On the Ground

The skies of Bournemouth are set to be the background to a multitude of fantastic aircraft and incredible display teams, so you might be tempted to spend all your time looking up – but there’s plenty happening on the ground at this year’s Bournemouth Air Festival.

From the incredible seafront backdrop to the main arena, award-winning Lower Gardens and town centre, Bournemouth Air Festival will be taking over the resort!

There’s 1.5 miles of trading space between Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers and more trading space along the clifftops, for everyone watching the displays with an eye level view of the stunning amphitheatre.

From the town centre to the seafront, the UK’s leading resort will keep you entertained from 18th – 21st August.

The Armed Forces – This year the Royal Navy have teamed up with The Army for an even bigger village area, with amphibious beach assaults by the Royal Marines, tickets for trips to HMS Tyne (moored in the bay), vehicles, Commando Display Team Weapons Dome and challenging climbing wall. Over at the RAF Village area visitors can expect to see variety of interactive, informative and educational attractions including RAF Caterers, Firefighters and Safety Equipment Fitters from RAF Odiham, a life size mock-up Chinook Helicopter, an interactive weapons display, music from the RAF Central Band (new for 2011) and you might get the chance to meet a real life Red Arrows pilot! Finally, if you want to find out more about life and careers in the Forces, both will be bringing their Presentation Teams to this year’s Festival.

“We’re looking forward to this summer’s Air Festival; the allocated RAF air and village assets, incredible visitor numbers and superb crowd feedback now makes this one of the key events in the RAF’s summer display calendar.” Group Captain Ian Tolfts OBE

“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.” Commander Tom Herman OBE

Not forgetting the great Night Air line-up in the Lower Gardens and seafront area in the evenings – more information coming soon.

You’ll need four days to make sure you see everything!

Sponsored by Corona, ‘Night Air’ is the perfect way to end an incredible day at the Air Festival. From

approx 5pm Thursday – Saturday evening’s everyone can enjoy ‘Night Air’ in the Lower Gardens, Pier Approach and seafront area. This year sees a special Royal Navy Gala Concert at the De Vere Royal Bath Hotel, supported by Brighter Productions. Ticket availability and details coming soon.

This year the ‘Night Air’ includes HM Royal Marines Band Collingwood performing the Beat Retreat and performances by the Royal Marines Combat Display Team, opposite the Bandstand in the Lower Gardens.

There’s also fantastic live music, street entertainers, fireworks, circus workshops and plans for more outdoor film screenings.

Exclusive to Thursday and Friday evenings at approx. 8pm will be a stunning dusk display…another reason to ‘stay longer and see more’. More information to follow soon