From historic flying machines, jets and display teams to sparkling dusk displays and parachute teams, there is something for everyone at the 2014 Bournemouth Air Festival.

A number of new aircraft are being welcomed to the festival, which runs from August 28 to 31, this year, including the much-anticipated Canadian Lancaster, displaying at the weekend with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the Mid Air Squadron Canberra XH134.

The Canberra joined the RAF in 1951 as the first jet-powered bomber, and is believed to be the world’s largest serving bomber.

Retiring from active duty in 2006, it is now fully restored and is the only air-worthy Canberra of its type in the world.

Owner Mike Davis said: “The Midair Squadron is an expertly managed passion and we’re really looking forward to bringing an aura of classic elegance to the skies of Bournemouth.”

Headlining the aviation action at the event, which is supported by Mouchel and City Fibre, are the Red Arrows, representing the incredible speed, agility and precision of the Royal Air Force, and performing on all four days, at 3.15pm on Thursday, 3pm on Friday, 4.35pm on Saturday and 12.10pm on Sunday.

The RAF will also be displaying the Eurofighter Typhoon (Friday, Saturday and Sunday) and Tutor and Tucano training aircraft.

The much anticipated weekend display will undoubtedly be when the world’s last two airworthy Lancaster bombers take centre stage – the breathtaking Canadian Lancaster with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – in a meeting unlikely to happen ever again this is a must see for everyone.

There will be a host of Armed Forces helicopters taking to the skies with performances from The Royal Navy Merlin and for the first time a Lynx and Wildcat pairing; watch out for the Army Lynx and RAF Chinook, both flying every day.

Bournemouth favourite the Miss Demeanour soars to the festival on Friday and Saturday and back to impress with magnificent grace Friday, Saturday and Sunday is the Flying Fortress SallyB. The recently announced Avro Vulcan displays on Saturday. This year the daytime air display programme is complemented by a longer dusk display starting at 7.15pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday night.

New for the line-up of this year’s Night Air, sponsored by Corona, are the Blades performing a sunset display Friday and Saturday night (and Sunday daytime).

Sponsored by the Miramar Hotel O’Briens Flying Circus and the Twister Duo will set the skies alight and The Red Devils Parachute Team, sponsored by the Patrons 100 Club, finishes the evening line up.

Jon Weaver, Air Festival director said: “This year’s line-up is really ambitious, it’s got festival favourites, Force and civilian teams, fast jets, loud aircraft, display teams and a sprinkle of dusk pyrotechnics.

“That’s not forgetting everything that’s happening on the ground, at sea and in the evening.”

  • For more information visit bournemouthair.co.uk, follow the festival Facebook page bournemouthairfestival or follow the team on Twitter @bmthairfest

Carlton & East Cliff Court Hotels

Air Festival Hospitality Packages available over the Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Thursday and Sunday: £32.50 per person, Friday and Saturday: £42.50 per person. To include arrival drink, BBQ lunch and afternoon tea. Both hotels offer an unrivalled location being directly under the flight path and offer balconies and private landscaped gardens as viewing platforms. Private boxes available for hire. To book, contact the onsite events team on 01202 544114 or email Helen.lloyd@menzie hotels.co.uk Menzieshotels.co.uk.

Flying high at the Highcliff

Join the Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel and watch the Air Festival action from their private gardens. Located high up on the cliff top with uninterrupted views of Bournemouth Bay, the Highcliff truly is the only place to be. First Class Hospitality – Friday, August 29, from 11.30am. Treat yourself to jet-propelled hospitality ‘Highcliff’ style for only £49 per person. Enjoy a glass of champagne on arrival, gourmet barbecue and half a bottle of wine.

Air Festival Family BBQ  Saturday, August 30, from 11.30am. Refuel at the informal family barbecue and enjoy a drink on arrival followed by a two course barbecue. £28 per adult and £15 per child. To book or for more details, contact 01202 200813. Booking essential. Remember to visit the Highcliff Hut on the front lawn which will be serving ice creams, snacks and refreshments all day throughout the festival. No reservation required. Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott Hotel, St Michael’s Road, Bournemouth, 01202 557702, bournemouthhighcliff marriott.co.uk.

WestBeach

Award-winning WestBeach restaurant will be extending its sun-deck and serving up a delicious BBQ throughout the Air Festival. They will also have a fabulous marquee on the beach and mouth-watering restaurant specials. Pier Approach, Bournemouth, 01202 587785, west-beach.co.uk.

Aruba

Cosmopolitan Aruba will be serving up the best cocktails in town on its sun drenched balcony so you can see all the action. With live music all weekend, air show parties, children’s entertainment in the daytime and a  themed menu, it’s the best place in town to catch all the festivities. You won’t want to watch the festival from anywhere else. To find out more visit west-beach.co.uk and aruba-bournemouth.co.uk.

The Cumberland

Front row seats for the Bournemouth Air Festival. Located on the central flight path, it’s a great location to watch all the action. Book now, reservations from 12pm until 4pm. For Air Show bookings and menus call 01202 298350. Packages to suit every budget, visit cumberlandbournemouth.co.uk.

1812

Try the new cocktail menu in Bournemouth’s award winning cocktail bar 1812.

Bar So

Bournemouth’s No 1 Free entry Saturday night: So Saturday with Fire FM’s James Herkes and Friends.