BOURNEMOUTH beach will be transformed into a makeshift ‘airport’ when a plane arrives as part of this year’s air show.

The UK’s first aerobar will ‘land’ on Thursday, serving a range of food and drink in the lead-up to and during the tenth annual Bournemouth Air Festival.

Poole-based company Immense Events is bringing the unique attraction to the town.

The 73ft ATR 42 aircraft has been converted into a fully-functioning mobile bar. When it arrives, the surrounding beach will be transformed into an airport terminal, complete with departure lounge, duty free, club class restaurant, and even a VIP first class area.

All ‘passengers’ will be given a boarding pass when they arrive and will be able to relax on benches and sunbeds with parasols.

There will be live entertainment over 17 days, ranging from themed evenings to tribute bands including Flash (Queen tribute), The Ed Sheeran Experience, Almost Olly (Olly Murs tribute), and Navi (Michael Jackson tribute).

Marianne Brown, director of Immense Events, said: “This is the first aerobar the UK has seen and it’s causing quite a stir.

“This concept has never been done before, and what started as a ‘pie in the sky’ idea has been realised.

“We are landing a 73ft ATR 42 aircraft onto Bournemouth beach for a total of 17 days, which covers the bank holiday weekend and the Bournemouth Air Festival.

“The ATR 42 is a regional aircraft that, before it was decommissioned, was chartered between the Channel Islands. Now, it is a fully-functioning bar with draught beers, cocktails and wines.”

To buy tickets for any of the events, visit immenseair.com. Day tickets for the departure lounge bar and club class restaurant cost £5, or £12 for the Air Festival weekend. Kids under 10 go free.