6:00am Thursday 20th August 2009
By Melanie Vass
IT’S here! The long-awaited More Bus Bournemouth Air Festival begins today, kicking off four days of fantastic flying displays.
Up to one million people are expected to flock to Bournemouth seafront to witness the adrenaline-charged aerobatics of a wide variety of aircraft. From the Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to the antics of the Guinot wingwalkers and, of course, the amazing Red Arrows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, there is something for everyone.
This year’s event is even bigger and better, with the eagerly-anticipated return of the Vulcan bomber and the Eurofighter Typhoon. The evening entertainment has also been expanded and includes the Roar on the Shore on Thursday – a bid to set a new world record for the number of fireworks launched in a minute.
The town is also the focal point for the Fly Navy 100 Naval celebrations with two ships moored off-shore – the RFA Mounts Bay and minesweeper HMS Cattistock, plus there will be demonstrations from the Royal Marines Commando Display Team.
Festival director Jon Weaver said: “It really will be a great open day for the town, that’s the way we view it. It’s a tremendous investment for visitors and locals.”
On Thursday you can see the Sabre Jet, Royal Navy Black Cats helicopter display team, the Yakovlevs aerobatic team, Vulcan and the RAF Falcons parachute display team plus the Blades. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Guinot wingwalkers, Hawk T1 and King Air complete the line-up.
Friday sees the first of three eagerly-awaited displays by the Red Arrows and also offers the first chance to see, and hear, the mighty Eurofighter Typhoon.
Saturday will probably be the busiest day with the Red Arrows, the Avro Vulcan and the Eurofighter Typhoon all scheduled to appear.
The RAF Chinook, Swift Team, Sally B B-17 Flying Fortress, Kitty Hawk, Spitfire and Mustang will also be taking to the skies, while the Royal Marines will put on a beach assault. The air ambulance and a search and rescue demonstration complete the line-up.
Sunday offers the final chance to see the Red Arrows and the Royal Marines beach assault, plus all the other stars of the four days.
There has been an update to some flight times for Saturday and Sunday. Those who have bought an advance programme are advised to pick up an update of the timings from programme sellers and the tourist information centre. Programmes that are purchased on the day will already contain the update. The Sea Vixen has been withdrawn because the pilot is ill and an F86 Sabre and a Vampire T11 will take its place.
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