FLYING teams were left grounded as poor weather led to the cancellation of displays on day one of the 2015 Bournemouth Air Festival.

Low cloud levels meant that all flying was called off – for the first time since 2011 – for safety reasons with all involved hoping for better luck on Friday.

Spectators had been hoping to see the Red Arrows kick things off at 2.15pm, but with the bay shrouded in mist, it wasn’t possible.

Red 10, Sqn Ldr Mike Ling, told the Daily Echo: “We love coming to Bournemouth, it’s our biggest show.

“Unfortunately the visibility and cloud base is below our limits.”

The cancellation continued a string of back luck for the Reds this year.

Sqn Ldr Ling added: “This is my seventh year in the team and this is by far the worst season for weather I’ve encountered.”

Crowds had also been hoping to see the Chinook helicopter, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, RAF Tutor, the Black Cats helicopter team, Twister Duo and a new attraction, the RAF Hawk T2 role demo team.

Flt Lt Toby Keeley, from the Hawk team, said: “It’s extremely disappointing. We get really excited for each display, but we need a 1,000ft cloud base.

“For safety we cannot get airborne.”

The Army Tigers Freefall Parachute Display Team was also meant to drop on to the beach.

Team leader, Captain Ian Wicks, said: “We’re always disappointed not to put a show on for the people of Bournemouth, as it’s without a doubt the biggest show of the season.

“We’ve got three more days to go, so fingers crossed we will get up in the air and wow the crowds from 6,000ft.”

As it became clear that the weather wasn’t going to change, organisers called off the Night Air flying programme as well, although activities on the ground, including the HM Royal Marines Band Collingwood’s proms concert, were still due to continue.

Air festival director, Jon Weaver, said: “We’ve had these days before and that’s why we have a four-day show.

“Even if there are no displays on, there’s the RAF Village and the Royal Navy village and the concerts in the evenings.

“We’ll be back on Friday.”

Friday’s flying displays are due to run between 1.30 and 5pm, with the Red Arrows at 3pm.

Also on the bill are The Blades, BBMF, Chinook, the Typhoon and the Hawk demo team. All our coverage, including schedule information is at bit.ly/bmthair.