Air Festival set to generate £30 million for local economy
Thousands of people will descend on Bournemouth over next four days
Last updated 29th Aug 2024
The biggest event in Bournemouth's calendar gets underway today - with the return of the Air Festival.
It's set to attract hundreds of thousands of people, and generate 30 million pounds for the local economy.
Flying displays will take place by day and at dusk, with other activities along the seafront.
Festival Director Amanda Barrie tells us some of the aircraft we'll be able to see:
"The Typhoon, which is displaying during the day and in the evening. We've got the Lancaster. We've got the Red Devil parachute team coming back to us.
"We've also this year got the Saab, Draken and Viggen, who will be displaying together, which is a very rare sight to see," she says.
Although fans of the Red Arrows are in for disappointment. They won't be taking to the skies over the beach this year due to international commitments.
Amanda is asking visitors to plan their journey:
"We've got premium parking available this year, which can be pre-booked.
"We also have sustainable transport offers in place. You can use our park and ride service, or there's the bus provision. Or you can come by bike," she says.
There will be restrictions on boats in the water below the display area and drones are banned for the duration.
Director Amanda has another safety message for those going along:
"If you are attending, and you're going into the water, please do follow the RNLI safety messaging."
But the overall message? Have fun!
"We're really looking forward to welcoming everybody to the festival this year, and we hope you enjoy what we've got on offer," she says.