Don't just watch the skies at Air Festival (From Bournemouth Echo)

Don't just watch the skies at Air Festival

8:00am Wednesday 28th July 2010 in

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DO more than just look up. That’s the message from Bournemouth Air Festival bosses with this year’s event hurtling into view.

While the skies will be packed with breathtaking aircraft displays between August 19 and 22, there will be plenty to do on the ground as well.

This year sees the evening programme extended, so once the planes and helicopters are safely tucked up in their hangars for the night, the town will come alive with two live music stages to the east and west of the pier, more music and entertainment at Boscombe Pier and film screenings on the beach.

Night Air, on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, will feature the Royal Marine Combat Display Team and HM Royal Marines Band Collingwood, followed by street entertainers, hot air balloons and music.

On the Saturday, the Royal Marines will demonstrate a dramatic beach assault – with youngsters from Bournemouth School taken “hostage” – while Royal Fleet Auxiliary ship Largs Bay will be open to visitors from 10am each day.

Festival-goers will also get the chance to get up close with the pilots at the meet and greet tent.

This year’s festival is also taking a giant technological leap forward with an iPhone application, Wi-Fi and outdoor screens, which will showcase another first – Air Festival TV, detailing the display programme and live interviews across the weekend.

Tourism bosses are urging visitors to “stay longer and see more”.

Jon Weaver, Bournemouth Air Festival director, said: “This year we have gone all out to ensure the ground element and Night Air programme is just as busy and exciting as the sky – visitors will need the full four days just to make sure they see and do everything.”

Topping off the attractions will be stalls between the piers, in the town centre and on the cliff tops, while the Guild of Aviation Artists will exhibit in the library between August 17 and 28.