The Wish Tower is Martello tower 73, a squat brick gun tower on a mound at the west end of Western Lawns. The lawns themselves — King Edward’s Parade in front of the Grand and the other cream hotels — are the Airbourne showground: marquees, military stands, inflatables, and the best free grass for a picnic with the Channel in front of you.
The tower was built in 1806 as part of the chain of Martello towers against a Napoleonic landing. ‘Wish’ is an old word for a damp meadow — the ground at the foot of the mound. Western Lawns were laid out as the town’s polite seafront garden; for four days in August they become the show.
During Airbourne
This is the official free site. Western Lawns usually open 10:30–17:00 during Airbourne. The tower mound is the highest picnic grass on the free ground and a good place to watch rotary slots (Chinook, Wildcat, Wasp) that work the western end. The hotels behind you are the backdrop in every Airbourne photograph.
Worth knowing
- Claim grass on the mound early on Saturday and Sunday.
- The lawns close late afternoon. The flying may still be on — you can watch from the prom.
- Toilets and food are on the lawns; queues peak at lunch and after a jet slot.
Photographs
