YOU might not recognise the face, but you will certainly recognise the voice.

George Bacon has been commentating on the Bournemouth Air Festival since the start in 2008 and has seen it all – the triumphs, the tragedy and, of course, the weather.

Ahead of the seventh event, he told the Daily Echo: “It was an adventurous start and they got it right. Starting with a four-day show is a significant chunk to bite off.

“One of the things I always stress is the way the town buys into the whole concept.

“They get into the festival mentality and the extra things that they have added have given a new flavour to the whole thing.”

George’s home for the weekend is the commentary box on the East Overcliff.

He added: “It’s just a great venue; it is like a great big arena having that big bay in front of you.

“The tourism office are just so enthusiastic and dynamic.

“It’s a good family day out also, it’s not just aircraft in the sky, there’s so much to see and do on the ground.

“I love going to Bournemouth, it’s a great welcome, a great atmosphere and a tremendous turn out.”

Starting on Thursday, the Bournemouth Air Festival will see a host of flying displays, as well as attractions on the ground.

The Red Arrows are set to headline all four days for the first time, while crowds are also set to enjoy the Vulcan, Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Canadian Lancaster, making an appearance with the BBMF’s Lancaster – the only two airworthy examples of the WW2 bomber.

n The air festival brochure is on sale now and is available from Daily Echo offices, shops around the area and the Bournemouth Tourism Information Centre in advance and around the festival site over the event, between August 28-31.

The Daily Echo’s book celebrating the first five years of the festival is also still on sale. Visit bournemouthecho.co.uk /books and follow the links, or call the subscriptions department on 01305 830924 to order by credit or debit card.

Read lots more in our air festival section online at bournemouthecho.co.uk/air and, for mobile users, at bit.ly/bmthair.