IT'S back and bigger than ever.

That was the promise from Bournemouth Air Festival bosses as they launched the 2011 event this morning.

Favourites like the Red Arrows will return, alongside the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Hawk, Tucano, Tutor, The Blades, World War Two bomber Sally B, the Breitling Wingwalkers, aerobatic maestro Gerald Cooper and the SWIP Team twister duo.

The Blades were due to give a taste of things to come with a performance over the seafront this morning as the fourth festival - between August 18 and 21 - was unveiled.

But the display was grounded because of poor visibility.

Organisers say the event has attracted more than 2.7 million people since it began in 2008 and this year they are promising more attractions to keep them entertained.

Last year's event was hit by the weather, but a big success was the Night Air display, which will be extended.

Jon Weaver, air festival director, said: "This year I'm delighted to announce not one but two evening displays, on Thursday and Friday nights. There will be plenty more pyrotechnics and more superb aerobatic displays."

Night Air is funded by the festival's patrons scheme, where businesses pay £200 to support the event.

Patron's ambassador, Nigel Hedges, said he hoped to find 80 patrons this year to raise £16,000 and add a Saturday night display.

The Royal Navy will be present in numbers once more, carrying out beach assaults, and RFA Mounts Bay and HMS Tyne will be moored in the bay.

Commander Tom Herman OBE said: "The air festival is a truly unique event and for us in 2011 this is the only event in the country receiving this level of Royal Navy presence - it's great for us and great for Bournemouth."

There will also be a big RAF presence.

After last year's weather, organisers are also promising more to do on the ground - with a Royal Navy band, music, a night time balloon glow, street entertainers, fireworks and film screenings.

Jon added: "The team are also working on some new aircraft and display teams and hope to make announcements soon.

"We have really taken on board what we learnt last year, the importance of challenging communications, trading, social media and of course the success of the Thursday evening display. We are busy planning for every eventuality, we're just hoping for better weather."

For more information visit our Air Festival section.