I was at Eastbourne on Saturday sitting on the beach and was thoroughly entertained. Looking at my photos taken with the same lens, I cannot tell the difference in size or framing of subject between two years ago and this year. The show is a free show and does wonders for our local economy. The point of airshows is to entertain and also promote aviation it is not there primarily as a photography subject. The show is targeted at the centre line and not the surrounding hillsides which do however provide another perspective to watch from.
From the official site, the places to watch from:
Seafront & Beach
Watch from prime position on the seafront at the frontline of all the flying action, with a host of trade stands and the huge beach as the ideal location to catch all the flying action. Alternatively reserve your place and avoid the crowds with the Bandstand's exclusive seating for ticket holders. Excellent, uninterrupted views across the display line.
Western Lawns & Wish Tower
Join the front row and watch all the Airbourne action on the Western Lawns amongst the military tri-service exhibition. For an elevated view take a walk up the Wish Tower Slopes offering great views along the whole seafront.
Beachy Head Viewing Airbourne
For somewhere a bit different and unique, head to the Park n' View car park for at Dencher, Beachy Head (near the pub), with excellent views of flying displays over Eastbourne*. Toilets and refreshments available. Warren Hill pay and display, normal charges apply/Warren Hill Field and Dencher, £5 daily charge.
* Please note all displays will take place on the display line between the Western Lawns and the Pier.
You can see that the Beachy Head is described as 'different and unique' but the note does indicate that the prime location is on the seafront.
For what it is worth I parked in town for £3:50 and in addition made a generous donation to furthering the cause for future years. I do not know whether at the Beachy Head car parks there was an opportunity to contribute or not. For interest several years ago there was a move to enclose the event and charge for viewing, perhaps best just to say it returned to being free for all the very next year. When son was small I did one year picnic on Beachy Head for ease (the day of the Delphin accident) but the experience prior to the accident was different, have been to the seafront every visit since.
I enjoyed the show on Saturday which I think is the main point.