The fifteenth Bournemouth Air Festival launches today (31 August) with crowd favourites the Red Arrows and Typhoon making a welcome return.

Organised by BCP Council the festival is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to the town over four days.

Visitors can see performances from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight planes, the Chinook helicopter, the Rolls Royce XIX Spitfire, P-51 Mustang and Fairey Swordfish biplane.

There will also be a debut from the North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco plane.

In a first for the festival, cheesemakers Boursin have teamed up with Great British Bake-off star, Manon Lagrève, to create a bistro on the beach, between Who Dares Gyms and El Murrino beach restaurant.

Diners are encouraged to pay what they can, with all donations going to Nationwide charity FoodCycle.

Festival goers can also enjoy Madame MOJO’s Cabaret Club which will be offering family-friendly performances throughout the four days, alongside funfairs, big screens showing films and 1.5 miles of food and drink stalls.

Those who can’t make the event in person can also watch all the fun of the festival with the official free live-streaming of the event by Aeroview.tv.

Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities and Tourism, Cllr Millie Earl, said: “This family-friendly event showcases our beautiful coastline and is yet another reason for visitors to come and explore our unique towns of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

“Buy our souvenir Coronation programme where you can read more about our three towns’ connections to aviation with STEM pioneer Charles Rolls, who co-founded Rolls Royce, and the Wright brothers renowned for history’s first flight.

“Congratulations again to our future pioneers – the winners of our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) competition for Primary School children in Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole.

“They will be meeting the world-famous Red Arrows pilots at the festival and will be taken on a tour of the Ultra Energy STEM Village, as part of their prize.

“While we want everyone to have fun at our festival, please help keep our beautiful seafront clean by recycling and disposing of your rubbish responsibly. Travel by bus, bike or scooter if you can and help us create a greener festival.”

Air Festival Director Jon Weaver said: “The festival wouldn’t be the renowned attraction that it is without the many organisations, groups and individuals who plan, organise and deliver it every year.

“I would particularly like to thank our partners at Dorset Police, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue, the HM Coastguard, Poole Harbour Commissioners, the RNLI and South Western Ambulance Services along with our other multi agency partners – all of whom have worked so hard to make the Air Festival an enjoyable and safe event.

“Of course, I am always very grateful for the amazing help we receive from our colleagues across BCP Council – all of whom work tirelessly behind the scenes putting together this incredible programme.

“The incredible aircraft provided by the Armed Forces on the ground and in the air play a huge part in attracting the many visitors to the festival over the four days.

“Lastly, but by no means least, an enormous thank you goes to all our sponsors, including Bournemouth Airport, Thales, Oceana Hotels and Restaurants, Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel, Ultra Energy, the Air Festival Patron, Porsche Centre Bournemouth and South West Trains as well the traders who taking part in the festival this year.”

Returning to the festival will be the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, who will be performing the Beat Retreat Sunset Ceremony in the Lower Gardens on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6.45pm. They will again perform on Sunday morning from11am-12pm

The Commando Recruiting Team will be giving Unarmed Combat demonstrations on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6.20pm.

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Airscene has teamed up with Picsme to put some of your entries in the Airscene 2024 Calendar Competition onto canvas.

Winners will get a 600mm x 300mm (approx 24″ x 12″) canvas of their winning photo on canvas, your details and images will be sent direct to Picsme for printing and delivery.

A total of 4 canvases have kindly been offered by Picsme, which are now added to 1st, 2nd, 3rd and the Public Vote Prizes – each valued at £16.99, although if you want a canvas doing anytime soon this is currently discounted to just £11.89!!! Check out the other offers at https://picsme.co.uk/

Picsme are experts in print manufacturing and we are proud to offer one of the most efficient and affordable print on demand services available. We offer these on a wide range of personalised products which range from coasters to canvas’s, photobooks to mugs.

“At Picsme, we are passionate about personalised gifting and it’s important that we get it right for you. We do everything with care and attention, and make it our mission to deliver your valuable memories in the most cherished way possible.”

For Full Rules and to enter the Airscene 2024 Calendar Competition, visit: http://www.airscene.co.uk/competitions/2024calendar.php

Visitors to Bournemouth Air Festival next week are being asked to plan their journeys in advance to help reduce the environmental impact of travelling to the event.

If just one third of visitors changed how they come to the festival across the four days, 2,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions could be saved every year.

In comparison, aircraft over the four days of entertainment contribute around 240 tonnes of emissions.

This year’s festival is on Thursday 31 August – Sunday 2 September and includes aerobatic entertainment during the day and at dusk with family-friendly attractions throughout.

?Cllr Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Customer, Communications and Culture, BCP Council said: “Bournemouth Air Festival is one of the highlights of the summer season, so we know we’ll get a high volume of people coming to Bournemouth.

“If you live locally I encourage you to travel by train, coach, bus and even bike where possible. This sustainable travel not only reduces air pollution, but it also eases traffic congestion around Bournemouth.

“It’s our responsibility to create awareness about sustainable practices and encourage everyone to follow those practices.”

Visitors are being urged to be aware of the planned rail strikes on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 September which are likely to significantly impact train services across the 4 days. Festival organisers are encouraging visitors to take the train if possible but check for updates on the National Rail and South Western Railway websites, and look at alternative coach, bus and bike options as well as the park and ride.

Jon Weaver, Festival Director commented: “There are many alternative ways to travel to the Air Festival including by bus and coach, with plenty of providers offering great prices on travel to and from Bournemouth throughout the summer, so although this strike action may affect a small number of travellers, I’m confident that the majority will make alternative travel arrangements to come and enjoy the Air Festival.”

Morebus still have their £2 single fare price cap in place, with over 65s and under 7s also travelling for free from as far afield as Sailsbury and Swanage.

There will be a Park and Ride operating in Kings Park (next to AFC Bournemouth) every 15 mins over the four days, dropping off up to seven people per car next to the event site on the East Overcliff.

And the active among us can visit the festival by pedal power by downloading the Beryl app and cycling or scooting down to Bournemouth on the peripheral of the festival site.

Reducing the environmental impact doesn’t just stop at sustainable travel, festival goers are also being encouraged to bring their reusable water bottles and fill them up at one of the 150 hydration stations located along the promenade, in a bid to reduce single-waste plastic.

For more information on how to go green for the Air Festival, please visit Plan your visit – Bournemouth Air Festival

The RAF Museum is delighted to announce it has been recognised by Tripadvisor as a 2023 Travelers’ Choice award winner as a top attraction. The coveted award celebrates businesses that have consistently received great traveller reviews on Tripadvisor over the last 12 months, placing these winners among the top 10% of all listings on Tripadvisor globally.

Barry Smith, RAF Museum Director of Visitor and Commercial Development, said:
‘This award speaks to the high level of visit experience we provide to all our visitors, and our commitment to excellence. To be amongst the top 10% of attractions worldwide on the world’s largest travel platform is incredible. This award is special because it’s based on real visitor reviews from people who have enjoyed their Museum visit, and then taken the time to share their experience online with other families who are looking for a highly recommended day out.’

John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor, said:
‘Congratulations to the 2023 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice winners. The travel resurgence we’ve seen throughout the past year has even further heightened the competition. Earning a Travellers’ Choice Award demonstrates that you have provided great experiences to those who matter most: your guests. With changing expectations, continued labour shortages, and rising costs, this is no easy feat, and I am continually impressed with the hospitality industry’s resilience and ability to adapt. Cheers to another successful year!’

Check out all the Tripadvisor reviews for our Midlands site here, and London site here. Entry to the RAF Museum is free, to book your day out at the top attraction visit www.rafmuseum.org/london

Bournemouth Air Festival organisers are keen to remind everyone of the air and sea activity restrictions that are in place throughout the four-day event.

From Thursday, 31 August – Sunday, 3 September, drones are strictly banned from flying at the event site in the restricted airspace, to protect participating aircraft and display teams.

Anyone caught flying a drone during this time can face prosecution by Dorset Police. At last year’s event, counter-drone police officers detected nine drones flying within the festival air space with pilots having their drones seized and were subject to positive police action.

A marine safety zone has been set up which prohibits boats from entering the sea below the flight display area, with marine patrols making sure everyone sticks to the rules.

This year’s festival, organised by BCP Council, includes an exciting programme of aerobatic displays and on-land entertainment.

Jon Weaver, Festival Director, BCP Council said: “Keeping everyone safe and following the relevant guidance is so important to the successful running of any festival.

“Behind the scenes, a huge workforce is coming together to ensure everything runs smoothly for the visitors, traders, pilots, military personnel, press, and everyone else attending the Air Festival, with safety the key priority underpinning the whole event.

“From the essential air restrictions that are in place to the marine safety zone, we have an extensive and robust event plan that covers all aspects of the operations, and we work alongside Dorset Police and other emergency services to provide the best possible experience for people attending.

“Any restrictions are put in place for everyone’s safety, so we can all have an enjoyable time at this event.”

People who want to have fun on the beach are being encouraged to follow the RNLI’s beach safety advice if entering the water which includes swimming between the red and yellow lifeguard flags and following their essential Float to Live guidance.

If anyone spots something suspicious, they’re being encouraged to follow the ‘See it, Say it, Sorted’ mantra and report it to a Police or Security Officer, Beach Ranger or member of the Events Team.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, Gold Commander said: “Our multi-agency approach includes high visibility patrols by uniformed officers, armed police and security staff as well as CCTV monitoring.

“We want to welcome everyone to come and enjoy the air festival responsibly while reminding them to be vigilant and report anything suspicious.

“Overall, it’s about keeping everyone safe on the land, in the sea and in the skies, so those visiting the event can have a fantastic time over the four days.”

With impressive flying and aerobatics, stunning night displays and plenty of activities on land, hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to descend on Bournemouth’s seafront over the four days to enjoy this free event.

Families can also take advantage of the Allianz KidZone beach safety scheme to protect lost children on the seafront, and visitors are being reminded to keep hydrated by refilling their bottles at the water stations along the promenade.

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Demand for our super early bird tickets has been incredible, so make sure that you get yours before the price increases. Buy now to get up to 15% off our range of tickets!

You’ll have to act quickly, with only a limited number of Super Early Bird tickets available; once they are gone they are gone.

Get Your Tickets HERE

Midlands Air Festival organiser James McDonald has confirmed the addition of a pair of tickets for next years air show to be added to the prize pot.

Regularly featuring acts such as the barnstorming Turbulent Team, Catalina Flying Boat, Auster and Westland Wasp – all on top of a mass balloon launch, Midlands Air Festival is one of the first traditional Air Shows on the UK calendar each year.

Next year’s Midlands Air Festival is scheduled for 3 days from May 31st – June 2nd 2024 at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire. With model aircraft, Nightfire display and a busy arena schedule it really is a show with something for everyone. Tickets will be going on sale on 1st September at: https://www.midlandsairfestival.com/tickets.html

James McDonald has confirmed he will also be joining the judging panel again this year – James said after last year’s judging that he isn’t really a technical expert when it comes to photography, but that “I’ve just gone on my gut reaction to the images, I guess it’s all about interest and impact for me”. As Airscene usually sorts out the technical stuff when shortlisting, James’ approach to judging is perfect in order to hopefully achieve a balanced playing field 🙂

If you haven’t yet entered the 2024 Calendar Competition, you still have up until the 31st September to get your entries in (2 in total but please read the rules fully). For full rules and to enter visit: http://www.airscene.co.uk/competitions/2024calendar.php

The countdown is on for the Bournemouth Air Festival as more displays and attractions are announced. Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to visit the town on 31 August for the free four-day event.

In a first for the festival, the North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco plane will join the line up and making their debut will be the Starlings Aerobatic team, who will bring a two aircraft aerobatic display to the event.

Visitors will be treated to a new performance by former RAF Tornado pilot Richard Goodwin in his unique G-JPIT bi-plane, which he has recently reengineered to include two ATM Lynx Jet engines.

Making a welcome return will be the Yakovlev 50 and the Norwegian Historical Squadron with their classic jet the deHavilland Vampire FB.52

The Night Air programme will include The Firebirds Display Team and Otto the Schweizer 300C helicopter with their vibrant pyrotechnics, not forgetting the Typhoon with its roaring night display.

Back on land, and in another first for the festival, Madame MOJO’s Cabaret Club will be offering performances throughout the four days.

Visitors can also take advantage of funfairs, big screens showing films and 1.5 miles of food and drink stalls.
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Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities and Tourism, Cllr Millie Earl, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back for this year’s Bournemouth Air Festival.

“An incredible amount of work has gone into ensuring this event will be fun for everyone.

Festival Director Jon Weaver said: “We encourage everyone to travel sustainably to the festival and try the Park and Ride, walk or cycle their own bike or a Beryl bike to the festival.

“If you are from out of town, we have some excellent coach operators offering great prices down to the festival.

“We’ve been made aware of planned strike action on the trains on Saturday 2 September and we are waiting for confirmation on how this will affect trains. Please check the South Western Railway website for more information.

“While enjoying the festival, please help keep our beautiful seafront clean by recycling and disposing of your rubbish responsibly and leaving only footprints.”

Also returning to the festival will be the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, who will be performing Sunday morning 11am-12pm and the Beat Retreat Sunset Ceremony in the Lower Gardens on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6.45pm.

The Commando Recruiting Team will be giving Unarmed Combat demonstrations on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6.20pm.

Crowd favourites the Red Arrows will perform at 5.30pm on Thursday, 5pm on Friday and Saturday and 2.45pm on Sunday. You can get up to date access to the full Flying programme by purchasing the Coronation Souvenir programme here.

The RAF Typhoon will display each day and the Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster will perform the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

There’s still time to snap up the last few VIP hospitality tickets for the best view of the festival here.

Last Sunday saw Ian Schofield, the winner of the Airscene 2023 Calendar Competition, take up his Trial Flight prize with Phoenix Aviation, at Solent Airport in Hampshire.

Weather was partly cloudy with a bit of a breeze when Ian arrived at the airfield in Lee on Solent. After a quick photo shoot Ian went upstairs for his breifing from his pilot Hugh, before heading back to the Ikarus for his flight.

Ian flies a lot on commercial aircraft, but had never been in a microlight before – so a totally new experience. He did get the opportunity to have a go at the controls and made a few turns, but suspected that Hugh was doing a lot of rudder work. Ian enjoyed the trial lesson and had this to say about it afterwards:

“For such a lightweight aircraft it wasn’t bumped around the sky and you could feel the power. It felt like you were flying rather than being blown around by the wind”.

Phoenix Aviation offer trial lessons, for anyone considering taking flying lessons who wants to see what it is like. They do currently have a hold on the sale of trial flights while they clear a backlog due to non-flying weather in recent months, but hopefully they will be back on sale soon.

Trial lesson prices currently start at £105 in the Ikarus C42 or £155 in the Piper PA28, with options to pay extra to land at other local airfields. So if you are interested in a trial flight around the Solent area, do bookmark their website below:

https://www.phoenixaviation.co.uk/trial-lessons

The Super Early Bird catches the worm…

…but hurry! We have a limited number of tickets left at 15% off.

We’re so excited, that we’ve already put tickets on sale below the full price of RIAT23.
There are only 349 days to go until the Royal International Air Tattoo 2024 – not that we’re counting.

Super Early Bird tickets are running out fast. Once they’re gone at this price, they’re gone…

What are you waiting for? Get yours today!

https://www.airtattoo.com/tickets-hospitality/tickets-packages/