collector, you will still be able to enjoy the display while playing an important part in supporting the event.
Every donation collected makes a real difference, helping to cover the costs of staging the airshow and keeping this much-loved day firmly in the town’s calendar.
Sidmouth Regatta 2026 is shaping up to be a highlight of the year and full details and a programme of events will be publicised closer to the Regatta weekend. Keep an eye out for future details on the participating teams and other Regatta information at www.visitsidmouth.gov.uk, www.sidmouth.gov.uk and Facebook for up to the minute details, timings and other announcements on the event.
