A MAJOR celebration of the Red Arrows and its supporters was held at Bournemouth Aviation Museum at the weekend.

The event, which coincided with the Red Arrows using Bourne-mouth Airport as a base for their weekend displays across the country, was in celebration of 50 years of the Reds and the 20th anniversary of the Bournemouth Red Arrows Association (BRAA).

The double celebration raised money for the aviation museum and the Jon Egging Trust, which was formed after Red Arrows pilot Jon Egging lost his life in a crash following a display at the Bournemouth Air Festival in 2011.

The fun day included music from Ferndown Concert Brass, talks on the Red Arrows, stands with memorabilia, a photographic competition, support from Vulcan to the Sky, a chance to win a cele-bration cake and a mounted limited edition print of Colin van Geffen’s ‘Synchro Cross and Roll Backs’ signed by the artist and Red Arrows.

Families were seen enjoying the static displays as well as the stands, with the weather staying fine for most of the day.

A mini-traction engine also proved popular with youngsters throughout the day.

Terry Trevett, chairman of the BRAA, said: “We have been blessed with exceptionally good weather today.

“You really couldn’t get the Red Arrows any closer without having a display.

“It’s been a great day and people have come out to support the event.”

The Red Arrows will be performing on all four days of the Bournemouth Air Festival for the first time this year.