With eight days to go until the tenth annual Bournemouth Air Festival, here's a guide to parking, what's on and more. 

When is this year's Air Festival?

This year's event is a week later than last year's and takes place from Thursday, August 31 to Sunday, September 3. 

What time does the festival open?

The Air Festival site opens from 10am each day.

Where should I park and is there a park and ride service again?

You can find all our details on parking, road closures, the park and ride service and disabled parking here

What's new for this year?

There will be first-time appearances from the Vampire Pair, Strikemaster Pair, the historic Blenheim Bomber, and a special six heritage jet flypast on the Sunday.

For the Strikes, it will be solo on Friday, pair on Saturday and then joined by a JP5 for a trio on Sunday.

There will also be a special Vintage Sunday event being held for the 10th anniversary.

This will include the heritage jet flypast including the Great War Display Team taking to the skies over Bournemouth for the first time.

Tell me more about Vintage Sunday

The Air Festival presents Very Vintage Sunday. There will be vintage aircraft in the skies and cars on the ground as well as dancing and family fun for everyone.

When are the Red Arrows flying?

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team will be flying on three out of the four days. They will also be doing their first ever dusk display on the first day to mark 10 years of the festival.

You can catch them at the following times:

Thursday, August 31 – 6pm

Friday, September 1 – 3.30pm

Saturday, September 2 – 12noon

Will the Red Arrows be doing any meet and greet sessions?

There are plans for a meet and greet session, details will be released nearer the event. 

What other planes are flying?

The Yakovlevs, Chinook, Sally B, Mustang P51, The Navy Swordfish, Wingwalkers, Tiger Freefall Parachute Team, Xtreme and the Blades Aerobatic Display Team and lots more! 

We'll be doing a story each day of the Air Festival letting you know what's going to be flying and when it starts. 

I've heard the BBMF has been grounded, what's going on?

Most of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flights were grounded last week because of an engine issue. A Lancaster bomber, two Hurricanes and three Spitfire planes are all affected by the problem.

The RAF spokesman was unable to say when they would be back in action but Air Festival organisers said they were keeping their fingers crossed that the BBMF would fly.

As soon as there's an update, we will let you know. 

Where's the best place to watch the Air Festival?

The festival site is 1.5 miles long between Bournemouth and Boscombe piers but here's our guide on places to watch you might not have thought of  

Where is the central flight line?

The flight line, or datum, is directly over the top of the Hospitality marquee in Zone1.

Night Air

As well as flying during the day, there are dusk displays on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

That's not all though, as there will be entertainment taking place in the Lower Gardens from 6pm plus displays from the Royal Navy and Royal Marines are set for East Overcliff, from 6pm on the Friday and Saturday.

Don't miss the Royal Marines band Collingwood, who will perform in the Lower Gardens bandstand at 8pm on the Thursday evening.

Who's taking part in the Dusk Displays?

Otto the Helicopter - O'Brien's Flying Circus

Twister Duo

The Red Devils Parachute Regiment Freefall Team.

Are there any Night Air at the Piers concerts this year?

No, but there will be music from the following acts by Bournemouth Pier:

Thursday - Rooster 

Friday - Sam Merrick & The Nick Ross Orchestra

Saturday - Leading Stevie Wonder tribute act, The Wonderland

More music and evening entertainment is set for the Wave 105 beach area and the festival's Immense Air Aerobar.

Read more: Here's what's happening at Night Air this year

Read more: UK’s first aerobar ‘lands’ on Boscombe beach

Are there any fireworks?

Yes, Friday from Boscombe Pier and Saturday from a barge in the bay both at 10pm.

Will I be able to visit the ships?

Air Festival organiers are still waiting for confirmation.  

We will be watching the air displays from our boat - are there designated areas or restrictions?

The maritime safety zone map is available online here 

Does the land train run?

No, unfortunately it doesn’t – the seafront is too busy for it to operate.

Do the cliff lifts still operate?

The Westcliff and Fisherman’s Walk lifts are both operating, but the East Cliff lift is not. 

Are the air displays suitable for young children?

The Air Festival is a great family event, but the for some younger children the noisy jets can be rather loud, if you are worried it's an idea to bring ear defenders!

Is there a lost and found for children?

Yes – LV=Kidzone operates long the seafront, wristbands are available from the Tourist Information Centre at Pier Approach.

Can I bring my dog /guide dogs to the Air Festival?

Yes you can, as long as they are on a lead.

How much does it cost to attend?

The festival is free as is the Night Air entertainment, except Immense Air Aerobar which is a £5 entry fee.

Remember to....

Take your litter home with you at the end of the day and check bournemouthecho.co.uk/air or bit.ly/bmthair from a mobile for live coverage throughout the day, the best pictures and videos and all the information you could possibly need.