IT was perfect flying weather for day two of the Bournemouth Air Festival.

Unlike yesterday’s downpours, it was warm and sunny throughout the afternoon with big crowds flocking to the seafront and barely a spare spot on the packed beach.

The Twister Duo kicked off the afternoon’s displays, which began at 2pm. Aerobatic pilot Gerald Cooper followed with impressive stunts in his Xtreme Air aircraft.

Next to wow the crowds was jet fighter MiG 15, which showed off its impressive speeds as it soared along the coastline.

A couple of wartime favourites followed with their displays – WW11 American fighter-bomber P-51 Mustang and then a Spitfire.

The crowd’s excitement grew with the announcement that festival-favourites the Red Arrows were next to fly.

It was the second of three displays by the Red Arrows this festival, with their first performance of the show taking place at dusk to celebrate 10 years of the Bournemouth Air Festival.

Unfortunately, Red 9 pilot Flight Lieutenant Emmet Cox was unable to join yesterday’s display due to illness, but it was still an impressive eight Arrow formation from the Hawk jet pilots.

It is hoped Red 9 will be well enough to join the final display today.

While the Red Arrows are always a tough act to follow, there were many cheers for the next display by the Daily Echo sponsored Tigers Parachute Display Team.

The daring jumpers left trails of colourful smoke as they descended to the beach.

Next up was the Strikemaster, a British jet-powered training and light attack aircraft.

Then the graceful Sally B took to the skies, gliding over to a backing track of wartime music.

Air Festival newcomer Bristol Blenheim joined the aircraft before leading its own display – its second flight of the festival.

In a switch in tempo, the Blades Aerobatic Display Team followed up with a dramatic array of impressive stunts.

The three RAF fast-jet pilots are all former Red Arrow pilots.

Jon Weaver, air festival director, said: “We’ve had an incredible day two of the 2017 Bournemouth Air Festival.

“The sun shone and the crowds came out to enjoy a fantastic mix of aircraft, from the Red Arrows and the Tiger Parachute Display Team to the MiG, Sally B and the Spitfire.

“We are really looking forward to two more days at the 10th Air Festival,” he added.