VIDEO: Avro Vulcan swoops in for third day of Bournemouth Air Festival (From Bournemouth Echo)

VIDEO: Avro Vulcan swoops in for third day of Bournemouth Air Festival

9:00am Sunday 2nd September 2012 in News By Katie Clark

BEACHES, clifftops and Bournemouth’s waters were crammed with spectators on Saturday to witness the thrills of the Air Festival’s jam-packed weekend of flying.

Space was at a premium on the beach between the two piers as people jostled to get prime viewing positions to view the vast array of displays.

Those getting to the beach before lunchtime were entertained by the Royal Marines Commando beach assault before the Red Arrows flew into view, wowing the crowds in their seven formation and displaying their traditional array of impressive stunts and skilled flying techniques.

The RAF Chinook then took its turn above the thronging crowds before the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane were greeted with a standing ovation by those on the beaches and the cliff tops.

All eyes were on the skies for The Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment’s Parachute Display Team, The Tigers, as they gracefully dropped from the gathering clouds onto the land below, with the antics of the Breitling Wing Walkers, proving as popular as ever.

A historic re-enactment featuring the Catalina, Messerschmitt 109, Spitfire and P-51 Mustang was the highlight for many until the RAF Tornado ripped into sight, roaring past the watching spectators on land and on the sea.

Yet it was the Avro Vulcan many were waiting for, looming into view from afar, before sweeping over the piers and around again.

Activities in the Lower Gardens included a performance at the bandstand from The Sidemen as well as a host of family entertainment.

And down at Boscombe Pier’s Corona Stage, Rizzle Kicks and Scouting for Girls were awaited with anticipation for the evening’s live music event.