AN unexpected display by the Vulcan proved the Saturday highlight for thousands at Bournemouth Air Festival, as its distinctive silhouette swept across the seafront.

Originally scheduled to only appear in a flypast on Saturday before its final scheduled appearance in Bournemouth on Sunday, the iconic Vulcan treated thousands of spectators to more, roaring across the skies and thrilling the crowds.

Vulcan XH558 makes its final appearance in the town of its last flying season tomorrow afternoon.

It was a sunny start to the weekend, with blue skies and balmy temperatures tempting people out early to the beaches to pick the best spots.

And it wasn't just the sands that were packed with people, the flotilla of more than 1,200 boats of all sizes also proved a record-breaker.

Hundreds were in place to see the Royal Marines Commando Assault on the beach, before the first air display kicked off with the Sea Vixen's first appearance at Bournemouth this year.

With her Rolls Royce roaring engines and high speed manoeuvres, the Sea Vixen got off to a soaring start, swiftly followed by the RAF Tutor, which made way for the Black Cats helicopter display team.

As the beaches got busier, excitement rose for the Red Arrows, who were one down due to some technical issues with Red Four, who had to turn back to Exeter en route.

This didn't hinder their display, with cheers from the beaches for their breathtaking twisting, rolling, looping aerobatics.

Recent aerobatic record-breakers The Matadors were next, before the distinctive sound of the Chinook signalled its arrival through the increasing haze gathering on the coast, before the Vulcan, on its way to Dawlish air show after cancelleling its planned display at Shoreham, appeared to cries of "she shouldn't be here!"

The last remaining flying B-17 outside of the USA, Sally B, was up next, before the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight took to the skies.

Commemorating the Royal Air Force's past, the Hurricane and Spitfire duo performed majestically, showing why they are a firm favourite in Bournemouth.

Parachutists from the Tigers showed their stuff, with the RAF Hawk T2s, which train pilots of the future, performing impressive passes against the increasingly greying skies.

The Blades had a slightly shorter display than normal, with the team held to the left of the display area to allow an air ambulance to land near Southbourne for a medical emergency.

Their incredible tumbles and turns made up for the drops of rain that had begun to fall, just in time for the Russian fighter trainer, MiG15.

The aircraft, known as RED 18, is operated by the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron as a representative of the Cold War 'enemy'.

Last but by no means least was the roaring Typhoon, tearing through the skies, making its presence known with its ear-splitting noise and fast-moving manoeuvres.