THE Royal Marines stole the show as the seventh Bournemouth Air Festival was launched yesterday.

Members of the elite unit abseiled in to the opening event at the Highcliff Marriott Hotel – coming down the wall next to the entrance.

The Royal Marines are celebrating their 350th anniversary this year and were presented to Commodore Jamie Miller, Brigadier Piers Hankinson, pictured inset, Group Captain Catherine Coton and the Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Chris Mayne.

All three branches of the armed forces are in Bournemouth in numbers to showcase what they do to the public.

Commodore Miller said: “Over the next four days you will see the greatest ever concentration of Naval forces yet at the Bournemouth Air Festival.

“Working with the Royal Marines, Army and French Navy we will be showcasing what we do best and demonstrating this on Friday to The First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir George Michael Zambellas.

“We are confident this will be our best year yet.”

Speaking to the Daily Echo, he added: “It’s the event nationally for Great Britain, where we put the Royal Navy, Royal Marines, our naval helicopters and our ships up close and personal with the people of Bournemouth.”

Commodore Miller said that other vessels from other nations could follow the French example in future years.

He added: “There is lots of excitement and lots of fun for all ages.”

RAF Group Captain Catherine Coton said: “The air festival is a high priority event for the RAF, in terms of audience numbers it is perfect for showcasing our aircraft and offers a first class arena for engaging with the public. We’re really looking forward to the next four days and hope the public are too.”

Brigadier Hankinson said its participation this year was especially poignant with the 70th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

“One of the big issues for me is to let the public know what we do and speak to our people,” he said.

Jon Weaver, air festival director, added: “It really shows how far we have come over the last seven years to have such superb Royal Navy and RAF support.

“We can’t wait to welcome the First Sea Lord, it’s a really fantastic opportunity for us to demonstrate how the event itself and people of Bournemouth work with and support the armed forces.

“The Royal Navy has played an integral part in making the air festival the success it is today and we’re extremely grateful.

“Year-on-year the event continues to grow with more ships, people and assets. And to have Sir George here to experience this first hand is a real accomplishment for us all.”

The event was topped off with a fly past by a Lynx helicopter before the Sea Vixen made an unannounced appearance.