BOURNEMOUTH Air Festival 2012 season officially kicks off tomorrow with a launch event that promises a surprise or two.

Details of the launch at the pier are under wraps, but even those without an invite could see something special.

It will see more details of this year’s line-up announced, along with details of the charities the event, which takes place between August 30 and September 2, will support.

Air festival director Jon Weaver said: “2012’s Air Festival is shaping up to be another superb event.

“It’s our fifth year and once again we’ve secured a high-level of participation from the Royal Navy and RAF, which in these difficult times for the armed forces shows how highly they regard the event.

“The Night Air programme is going from strength to strength. The content of the dusk air displays and the live music from the seafront stage are being developed to give visitors more reasons to stay in town longer and adding to the overall festival-feel of the event.

“We’re also continuing the charity wristband scheme which we launched last year. In 2011 festival-goers helped to raise a fantastic £21,000, and we want to raise more this year.”

Festival fans will be keen to hear details of this year’s event, which in past years has seen favourites like the Red Arrows, Vulcan, Sea Vixen and Tornadoes take to the skies.

All involved will be crossing their fingers for a smooth event this time around following the tragic death of Red Arrows f pilot Flt Lt Jon Egging last year and the flash floods that washed out the first day of the festival.