AS this year’s Bournemouth Air Festival draws nearer, potential backers are being asked to come forward.

Open exclusively to the first 100 members, the Bournemouth Air Festival Patrons 100 Club is a way to support what has become the UK’s biggest free aviation event.

For £250, patrons help fund night air displays and support this year’s charities – the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity, Not Forgotten Association, British Lung Foundation and Jon Egging Trust.

Patrons 100 Club members are given an exclusive pin badge, invites to monthly of networking events, complete with air festival-inspired guest speakers and an online and brochure listing.

One member, Stephen Young, Lord of Westbury and Waxham, who has helped support the Vulcan’s appearance, said: “The Patrons 100 Club is a great group to be part of.

“The networking evenings are a fantastic way of meeting other local business people and I’ve seen some sensational guest speakers.

“As a returning patron it’s good to know we’re helping to support such a fantastic event and get to see our efforts rewarded each year with the stunning night air displays.”

Jon Weaver, air festival director, added: “The Patrons 100 Club has been a great success raising more than £60,000 since its formation in 2011.

“Without the air festival patrons we wouldn’t be able to contribute to the night air displays or give so generously to the much deserving nominated air festival charities.”

The next patrons evening will take place on Monday, June 30, from 5:30–7:30pm at the Chine Hotel and will feature a presentation from the Eurofighter Typhoon display team.

To sign up as a patron and attend the evening contact Amy Habgood on Amy.Habgood@bournemouth.gov.uk To join the exclusive Patrons 100 Club – and to see a list of members – visit www.bournemouthair.co.uk/ business.