Bournemouth Air Festival - Dorset, UK
Posted by: 
Dragontree
N 50° 42.958 W 001° 52.536
30U E 579378 N 5618843
This spectacular air festival takes place in the skies of Bournemouth every year.
Waymark Code: WM77AD
Location: Southern England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 09/13/2009
Views: 5
The festival takes place in August from Thursday to Sunday in the third week of the month.
The main focus of the flights is over Bournemouth pier but the action can be seen along the clifftops and around the surrounding area. The planes take-off and land at the nearby Bournemouth Airport at Hurn.
In 2009 the timetable included The Royal Marines Beach Assault from the boat HMS Cattistock moored in the sea near the pier. The Russian Yakoviev, Red Bull Matadors, Swift Team, King Air and RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team can be seen. A superb Battle of Britain Memorial Flight comprising of Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane made an impressive display with the Lancaster circling and Spitfire displaying over the pier.
A RAF Chinook proved its manoeuvrability as it vertically challenged the air and hovered overhead. The Royal Navy Black Cats Lynx helicopters showed their skillful close contact display along the cliffs. Sally B the Flying Fortress made an awesome approach and displayed to the crowds of half a million viewers.
A Kitty Hawk P40 was followed by the wing walkers of Team Guinot whose female team displayed on two bi-planes. The Mustang, Avro Vulcan, The Blades and Eurofighter Typhoon impressed with their massive presence.
Ultimately it was The Red Arrows who astonished us with a full 30 minute display including streams of red, white and blue smoke and a heart with an arrow dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the RAF Benevolent Fund. Their Apollo Roll was incorporated to mark the 40th anniversary of the moon landings and a Typhoon formation just one mile above the crowd was performed. The Red Arrows reached speeds of 400mph and then the pilots even found time to mingle with crowds on land.
On the final day of the festival this year the crowds reached 1.25 million and packed the beaches, pier, seafront and clifftops. Even though we were several miles away north of the action on the last day we had the delight of seeing The Red Arrows fly over the top of the car on our way back to base.
How many days does the festival last?: 4
Admission Price: 0.00 (listed in local currency)
National, County, or City Festival?: City Festival
Coordinates Location:: Main Focus of Action - Bournemouth Pier
Website:: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
You must visit the festival at the time of the event. You must post a picture of the festival as it is going on, or a picture of a sign or banner promoting the festival.