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More than a million flood to Air Festival (Aug 23) (From Bournemouth Echo)
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More than a million flood to Air Festival (Aug 23)
10:34am Sunday 23rd August 2009
THE number of people attending Bournemouth Air Festival will break the million barrier today as the town looks forward to a spectacular finale to the four-day event.
Crowds are being greeted by glorious sunshine today and the forecast is for a scorcher.
On Saturday more than 340,000 people packed the beaches of Bournemouth, according to Dorset police, as the big three flew in to entertain the record crowds crammed onto the cliff tops and sands.
Starting with a Sunseeker yacht hijacked by pirates, followed by stunning Russian aerobatics from the Yakovlevs and the Daily Echo-backed Red Bull Matadors, the third day certainly started with a bang.
The marines showed their mettle by dropping by Lynx helicopter before storming the yacht, to rescue several hostages - included the Daily Echo's columnist Faith Eckersall (the fools).
The RAF Falcon Display Team also appeared at the Festival for the first time after pulling out due to windy weather on Thursday and Friday.
The team put on a breathtaking performance as they jumped 10,000 feet from a Chinook at 180mph with chutes deployed in a sack formation, before landing on a platform about 50 yards wide on Bournemouth seafront.
Other highlights today included the Sally B Flying Fortress, the Blades, the powerful grace of the Chinook as well as the Kitty Hawk and Guinot Wing-walkers. Nostalgia was flown in with the Hurricane, Lancaster, Spitfire and Mustang, providing a poignant moment for many in this, the 70th anniversary year since the start of the Second World War.
But the big moments came towards the end of the day as the Vulcan, the Eurofighter Typhoon and the Red Arrows thrilled the crowds.
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collarge, bournemouth says...
1:13pm Sun 23 Aug 09
ampman wrote:I must admit my normal experience of out door PA is the same, but from where we were on top of the east cliff the PA was Crystal clear, and enjoyed the good humor from the commentators especially the jokes about the lycra clad wing walkers, made me laugh several times.
I thought that the PA at the Airshow was not up to standard. It was very patchy and standing on the zig-zag path on Satuday we could only make out one word in five. The contractor certainly had used a lot of equipment but he needs lessons from an experienced sound engineer on how to make the commentary clearer for the public. If he wants a good example he should visit the Great Dorset Steam Fair where a very large area is covered perfectly by the PA and every word is crystal clear.
Had a great day and about to pop down there again, will remember sun cream this time.
Chris..., says...
1:49pm Sun 23 Aug 09
What needs to be looked at is how the commentary can be heard all round the frontal area whether on top of the cliffs, zigzag path, or on the front. Something to look into for 2010 Air Show.
All in all, once again, a fantastic show, brilliant displays, and a lot of hard work gone into yet another fine performance. Well done to Bournemouth, More Bus and the Daily Echo again.
wilkiemini, poole says...
4:43pm Sun 23 Aug 09
Blackroady, Christchurch says...
7:47pm Sun 23 Aug 09
Tautologist, says...
7:54pm Sun 23 Aug 09
"The RAF Falcon Display Team also appeared at the Festival .....before landing on a platform about 50 yards wide on Bournemouth seafront."
.
Such a shame that The Red Devils backed out of Weymouth Carnival on Wednesday because the agreed 100 x 50 metre beach landing area measurement was in dispute at the last moment !
.
Perhaps The Red Falcons could approach Weymouth Carnival organisers for next year, assuming they use the same tape-measure !!
poolebabe, poole says...
8:01pm Sun 23 Aug 09
However, on Saturday and today we went and sat next to Boscome Pier. All I can say is WOW. We couldn't hear any commentry, we had no clue what was comming and when, we had fantastic views of the planes as they flew low over the Pier. It was soooo much better!!! It was packed out, but not early on, we got the park and ride just up the road which was only £4 to park for the day and the bus return for 5 of us. Fantastic.
I just want to say thankyou to all the organisers, Bournemouth Council and of course all the fantastic Pilots. Also, a big thanks to the cleaning staff in the loos and on the beach. Everywhere is so clean. It must take a lot of work. My only complaint, not enough toilets!! Especially for the ladies. What a brilliant weekend though. All I can keep saying is WOW and WOW again. Seeing the Vulcan was very special and it's a moment I will treasure.
Emulated, Bournemouth says...
9:45pm Sun 23 Aug 09
Barry_Funk, Bournemouth says...
11:08pm Sun 23 Aug 09
The only niggle is that they should really get someone to design a better website that contains the schedule, better park and ride information and just a better look and feel overall!
It's sad that such a well run, professional event is let down by the very website that is supposed to attract out of town visitors.
Still with over a million visitors I guess the council might not want any more!
Puj, Bournemouth says...
11:10pm Sun 23 Aug 09
Red Arrows got applauded as per usual.
XH558's arrival was met with applause, and finished with applause. Just goes to prove how much 'joe public' love this iconic cold war veteran. She is a beautiful aircraft.
For those interested in the Vulcan - please visit : http://www.vulcantot
hesky.org/
Join up/donate to keep this iconic plane flying. Thanks in advance.
doodoo23, poole says...
7:54am Mon 24 Aug 09
alumchineboy2, alumchine says...
9:23am Mon 24 Aug 09
Sir Alan, Bournemouth says...
1:51pm Mon 24 Aug 09
doodoo23 wrote:well obviously you must a bit of a spotter as you watched for 10 mins, but then as the show lasted over 5 hours, your comments just show what an idiot you are. next time dont bother coming if all you can do is moan.
very overrated watched by saddo plane spotters went home after 10 mins rubbish
The scene from the clifftop on Saturday
The Eurofighter Typhoon
The Red Arrows
The marines storm the beach
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ampman, Ringwood says...
11:31am Sun 23 Aug 09