THE sun was beaming this weekend as thousands of people flocked to the seafront for Bournemouth Air Festival.
Spectators set up their deck chairs and picnic blankets early to catch the packed flying schedules of days three and four.
The ever-popular Red Arrows wowed crowds with their signature aerobatic displays and vibrant vapour trails.
Read more: No new Bournemouth Air Festival dates announced for next year
Festival goers also enjoyed a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and displays from the Firebirds, Tigers, and new for this year, the Bronco.
The night air show on Saturday attracted its usual crowds and featured an iconic firework display from Otto the Helicopter.
The weekend was not without the roar of the Typhoon, blitzing across the sky with its jet engines aglow to conclude Sunday’s flying schedule.
Pilot Richard Goodwin also made his return to the skies and performed impressive aerobatics in his modified G-JPIT Muscle Bi-Plane.
Read more: Will Bournemouth Air Festival be returning next year?
In an interview with the Daily Echo, Richard described his aircraft as a “very exhilarating” plane to fly, and one that is “noisy” and has a “great presence”.
For many display pilots, Bournemouth Air Festival has become the highlight of the flying calendar.
Mark Sugden, who flew in the Hurricane in the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight on Sunday, said it was “one of the most enjoyable” air shows to perform.
The event is also a fan favourite, with many aviation enthusiasts coming from around the country for it.
Sarah Dunsdon and Trevor Adams travelled from Oxfordshire and spent Sunday spectating from Bournemouth Pier.
Trevor said: “We try and come to Bournemouth for the air festival every year.
“We love it because it’s by the sea and it’s always got a great atmosphere.”
Also in attendance were Trevor and David Sterry. The pair were lucky enough to meet some of the pilots at this year’s event, and shared with them some aircraft figures they had hand-created.
Trevor said: “This is our 29th flying season. We come to Bournemouth Air Festival every year. It’s the biggest show and you get most of the big flying teams there.”
On how the pair found their aircraft passion, Trevor said: “I remember being at an airfield when I was little and seeing the Red Arrows fly over. It started from there.
“We’re crazy about aviation.”
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