THE official launch of this year's milestone tenth anniversary Bournemouth Air Festival takes place next week.

Special guests and civic dignitaries will be attending Bournemouth's Cumberland Hotel to sample a taste of what is to come later this summer.

Aircraft and display teams already confirmed for this year include the RAF's Red Arrows - set to perform on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday - the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, The Blades, The Tigers Freefall Parachute Display Team, Strikemaster and Otto the Helicopter.

But the attractions are not limited to the skies above Bournemouth Beach, a whole host of land-based activities will be wowing bumper crowds expected over the four day Bournemouth Daily Echo-backed event.

VIP hospitality is also available on all days at the main marquee.

An event spokesman explained: "The Air Festival Hospitality marquee is the only hospitality venue located on the beach directly under the central flight line, providing the perfect setting to watch the action."

Packages include a glass of bubbly on arrival, access to a VIP bar and viewing deck and the chance to meet passing display teams.

A host of activities and attractions take place daily, from 10am, on the festival site, which stretches from Bournemouth to Boscombe Pier.

"There's plenty of action and entertainment on the ground, from funfairs, demonstrations and product sampling to food and drink - not forgetting the brilliant military villages and 'meet the display team' opportunities," organisers say.

And at sea the Royal Navy and Royal Marines will be back.

"In previous years we have hosted a great number of Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships, alongside adrenaline pumping amphibious beach assault demonstrations, ship visits and an interactive naval village area," said the spokesman.

The Bournemouth Air Festival takes place from August 31 -September 3.

Visit bournemouthair.co.uk for details, including how to pre-order the official 2017 Air Festival souvenir programme