THE official launch of the tenth anniversary Bournemouth Air Festival was cleared for take-off yesterday.

Bournemouth's Cumberland Hotel was the venue for the milestone occasion, attended by civic chiefs and local dignitaries.

Since the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight took to the skies over Bournemouth at the 2008 air festival, more than 8.5 million people have been entertained by almost 140 hours of display time, performed by more than 55 teams and aircraft.

Air Festival Jon Weaver said: "We have achieved so much over the years, the highs and lows, awards and challenges. We can't wait for this summer's tenth event and, with our plan for more planes and more hours, we hope everyone enjoys what is planned."

To celebrate this year's 10th anniversary Bournemouth Air Festival, which is backed by the Daily Echo, organisers are staging three shows on the Thursday - including a dusk flight with crowd favourites the Red Arrows.

Old favourites such as Sally B, Mustang P51, The Navy Swordfish and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will also be making a welcome return.

Meanwhile, fans of the Chinook, the Vampire pair, the Strike Master pair and the MiG will not be disappointed.

The Night Air music entertainment will be announced early July.

However, the Royal Navy will be, once again, showcasing a flotilla of ships, Royal Marines, demonstrations, an extensive military village area and evening concert with the Royal Marines Band, HM RM Band Collingwood.

Royal Navy Commodore Jaime Miller said: "This year will be another great year and give us the opportunity to showcase what we do best."

The Breitling Wingwalkers, Tiger Freefall Parachute Team, Xtreme and the Blades Aerobatic Display Team will all be appearing.

But for many, it will be the Red Arrows displays that will be remembered the most.

Red One team leader Dave Montenegro said: "Congratulations to everyone who has been involved with the Bournemouth Air Festival, it is one of our favourite venues to display at and we're looking forward to being part of the celebrations in August."

This year's tenth anniversary Bournemouth Air Festival takes place August 31 - September 3