Red Arrows return to kick off Bournemouth Air Festival 2012 (From Bournemouth Echo)

Red Arrows return to kick off Bournemouth Air Festival 2012

8:30am Thursday 30th August 2012 in News

THE Red Arrows are set to roar over Bournemouth seafront this afternoon in what is sure to be an emotional beginning to the fifth Bournemouth Air Festival .

The famous team are first up on the bill at 3pm, returning a year on from the tragic death of Flt Lt Jon Egging following a display.

It is sure to be a fitting start to the four-day event, which organisers are promising will be bigger and better than ever.

New attractions this year include a World War Two re-enactment on Saturday and Sunday, featuring a Catalina, Messerschmitt 109, Spitfire and |P-51 Mustang.

Highlights on the bill are two Tornado jets, the Vulcan bomber, the Miss Demeanour Hunter jet, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Tigers parachute team, the Black Cats helicopter display, Chinook and the Breitling Wingwalkers.

And an extra hour of flying has been added to tomorrow’s bill, giving an early chance to see the Wingwalkers, The Blades, Chinook, Miss Demeanour Hunter Jet and the Tornadoes.

Jon Weaver, air festival director, said: “We’re all really excited about the fifth Bournemouth Air Festival – especially as at the moment the weather is forecast as good.

“A highlight for me will be the jets, enhanced Night Air programme and the weekend’s historic re-enactment.

“With so much going on, make sure you keep updated with any programme changes; a reminder to everyone that the each copy of the 2012 Air Festival brochure has a unique code giving access to a live updated online display programme and, if you’re on the go, download the app.

“I must say a big ‘thank you’ to everyone involved in the Festival and we hope you all enjoy the show.”

For details of today's flying schedule, our Red Arrows picture gallery and our rolling coverage of all four days of the festival, go to bournemouthecho.co.uk/air