Vulcan is confirmed for Bournemouth Air Festival (From Bournemouth Echo)

Vulcan is confirmed for Bournemouth Air Festival

10:30am Thursday 29th July 2010 in

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IT’S the news everyone has been waiting for – the Vulcan Effect is coming back to Bournemouth.

The legendary Avro Vulcan bomber will fly at the Air Festival, which runs from August 19 to 22.

Organisers have confirmed that the former RAF jet will take to the skies over the seafront at 4pm on Saturday, August 21.

But they are appealing for more support – another £4,000 worth in fact – to get XH558 in the air again the following day.

Gina Mackin, who runs the festival’s Patrons’ Scheme, said: “One display is great, but two would be fantastic.

“We are calling for 20 more patrons – they could be local businesses, boat operators, retail outlets or restaurateurs, who all benefit from the festival, to join the scheme and raise the much-needed money.

“The Patrons’ Scheme was designed specifically for challenges like this and we’re asking everyone, with only three weeks to go, to support both it and the Air Festival.”

The unmistakable roar of the Vulcan – which was key to Britain’s Cold War defences between the 1950s and 1980s – was a highlight of last year’s event, when it flew over the seafront three times in front of hundreds of thousands of people.

XH558 is the only example left flying in the world from more than 130 built. Earlier this year a last-minute anonymous donation ensured she could pass rigorous tests and fly for another summer.

Robert Pleming, CEO of operators Vulcan to the Sky Trust, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be returning this summer.

“Bournemouth is a highlight for us all and to be able to reproduce the same effect this year is an achievement. A single Vulcan Effect over the town is superb, but another would be a real success.

“We’re urging everyone to get behind the Patrons’ Scheme in these final few weeks.”

To date, almost 50 patrons have joined, raising more than £10,000 – enough to fund the new dusk display on Thursday, August 19.

• Contact Kat Gittins on 01202 451745 for more details.