Posts Tagged ‘Bournemouth Air Festival’

Bournemouth Air Festival feels the need for speed on eve of Top Gun Maverick release

Friday, May 27th, 2022

Bournemouth Air Festival

Tom Cruise may have the shades and the swagger, but Bournemouth Air Festival has the full package this Jubilee year, say festival organisers on the eve of the new Top Gun film.

The Red Arrows, who have just finished their season’s training, will have a special colourful seven-aircraft formation celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The team behind the RAF Typhoon, which moves faster than the speed of sound at Mach 1.8 or 1381.08 mph – the same as the new F/A-18F Super Hornets used in Tom Cruise’s latest film – also has a classified surprise in store set to take the crowd’s breath away.

If you want to become your own Maverick, head up to the STEM marquee, which will be 50 per cent bigger this year and aims to inspire the next generation of engineers with a range of exciting stalls and speakers.

There will be lots of things on the ground to keep your mini-Mavericks entertained this year, with fun fair rides, trade and food stalls as displays from the RAF and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight planes soar overhead.

Jon Weaver, festival director, said: “Top Gun may have the glamour, but we have the UK’s best free air, land and sea show right here on our award-winning blue-flag beaches – like Slider says, there’s no points for second best.

“We have some surprises up our sleeves too. With the mix of fast jets, acrobatic aircraft, parachuting teams and heritage aircraft our festival will this year give those on the ground goosebumps.

“So, round up your wingmen and women, stick the date in your diary and watch this space!”

Typhoon Flight Lieutenant Adam O’Hare said he looked forward to showcasing the mind-blowing display of speed, power and agility of the Typhoon aircraft.

He said: “I’m delighted to say this year RAF Typhoon display team will be coming to beautiful Bournemouth. We cannot wait to see you all there!”

The new 20-minute Red Arrows display is created and choreographed by Squadron Leader Tom Bould, who is Red 1 and in his second year as Team Leader.

His team will perform one particular move the ‘Double Goose’, which sounds like Maverick’s wingman in the 80s blockbuster, where the Synchro Pair fly head-on towards five aircraft, then pull-up through a pyramid shape.

He said: “It is with great pride and privilege the Red Arrows have opportunity to join with countless individuals and communities, across the United Kingdom and further afield, to celebrate Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee, by performing a display full of creativity and excitement.

“The new show features lots of loops, rolls and shapes with our trademark patriotic red, white and blue trails, marking this important year and the very best of British.

“Bournemouth Air Festival is certainly one of our favourite UK venues to perform at and we can’t wait to make a return!”

Meanwhile up in the sky, the Merlin Mk 2 helicopter from 814 Naval Air Squadron (The Flying Tigers), which is the world’s most potent submarine hunting helicopter, will be doing a flypast.

Out at sea, a Royal Navy Type 23 Frigate, which is the real work horse of the Royal Navy, will be casting an impressive sight from the ocean’s horizon throughout the event.

Cllr Beverley Dunlop, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Vibrant Places, said: “We’ll never lose that loving feeling for our fantastic Bournemouth Air Festival!

“It’s always wonderful to see families and children having a good time, either at the fun fair, at the STEM marquee, or staring in wonder at the magnificent RAF planes.

“This summer it will be taking place in our Queen’s Jubilee year, so it will be extra special – we can’t wait to see you all there!”

https://www.bournemouthair.co.uk/

 

 

Red Arrows and Typhoon announced at Britain’s biggest free air festival

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022

Red Arrows at Bournemouth Air Festival

The award-winning Bournemouth Air Festival will welcome back the RAF Typhoon from the military, this time for four days.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster will also take to the skies for four performances at the landmark festival.

Jon Weaver Air Festival Director said: “We look forward to welcoming everyone’s favourite – the incredible, world-famous RAF Red Arrows this year.

“We’re so pleased to be also welcoming back the Typhoon and BBMF.

“Along with these headlining acts, this year is shaping up to be one of the best we have ever had, and we’re looking forward to making more exciting announcements to festival programme over the coming months.”

Cllr Beverley Dunlop, Portfolio Holder for Culture and Vibrant Places, said: “It’s fantastic to welcome back the Air Festival in 2022.

“The Air Festival is widely loved and attracts many visitors every year. It’s wonderful to see families and children having a good time – the whole atmosphere is electric.

“We have an amazing team that organises it and it’s such an important part of our festival calendar. I can’t wait to see it all come together.”

This year’s festival is scheduled to take place from Thursday, September 1, to Sunday, September 4.

Regarded as the UK’s most successful civilian air show with brilliant entertainment in the skies, on land and in the evening, the 14th Air Festival is certainly set to be the event of the summer.

https://www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Virtual Bournemouth Air Festival 2020

Sunday, August 2nd, 2020

Bournemouth Air Festival 2020

A ‘take off’ of a different kind has been planned for what would have normally been Bournemouth’s summer highlight the much anticipated 13th air festival. This year, the team behind the event have been working with Centre VR in Bournemouth to broadcast an online festival – celebrating all that is loved about it…on land, at sea, in the air and community fun!

Broadcasting online and via social media platforms, the Virtual Air Festival 2020 will be live Friday 21st, Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd August from Europe’s largest VR Centre with support from Live TV. Entertainment will have hourly themes including Friday’s Royal Navy, Night Air and Air Festival Celebrations, Saturday’s Royal Air Force hour, the Red Arrows and Festival Fun and Sunday’s Daredevil Flying, Vintage Hour, a not to be missed Army slot.

There’s also the chance to find out more about the festival’s armed forces nominated charities, the Soldiers Charity, Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity, Royal Air Force Association and RAF Benevolent Fund.

Cllr Vikki Slade Leader BCP Council said: “The air festival is an integral part of our events calendar one which is enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of people. We want to broaden the programme to reflect the plans for 2021 to appeal to a wider audience, engaging both residents and visitors. The team have worked really hard to make sure we don’t miss the air festival. It’s a shame we’re not on the beach but the line-up is impressive with something for everyone.”

Supported by Wave105, Daily Echo and Hotel Miramar (supporters of the Strikemaster Pair and vintage hour prize), there will also be an art and craft session with Martin Bridge, who famously created the air show in his back garden for his family which went viral at the start of ‘lockdown’, and a specially recorded acoustic music set from Roy Stride, lead singer from Scouting for Girls, who have previously appeared on the Wave105 ‘Night Air Stage’.

Squadron Leader Martin Pert, Red 1 and Team Leader of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the virtual Bournemouth Air Festival – it’s one of our favourite, best-attended venues of the display season, and if we can’t be over the Pier or at a meet-and-greet on this occasion we’ll be online, doing something a little different for 2020.”

Presented by Andy Marlor who has previously fronted Air Festival TV and everyone’s favourite, voice of the air festival, George Bacon, entertainment is live online. Viewers can engage with competitions, including the chance to win exclusive prints and even help to design next year’s brochure front cover, fancy dress Friday, online voting and Facebook Q&A sessions with star pilots! You can tune in on the hour and watch back online via the official YouTube channel Love Bournemouth – so you can pick and choose what you want to watch without having to watch it all day.

David Bailey, chairman of the BCP Destination Management Board said: “The tourism industry always looks forward to the air festival, the footfall, the incredible amount of money spent within the local economy and the chance for us to really showcase our wonderful resort. It’s important we keep going in these unprecedented times and a move for 2020 to a virtual event is going to be great fun – we are obviously looking forward to welcoming festival goers back next year. Huge thanks to everyone who has given their support including pilots, display teams the armed forces, local businesses and of course Centre VR for their incredible team, venue and technology!”

The Air Festival will be back 2nd-5th September 2021.

www.bournemouthair.co.uk/virtualair

Bournemouth Air Festival Cancelled

Wednesday, May 13th, 2020

Chinook at Bournemouth Air Festival

Joint media release by BCP Council and Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch Destination Management Board

‘Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole take difficult decision to extend the cancellation of outdoor events until end of August 2020.

Major events and festivals including Bournemouth Air Festival that were due to go ahead this summer have been cancelled due to the continued impact of the coronavirus outbreak.

Responding to the government’s guidance on the outbreak, BCP Council – with support of the Destination Management Board – has taken the decision not to permit outdoor events on council public open space until the end of August 2020.

This includes, the cancellation of BCP Council organised events – the Bournemouth Air Festival, Summer Fireworks and summer events programme on Poole Quay. Other events that have had to be cancelled include BSO Concerts in Meyrick Park and Christchurch Food Festival.

Councillor Vikki Slade, Leader of BCP Council, said; “Our immensely popular summer events programme, including the Bournemouth Air Festival, attracts millions of visitors to the area bringing over £32 million income to our local businesses and supports the council’s services through our seafront offering.

“In response to the recent government guidance around the easing of lockdown, it will no longer be possible that events planned to take place this summer in public outdoor open space can go ahead.

“Cancelling major events and festivals is a decision we don’t take lightly. The most important consideration is the health of our residents, and the safety of everyone involved including visitors, festival-goers, exhibitors, traders, staff, contractors, and the many more who contribute and play a part in delivering those much-loved events.

 “Our NHS and emergency services have coped incredibly well during the Covid-19 pandemic and we would not want to risk this changing, or to try to manage events whilst adhering to government measures and advice including on social distancing.

“The government’s guidance indicated that hospitality businesses are not likely to open before July. We know there are many hotels, restaurants, bars and local contractors serving this industry whose livelihoods rely on the summer events programme and we want to assure those businesses – including the 17,000 plus people employed in this sector – that BCP Council will do everything we can to support you and work together with you to come through this.

“We’re looking at every feasible option to help to sustain this industry, and with this we have already committed to deliver a refreshed Air Festival in 2021.”
BCP Council and Destination Management Board for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole will continue to work together in lobbying central government to ensure this vital sector is fully supported through the national recovery plan.

David Bailey, Chairman of the Destination Management Board, said; “The Board fully understands the decision taken by BCP Council. It is very important that as the Destination of Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole we show we are taking the sensible measures and demonstrate that in the future we want to offer visitors and residents the safest environment to enjoy the unique tourism and hospitality offer. We thank BCP Council for its continued support and the confirmation of next year’s Bournemouth Air Festival.”

A Bournemouth Air Festival for next year has been confirmed for Thursday 2nd to Sunday 5th September 2021.

Dougie Scarfe, Chief Executive, Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, “Our Proms in the Park concerts hosted in partnership with BCP Council are always a highlight of the summer season in Bournemouth; with audiences dancing away to our live music, the series is always a celebratory moment in the BSO year. We know that loyal audiences will be sorry to miss the party this year, and we’ll miss you all too, but we look forward to seeing you next year for a spectacular celebration”.

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Green-conscious schoolchildren plant first trees to help offset Air Festival carbon footprint

Thursday, February 6th, 2020

Avonwood school

Schoolchildren have dug deep to help Bournemouth become more green by planting trees at a special ceremony – the first of its kind under a new council-backed project.

The Council pledged to offset the Bournemouth Air Festival carbon footprint created from jet fuel emissions last year after partnering with nationally accredited Carbon Footprint Ltd.

For each tree planted a tonne of carbon will also be saved in the Amazon Rainforest, as part of the partnership, through an avoided deforestation project. This project is audited and certified by the internationally recognised Verified Carbon Standard (VCS).

Last summer aircraft used 95,211 litres of fuel – equating to 240 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

This project forms part of a wider BCP Council-backed commitment following its Climate and Ecological Emergency declaration, last summer. Dedicated officers are working with councillors to deliver the Council’s Climate and Ecological Emergency commitments by way of numerous initiatives, including working towards becoming a plastic-free local authority.

Councillor Lewis Allison, Cabinet member for Tourism, Leisure and Communities, said: “We are so proud to be able to take the first step in this all-important project with the help of Avonwood Primary School children. The school has been very supportive and we’re privileged to be able to plant these trees in their grounds. We will not see the effects of these trees immediately – it will in fact take many years – but it is a small and necessary step towards becoming a more carbon-neutral environment and one these schoolchildren will reap the benefits from.

“This tree-planting ceremony has marked a momentous occasion in our commitment to offset the carbon footprint of all displaying aircraft at last year’s Air Festival. We are dedicated to delivering our Climate and Ecological Emergency Action Plan and this project forms a very important part of that plan.”

Chris Jackson, Headteacher at Avonwood Primary School, said: “All of us at Avonwood Primary School are excited to lend our school grounds to the tree-planting project and to be involved in this fantastic community event. We’re always keen for opportunities like this to help our pupils have a positive impact on their local and global communities as part of providing an Education with Character. Through this initiative, we’ve talked a lot about the importance of being kind, respectful and socially responsible and our children have enjoyed putting this learning into practice. We are all looking forward to watching our saplings grow and helping to create a legacy that will benefit both current and future pupils.”

Today’s (WED) ceremony was the first opportunity the saplings could be planted. Officers from the Council’s Parks department were consulted to determine the most appropriate planting conditions.

Now in its 13th year, Air Festival organisers are currently working on content in the air, on land, and sea for the forthcoming summer’s attraction.

www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Bournemouth brings the noise with ‘jet-packed’ festival

Sunday, September 1st, 2019

Strikemaster Duo at Bournemouth

Skies above the south coast were filled with speed, sound and awe-inspiring aerobatics, day and night, this weekend as the 12th Bournemouth Air Festival swooped in to thrill crowds across the resort fuelled by its biggest ever jet line up!

The 2019 star aircraft included debuts from the incredible Saab Draken, the T-33 Silver Star, legendary aircraft of the Ultimate Warbirds, a flypast by the US Navy’s PA-8 and the much-anticipated return of the awesome RAF Typhoon and the full Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) – Lancaster, Hurricane and Spitfire.

After a launch ceremony presided over by BCP Council Chair Councillor David Flagg, four thrilling days of aviation action got off to a flying start with the Blades Aerobatic Team, whose appearance was supported by Oceana Hotels & Restaurants and The Cumberland and was followed by a full day of sky-high displays, skill and aviation enjoyment.

Friday kicked off with the crowd-pleasing Tigers Parachute Display Team – appearance supported by the Marriott Bournemouth Highcliff. The charismatic team of fearless jumpers gave their famous VIP salute to the mayors of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole – Councillor Susan Phillips, Councillor Lesley Dedman and Councillor Marion Le Poidevin respectively.

Fast jet fans felt the awesome presence of the RAF Typhoon which gave a thrilling show after a three year absence, supported by Morgan Sindall Investments and Construction, as well as dusk displays against the backdrop of golden sunsets across the bay. Pilot, Flight Lieutenant Jim Peterson said: “It’s been amazing – definitely in my top five air shows!”

Thrill seekers also welcomed the fantastic Saab Draken, operated by Swedish Air Force Historic Flight and whose appearance was supported by World Fuel Services. Pilot Lars Martinsson, said: “What a fantastic venue. I have loved displaying in Bournemouth and hope you’ll have us back next year!”

The afternoon also included a flypast from US Navy surveillance aircraft, the P-8A Poseidon – a specially modified Boeing and a stomach churning performance from Rich Goodwin in his Super Pitts Muscle Plane whose appearance was supported by Bournemouth Airport.

Amid brief respite from the sun, Saturday saw people flock to the beaches and clifftops to witness the MiG15 and Canadair T-33 Silver Star jets plus more fast jet-powered performances from the Strikemaster Pair – appearance supported by the Hotel Miramar. Festival goers were also able to see the RAF Tucano flying for the last time in Bournemouth before it is withdrawn from RAF operations, after 30 years of service, at the end of the year.

There was a great line-up for helicopter fans with the Royal Navy Black Cat – appearance supported by the Daily Echo – and the RAF Chinook swooping in as part of the afternoon programme.

The 2019 festival drew to a close on Sunday with a unique fly past by The Blades and Ultimate Warbird Flights and a final Typhoon display.

Thanks to the generous support of Bournemouth Air Festival Patrons Club, the spectacular Night Air programme took place to the sounds of live tribute bands on the beach stage and featured dusk displays from festival favourites the RAF Typhoon and Spitfire.

Bournemouth’s skies were lit up once again with pyrotechnics from the Fireflies – appearance supported by Wave 105, Otto the Helicopter and the Piper Cub, as well as the Red Devils Army Parachute Display Team and firework displays on Friday and Saturday.

Courtesy of the Royal Navy, RFA Lyme Bay and HMS Argyle sailed into the bay for the duration of the festival and adventurous seafarers embarked on anchorage tours around both ships. Meanwhile, the Royal Navy Village was set up along the prom with the Army Village and popular diving tank demonstrations on the Overcliff.

The RAF Village, this year located on the East Overcliff, was awash with families enjoying the opportunity to find out about careers, see a static Chinook and take part in a virtual reality experience. The Overcliff was also home to vintage vehicles on Saturday and Sunday with owners and enthusiasts parking up to marvel at motors of days gone by.

The Lower Gardens hosted this year’s atmospheric Beat Retreat Sunset Ceremony, performed by HM Royal Marines Band Portsmouth, and a show of strength with the Royal Marines unarmed combat.

Building on previous years, organisers stepped up the event’s environmental credentials with a pledge to offset the carbon footprint from aircraft by investing in projects to protect wildlife and benefit local communities. Working with nationally accredited Carbon Footprint Ltd. this will see trees planted locally as well as supporting a project to prevent deforestation in the Amazon.

During the festival, BCP Council took the opportunity to push its ongoing environmental awareness campaign, Leave Only Footprints, as people were encouraged to help keep the resort’s award-winning beaches looking splendid by clearing up after themselves at the end of the day and putting rubbish in the bins provided. Festival goers and event staff were also encouraged to bring reusable bottles, to download the Refill Dorset app and fill up from taps located along the seafront.

BCP Tourism’s Head of Operations, Chris Saunders, said: “We’ve enjoyed yet another hugely successful event with impressive displays, good weather and, most importantly, thousands of smiling faces. Night Air is always popular, and this year was no exception with spectacular performances set against glorious sunsets creating must–see displays light up the skies.

“The festival is a great celebration of everything this stretch of coastline has to offer. With action on land, at sea and in the skies, we’re proving that Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole really is the coast with the most!”

Councillor Lewis Allison, BCP Council Tourism Portfolio Holder, said; “This kind of show inevitably draws attention for many reasons and we’re proud to offer a great day out for all the family. At the same time, work to offset the festival’s carbon footprint demonstrates our commitment to reducing its impact on the environment.

“I’d like to thank the enthusiastic display teams, residents and visitors who have come to watch and all those who work to keep people safe and help the festival run smoothly.”

An estimated 812,000 people attended this year’s festival and the dates for next year have been announced as 20-23 August 2020.

For details visit www.bournemouthair.co.uk

P-8A US Navy support this year’s Air Festival at Bournemouth

Tuesday, August 27th, 2019

US Navy P-8A

The U.S. Navy has confirmed their P-8A Poseidon Surveillance Aircraft will be flying past Friday afternoon at this year’s Air Festival. This specific Boeing plane has been developed for the U.S. Navy (USN) and modified from the Boeing 737-800. Powered by two turbo fans and with a wingspan of nearly 40metres it’s going to be an incredible sight.

First flown in 2009 the P-8A will be the youngest aircraft participating at the festival. With a military naval role, it doesn’t transport passengers but fulfils one of the primary mission of USN anti-submarine warfare.

LT Justin Branch, lead U.S. Navy Officer said: “It’s a privilege to support the Air Festival, this is our second engagement taking place in the UK this year and it is always a privilege to be included in these events. We receive amazing support and eagerly anticipate opportunities to strengthen relationships with our allies and showcase the P-8A Poseidon.”.

Chris Saunders, Head of Operations, Tourism added; “The aircraft will be part of Friday’s line up, to have U.S. Navy support, and importantly for them to see the significance of the festival, really highlights the strong relationships we have with our Armed Forces partners.”

Regarded as the UK’s most successful civilian air show with brilliant day and night time entertainment in the skies, on land and in the evening, the 12th Air Festival, takes place 29th August – 1st September 2019.

For details visit www.bournemouthair.co.uk

Leading Seafront Airshow to Offset Carbon Footprint

Friday, August 16th, 2019

Chinook at Bournemouth Air Festival

Organisers pledge to offset display fuel by planting trees in the UK and supporting a project to prevent deforestation in the Amazon in bid to make positive difference

August 14th 2019: Organisers of Europe’s biggest air event, which takes place later this month, have pledged to offset the carbon footprint of all displaying aircraft working in partnership with nationally accredited Carbon Footprint Ltd. This year it is estimated that 110,000 litres of jet fuel will be used in displays by participating aircraft at the Bournemouth Air Festival, creating approximately 275 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Jon Weaver Air Festival Director said; “Since the Festival began we have always been aware of the carbon footprint of the event, and working with local experts at the time focussed on persuading people to use public transport to come to the festival and this has proved very successful – particularly for local residents.”

John Buckley from Carbon Footprint said “It is great to be working with the Bournemouth Air Festival. By supporting our tree planting projects, the Festival will compensate for its environmental impact, help protect wildlife and benefit local communities. We will be planting around 275 trees in the local area. For each tree planted, a tonne of carbon will also be saved in the Amazon Rainforest through the avoided deforestation project selected by the Air Festival – RMDLT Portel-Para REDD project – which is audited and certified by the internationally recognised Verified Carbon Standard (VCS)”. https://www.carbonfootprint.com/brazil_para_redd.html

As well as this initiative this year the Air Festival is also encouraging festival goers to bring reusable plastic bottles or purchase a new Air Festival bottle to use at Dorset refill taps along the seafront site and follow the simple messaging introduced by the resort to take home your litter and ‘Leave only Footprints’.

Councillor Lewis Alison BCP Council Tourism Portfolio Holder said; “There is a growing expectation for festivals and events to be more sustainable. BCP Council have declared a climate emergency and this decision by Air Festival organisers demonstrates our commitment to reduce the impact on the environment and make a global difference.”

Regarded as the UK’s most successful civilian air show with brilliant day and night time entertainment in the skies and on land, the 12th Air Festival takes place on 29th August – 1st September 2019.

For details visit www.bournemouthair.co.uk

The 2019 Bournemouth Air Festival Display Line Up

Tuesday, July 23rd, 2019

RAF Typhoon

Now in its 12th year, the nationally award winning and internationally recognised Bournemouth Air Festival is set to host a diverse international air display programme this summer – in fact there will be more new displays then ever!

As well as vintage aircraft, two parachute teams, aerobatics displays, wingwalkers, night air pyrotechnics and fireworks – get ready for the noise as we welcome, alongside the RAF Typhoon, for the first time from Sweden the Saab Draken and Canadair T-33 Silver Star.

If one Air Festival first was not enough the Ultimate Warbird Flights will be showcasing their dog fighting skills over the Bournemouth skies in a collection of stunning aircraft – look out for a Hispano Buchon, Mustang, Supermarine Spitfire and Republic
P-47 Thunderbolt.

Regular favourites the brilliant Blades Aerobatic Display Team, Strikemaster, RAF Tucano, RAF Chinook, Royal Navy Wildcat, Tigers Parachute Display Team and, back by popular demand, Rich Goodwin’s stomach-turning Pitts Muscle Plane and the fantastic MiG15 will all be displaying during the four-day festival. Last seen in 2016 the full Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) line up, featuring the iconic Lancaster alongside Hurricane and Spitfire will be displaying on all four days.

The ever-popular Night Air dusk flying will be the best ever will feature the beautiful Fireflies, Red Devils Parachute Team and Brendan O’Brien will be piloting Otto the Helicopter. Even the Typhoon will be performing it rip roaring dusk show, to add to the excitement.

Of course the Festival is not just about the airshow. On land, between Bournemouth and Boscombe Pier there’s a host of country show trading sites, activation areas and military villages.
There is a new location for the RAF Village on the East Overcliff with the popular Royal Navy dive tank. On the seafront find out more about life in the military from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Army as they invade the beach and take over with tanks, vehicles and a host of ‘have a go equipment’.

As evening falls, along with dusk flying, the Night Air programme will feature Royal Marines, impressing crowds from their new location in the Lower Gardens, with their unarmed combat display (don’t try this at home!) and the HM Royal Marine Band Portsmouth performing the Beat Retreat Sunset Ceremony. There will also be live music, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening and fireworks (Friday & Saturday only).

Out at sea there once again will be a naval contingency providing a nautical backdrop in the bay and anchorage tours will be available.

David Bailey Chairman of the Tourism Industry’s Destination Management Board for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole commented; “This is an important festival not only for Bournemouth but for the rest of the conurbation. This year it is estimated to generate in excess of £20million to local economy, as part of an annual tourism spend of over £1.2 billion”.

Jon Weaver, Air Festival Director, BCP Council said; “We can’t wait for the festival – we have worked really hard on the line-up for 2019. Its international and loud, everything festival goers love and ask us for year after year! We’ve programmed four days of great, free entertainment for residents and visitors and we hope everyone has a great time!”

For those that can’t wait for the flying display line up the Air Festival brochure is available to pre order online from www.bournemouthair.co.uk, and the flying display line up, available with each brochure, can be accessed early July.

Regarded as the UK’s most successful civilian air show with brilliant day and night time entertainment in the skies, on land and in the evening, the 12th Air Festival, takes place 29th August – 1st September 2019.

Bournemouth Ready for Jet Propelled Stellar Take Off!

Sunday, July 22nd, 2018

Red Arrows over Bournemouth

This year’s much anticiated Bournemouth Air Festival will star 20 jets, 29 aircraft, eight Tigers and two helicopters – that’s not fogetting the landmark dusk displays and unique Night Air family entertainment…all of this by the sea and completely free!

Four days of sky high aviation action will see the incredible world famous RAF Red Arrows display on Thursday, Friday & Saturday, the RAF Chinook back for three days, the AerosuperBatics Wingwalking Pair demonstrate their breath-taking skill and, in a first for Bournemouth and the South Coast, the Breitling Jet Team.

Headed up by Jacques Bothelin, the team have not performed at a UK civilian airshow for nearly 15 years. They will be displaying on Friday, Saturday and Sunday with a special night air show scheduled for Saturday evening. Jacques said; “On behalf of the Breitling Jet Team we cannot wait to display in Bournemouth this summer. We have heard about the festival within the airshow world and are delighted that we will be demonstrating our skill, precision and unique aviation skill for you all!”

New this year the Super Pitts Muscle Plane, piloted by flying ace Rich Goodwin, will showcase daredevil routine, aerial manoeuvres and high energy aerobatics. Also, new to the flying display programme, Team Raven’s unique dynamic formation aerobatic display will leave the crowds wanting more!

Back to impress the Tigers Parachute Display Team will be landing on the award-winning beach during the day and performing a new special dusk jump on Friday. Night Air flying will also see a beautiful balletic performance from the FireFlies and Twisters. If you thought that as a pair they were impressive, wait until you see four aircraft gracefully lighting up the skies! Not forgetting Night Air favourite Otto the Helicopter and, back for four days, The Blades, with the festival‘s only female pilot Kirsty Murphy.

A special Vintage Weekend remembers the end of WW1 and the centenary anniversary of the RAF. Dance, live music and classic cars will be complimented by a plethora of awesome aircraft including the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Hurricane, Spitfire and Dakota, SallyB, a heritage fly past from the Vampire Pair and Strikemaster Pair and a poignant poppy drop planned for the Bremont Great War Display Team.

A jam-packed aviation line-up wouldn’t be complete without Night Air entertainment. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening enjoy family fun in the Lower Gardens, tribute acts on the Bournemouth stage with music from the UK Bee Gees (Thursday), Stevie Wonderband (Friday) and U2-2 (Saturday) Unarmed Combat demonstrations from the Royal Marines and fabulous fireworks on Friday and Saturday (10pm).

Regarded as the UKs most successful civilian air show with brilliant day and night time entertainment in the skies, on land and in the evening, the 11th Air Festival is ’more than just an airshow’ and set to be the event of the summer!

For more information or to pre-order your copy of the brochure, which comes with a unique online code to access the flying display programme or use your code to download the Air Festival app for easy flying updates, please visit www.bournemouthair.co.uk