ORGANISERS of Bournemouth Air Festival have confirmed that the popular Vulcan bomber will be coming to this year’s event.

Vulcan XH 558, the world’s only flying example of the jet, will – weather and airworthiness permitting – be bringing its distinctive roar to the seafront for the event at the end of August.

Thanks to a collective effort by Merley House, Vulcan to Bournemouth and Vulcan enthusiast Stephen Young Lord of Westbury and Waxham, the only airworthy example of the classic Cold War bomber has been funded for a single appearance on Saturday, August 30.

Maggie Keet, Bournemouth Vulcan to the Sky Trust, said: “Seeing the magnificent Vulcan fly is a unique experience. As a representative of Vulcan to Bournemouth I’m so pleased it can now be enjoyed by spectators at the Bournemouth Air Festival once again.”

Cllr Lawrence Williams, from Bournemouth Borough Council, added: “We’re extremely grateful to all those who helped to raise the funds to showcase the spectacular Vulcan XH558 at this year’s air festival. It’s an exceptional aircraft and I know many people, like me, will be looking forward to seeing it gracefully glide through Bournemouth’s skies.”

The iconic Vulcan has been a much-loved regular aircraft at the festival since its first appearance in 2009, amazing the hundreds of thousands of people along the packed event arena with its size, roar and sheer presence.

Dr Robert Pleming, chief executive of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Vulcan is returning once again to the beautiful venue of Bournemouth, particularly so because it is one of the premier seaside resorts in the UK, in addition to being one of our favourite display venues and an excellent backdrop for an appearance by this iconic aircraft.

“In the past we have experienced some technical difficulties which have sadly precluded us appearing in the Festival so we are really looking forward to having the opportunity to thrill and inspire the huge crowds that will undoubtedly come along to this superb event.”