A ceremonial Spitfire overflight will take place over Eastbourne this April as part of nationwide commemorations marking nine decades since the legendary fighter aircraft’s inaugural flight in early 1936.

The two-week programme, running from April 7 to 17, will feature a dual-control Spitfire finished in the livery of the original K5054 prototype, undertaking nine separate legs across the country.

The journey begins at Southampton Airport, the very location where the aircraft first took to the skies when it operated under the Eastleigh Airport name, before travelling eastward along the southern coastline.

Plans call for the aircraft to pass above Beachy Head prior to continuing toward RAF Coningsby. Precise timing for the Eastbourne segment has not yet been confirmed, with meteorological conditions set to influence scheduling.

Organisers indicated the display might incorporate a Hurricane aircraft, with an F-35 Lightning Stealth fighter potentially joining the formation as well.

The initiative, arranged by Spitfires90 in partnership with the Royal Air Force, acknowledged that the complete itinerary could undergo modifications depending on airspace restrictions and aviation traffic patterns.

The flight sequence seeks to honour the Spitfire’s pivotal role in British aerospace heritage, with each stage matching the vintage aircraft alongside contemporary RAF planes to demonstrate how British aerial capabilities have developed over time.

Members of the public can participate through an ongoing charitable auction, with proceeds destined for two nominated causes.

Those wishing to bid or obtain further information should consult spitfires.com/auction.