The Bournemouth Air Festival starts on Thursday and celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, but how much do you know about the event?

Here are 11 facts you may not know…

1. The Red Arrows have displayed 30 times since 2008.

2. Blade 3 is ex Red Arrow pilot Kirsty Murphy – the only female pilot participating at the Air Festival this year.

3. More than 8.5million people have visited the Air Festival since it started in 2008.

4. In 2016, seafront catering outlets sold: 15,000 kilos chips, 400,000 scoops of ice-cream, 80,000 lollies, 180,000 Whippy ice-creams, 5000 burgers, 10,000 bottles of water and 130,000 hot drinks

5. Since 2008 there have been nearly 140 hours of displays.

6. The Air Festival gained its first international status in 2010 when the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) F16 displayed.

7. In 2014, David Bent become the Festival’s first artist in residence. His painting ‘WOW’ can be seen on display in the Bournemouth Town Centre Library. He also designed last year’s brochure front cover.

8. With the help of Air Festival Patrons organisers have, to date, raised approximately £100,000 for nominated Forces charities.

9. There have been 585 booked displays and 58 different display teams and aircraft (not including this year).

10. The oldest ever display participant was 94-year old wing walker Tom Lackey who opened the festival in 2014.

11. It has been estimated that the Air Festival generates £30m annually for the local economy and has created 50 full time jobs.