ON THE day the nation paid tribute to The Few of the Battle of Britain, the pilots of Bournemouth Air Festival honoured the heroes of the RAF with displays of near-perfect flight – despite challenging weather conditions.
High winds forced the cancellation of the Princess of Wales Royal Regiment’s parachute display so the day’s programme began with a spirited performance from a lone RAF Tutor, followed by a Tucano.
The RAF Hawk gave visitors their first glimpse of the high speed to come, looping and swooping over a grey sea. And then they arrived, the Lancaster and the Spitfire of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, in a poignant and beautiful reminder of the significance of the day.
These grand old ladies of the air cruised past the crowds who rewarded them with clapping and cheers. They pulled a few, gentle moves, before the Lancaster retreated to allow visitors to hear the sound that saved the nation; the unmistakable roar of the lone Spitfire.
Displays from the RAF Beech King Air 2000 and the Royal Navy’s Black Cats helicopter team followed and then it was time for sheer speed again, as, scattering flares, the RNAF’s F-16 ripped the skies apart.
Then it was the turn of the Breitling Wingwalkers to strut their stuff, followed by the Blades and the CAP232, which gave an awesome display of airmanship. Not to be outdone, the Miss Demeanour Hunter Jet lived up to her billing. Her ice-lolly colours stood her out against the grim background as she kept swinging round for yet another fly-past.
With the Vampire unable to fly, the Red Arrows roared in, a man down due to technical difficulties and treated the crowds to their flat display – performed during the worst weather.
Some moves were cancelled because of the conditions but they managed to perform their Victory Roll and Spitfire formation, in direct and fitting tribute to all those who fought the battle which saved the nation.
Night Air
5.30pm – 10pm: Hope FM – Boscombe Pier
6pm – 6.15pm: Air Cadets – Pier Approach
6pm – 9pm: Stilt Walkers – Gardens
6pm – 9pm: Circus Workshop – Gardens
6pm – 9pm: Punch & Judy – Gardens
6.30pm – 7pm: Royal Marines Combat Display Team – Gardens
7pm – 7.30pm: RM Band Collingwood Beat Retreat – Gardens
8pm – 10pm: ET on the beach – Bournemouth Pier
8pm – 10pm: Sound of Music – Gardens
8pm – 10pm: Concert – Bournemouth Pier
8.30pm – 9.30pm: Balloon Glow - Gardens
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