THE organisers of the Bournemouth Air Festival have announced when the Red Arrows will be flying at this year’s event.

The world-famous Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team will be performing on three out of the four days at the 11th annual Bournemouth Air Festival which takes place between Thursday, August 30 and Sunday, September 2.

Red Arrows fans will be able to watch the team in action at 5.30pm on Thursday, 3pm on Friday and 12pm on the Saturday. The display is being sponsored by World Fuel Services. 

This year is the team’s 54th season and they are also helping to mark the Royal Air Force’s 100th anniversary by taking part in more than 60 shows across the UK and beyond in 2018.

It is also the first time the nine-aircraft formation has been led by Squadron Leader Martin Pert, who flies as Red 1.

Jon Weaver, Air Festival director, said: “We look forward to seeing the Red Arrows again, we know they are a big draw and they genuinely love coming to Bournemouth every year.”

The Breitling Jet Team will be making their debut at the event.

The team have not displayed at a UK civilian air show for nearly 15 years and never performed on the south coast of England.

They are Europe’s largest professional civilian jet display team and will be taking part in three daytime displays and one Night Air dusk display.

Other aircraft set to take to the skies at this year's festival include the RAF Chinook, AerosuperBatics Wingwalking Pair, Super Pitts Muscle Plane, Team Raven’s unique dynamic formation aerobatic display and the Tigers Parachute Display Team.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Hurricane, Spitfire and Dakota will also be making an appearance.

While Night Air will feature the FireFlies, Twister duo, Otto the Helicopter and The Blades.

A special vintage weekend is also planned for this year on Saturday and Sunday which will include a number of heritage aircraft and a poppy drop from the Bremont Great War Display Team.

The park and ride service will also be operating once again at Kings Park and Redhill Park only.

For all our Bournemouth Air Festival coverage, visit bournemouthecho.co.uk/air