Air Festival organisers have confirmed that the mighty Avro Vulcan will now be able to display twice thanks to the support of S&D Leisure, who are supporting Saturday’s display, and Bournemouth Airport, the appearance supporter for Sunday.

Stanley Reeves, owner of S&D Leisure said; “We’re proud to support the Vulcan display on Saturday where she’ll be joining the Red Arrows and Tornado Role Demo for what I’m sure will be another great Festival ‘power hour’. It’s certainly going to get loud!”

Sally Windsor from Bournemouth Airport said; “The Vulcan is such a tremendous crowd-puller at every event she displays at, so the opportunity to bring her to Bournemouth was too tempting to pass up.”

The imposing bomber is operated by the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, who are delighted at the opportunity to display a second time. CEO of the Trust Dr Robert Pleming said; “We have always said that Bournemouth is a real highlight for us. The flight path along the beach is glorious, the huge crowds very enthusiastic and the reception to the Vulcan is always extremely warm, so we’re very grateful to S&D Leisure for allowing us to extend the Vulcan effect to a second display”.

Jon Weaver, Air Festival director says; “What a great addition to an already great flying programme. We’re so pleased to have the Vulcan for a second display, so a big thank you to S&D Leisure and Bournemouth Airport for their generous contribution.”

With plans in full swing and the flying display line-up being finalised, there is one important aspect that Festival organisers are stressing both the importance of, and need for, to ensure that this year‘s Festival is the best one yet – local business support.

The 2011 Air Festival Patrons Scheme was designed to encourage local businesses to lend their support alongside national sponsors such as Corona Extra, Mars and Festival partners National Express Coaches.

Patrons’ Ambassador Nigel Hedges, President of Bournemouth Chamber of Trade & Commerce said; “Last year was a superb achievement for a first time scheme, but this year we want more. Together with my fellow Ambassador Gina Mackin we want to hit the target of 80 Patrons and £16,000.”

The scheme asks businesses to donate £200 (+VAT) to support the Air Festival and a number of local businesses have already shown their support, including owner of The Hop Inn, Phil Audrain, who has made a very generous donation.

Not only that, he has taken on the role of ‘Super Patron’ and is actively canvassing neighbouring businesses to follow suit and join up. Setting himself a target of attracting ten patrons, he now has only four more to go.

Says Phil; “The reason I have signed up as a patron is that I feel £200 is great value for my business to be associated with such an elevated brand. It is of prime importance that this event continues year after year and I feel this is a chance for the trade to demonstrate their commitment to making this happen and give a bit back at the same time. Perhaps having such a prestigious free event will act as a catalyst for more events and help reinforce Bournemouth as a premier destination.”

Phil continues; “I’ve given myself the job of getting ten patrons because I believe local companies need to be more active in supporting the Air Festival. I’ve been challenging the people I’ve spoken to, to go out and get five other businesses to join the scheme, and I would urge local companies to do the same.”

Another Air Festival Patron is the DeVere Royal Bath Hotel, who are hosting the Royal Navy’s spectacular gala concert on Sunday 21st August.

Chrys Mackay, Director of Sales, De Vere Royal Bath said: “This is our second year as an Air Festival Patron and we have embraced the scheme even more so this year. As a 2011 Patron, we have maximised on the opportunity and developed much more to show our support including branding, banners, bespoke Air Festival BBQs and this year we are delighted to be sponsoring the Royal Navy Gala Concert. It’s important we all back the Festival, the scheme is, by comparison to the benefits it brings to us as a local business, a very small contribution to a huge free four-day event.”

Businesses joining the 2011 Patrons Scheme receive a pack containing a signed thank you letter, Patron’s certificate, CD of Air Festival images for their use, official Patron’s sticker, listing on the Air Festival website and in the souvenir brochure and an invite to an exclusive Patrons’ drinks reception ahead of the start of the Air Festival held at fellow Patrons The Highcliff Marriott Hotel.

Details on joining the Patrons Scheme can be found here, along with a list of businesses who have already pledged their support.

The perfect beer to enjoy at sunset sponsors stunning evening events

Air Festival organisers are proud to announce details of this year’s dazzling Night Air programme, sponsored by Corona Extra, the authentic, easy-to-enjoy beer.

Stay longer…see more. That’s the message to Festival-goers this year, and thanks to the support of Corona, visitors will find it hard not to do just that.

Night Air kicks off from around 5pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with Bournemouth’s Lower Gardens, Pier Approach and seafront hosting a spectacular array of displays, including the band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood performing the Beat Retreat, and a demonstration by the Royal Marines Recruitment Display Team.

The Corona Stage located east of Bournemouth Pier has a spectacular line-up of live music, with tributes to some of the biggest names in music from the last three decades (some requiring audience participation) and, in true ‘Britain’s Got Talent’-style, Heart FM will be searching for the ‘Next Big Thing.’ Talented listeners are invited to audition for the chance to perform to the Festival crowd from the Corona Stage. More details are available on www.heartfm.com/dorset.

At 8pm on Thursday and Friday evenings, attention will once again turn to the skies, as the stunning dusk displays take off, accompanied by dazzling pyrotechnics.

The line-up contains precision aerobatics from the SWIP Team Twister duo, who cut an impressive dash as they loop and roll across the sky, wings showering sparks. Also flying, and for the first time at the Bournemouth Air Festival, is usual Festival commentator Brendan O’Brien with his Flying Circus.

Escaping the confines of the commentary box, O’Brien’s Flying Circus is a unique piece of aerial theatre, combining precision aerobatic manoeuvres, crazy flying and Brendan’s sense of showmanship to barnstorming effect.

Night Air also features an array of street entertainers, firework and pyrotechnic displays, circus workshops, outdoor film screenings, popular Balloon Glow and a fantastic programme of dance from Dance Southwest.

Finally, finishing Night Air on Sunday 21st August will be a Royal Navy Gala Concert at the Royal Bath Hotel, supported by Brighter Productions. Ticket information and details will be available soon.

Laura Lee, Regional Director Molson Coors (UK & Ireland) said; “We’re delighted to sponsor Night Air again. Last year was the first time Molson Coors had been involved with the Festival and we didn’t appreciate just how big this event is. The Night Air programme proved to be a superb way to market our brands. It certainly exceeded all expectations and that’s why coming back this year was an easy decision to make.”

“At Molson Coors we’re proud to offer the UK’s most diverse portfolio of beer and Night Air is a perfect event for us to showcase Corona, the authentic, easy-to-enjoy beer that enhances life’s meaningful moments for men and women everywhere. For us it’s not only about supporting a fantastic event; it’s the opportunities it offers us for people to enjoy our beer in a great environment.”

Ahead of their Air Festival sponsorship, Molson Coors (UK & Ireland), exclusive distributors of Corona in the UK are sponsoring the ‘Plane Sailing Raft Race’; raising money for their corporate charity partner, Whizz Kidz, which supports 70,000 disabled children and young people in the UK. Details of how to enter can be found at http://www.justgiving.com/planesailing

Jon Weaver, Air Festival Director said; “The line-up is looking great and is certainly encouraging visitors to stay longer and see more. With Corona’s backing, and the growing support of our Festival Patrons we’ve been able to add a second evening of dusk displays this year, which is fantastic.”

Jon added; “We have always promoted the event as a festival, rather than an air show because we want to provide our visitors with something unique, something more than air displays, and thanks to Corona we’re able to do that with Night Air.”

The stunning Hunter Jet Miss Demeanour will be returning to Bournemouth once again this summer, displaying on all four days of the Festival.

The Hunter is a milestone in British aircraft design. It is hard to believe that this, the most striking and beautiful aircraft on the display circuit, is actually a “Warbird”, sporting her highly original and eye-catching paint scheme, which coupled with pilot Jonathon Whaley’s display, shows off the clean lines of the Hunter to perfection.

Last year’s appearance was supported by the Highcliff Marriott, and the strong reaction the display drew from the crowds impressed them so much that they will once again be supporting this year’s display.

General Manager of the Highcliff Marriott Hotel Michael Regenhardt, said; “We were thrilled to hear that Miss Demeanour was available to display in Bournemouth this year and jumped at the opportunity to bring her back again. She really is a stunning aircraft and we’re very excited to see what she has in store for us over the four days.”

Miss Demeanour is owned by pilot Jonathon ‘Flapjack’ Whaley’s company Heritage Aviation, and the prospect of displaying in Bournemouth once again is one he is looking forward to.

Jonathon says; “It was great bringing Miss Demeanour to Bournemouth last year and the reaction we received was incredibly enthusiastic. I’m delighted the Highcliff Marriott is enabling our return. For those who may have missed us last year, or were put off by the weather, come on down in August because I assure you that no-one has seen an aircraft like Miss Demeanour before!”

Jon Weaver, Air Festival Director commented; “Miss Demeanour really is a unique aircraft and a real crowd-pleaser. We’re so happy that the Highcliff Marriott is bringing her back for every day of the Festival. Without the support of the town’s businesses we wouldn’t be able to secure such wonderful aircraft and make it such a spectacular event, so we’re very grateful.”

Images courtesy of Karl Drage globalaviationresource.com

With more than half of the available tickets already allocated in the first week of going on sale, and the remainder selling fast, Air Festival Hospitality is the hottest ticket around for a truly unforgettable VIP experience on all four days of the Air Festival.

Starting off with champagne on arrival, a sumptuous lunch with wine and then afternoon tea, Festival Hospitality is the perfect treat for family and friends, while presenting business people with a superb networking opportunity, and a terrific way to meet and reward clients. From a marquee right on the centre of the flight line, Air Festival Hospitality really is the best seats in the house.

This year’s hospitality is in support of the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation. The foundation was set-up in the memory of Royal Marine John Thornton from Ferndown, who tragically died in Afghanistan in March 2008 at the age of 22. It supports young people to fulfil John’s belief that they should be able to ‘climb as high as they can dream.’

John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation Day takes place on Sunday 21st August.

Tickets to Festival Hospitality are available from £85 per person. For more information and details on how to book, visit bournemouthair.co.uk and click Festival Hospitality, located under the Business menu, or email Lisa Ellis at lisa.ellis@bournemouth.gov.uk.

For more information and to book Hospitality on the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation Day, contact Maurice Patterson on 01425 274300 or email maurice.patterson@googlemail.com.

Bournemouth Air Festival organisers are delighted to announce that the popular Avro Vulcan B2 XH558 will be returning to the annual event this year. The Vulcan is set to amaze the crowds with its distinctive roar on Sunday 21st August, and if a sponsor is found, for Saturday as well.

Dr Robert Pleming, CEO Vulcan to the Sky Trust said; “We are absolutely delighted to be returning this summer. Bournemouth is a highlight for us all and to be able to release the Vulcan effect again this year is something we are all looking forward to.”

The iconic Vulcan performed a record-breaking three times at the 2009 Air Festival and once during last year’s event; amazing the hundreds of thousands of people along the packed event arena with its size, roar and sheer presence. It is truly an awesome aircraft.

Commented Jon Weaver Air Festival Director: “Securing the Vulcan is a great achievement for the town and the Festival; we are delighted to have this fantastic aircraft in the display line-up again this year. The Vulcan is always popular with festival-goers, so Sunday’s display will be much anticipated.”

With one display confirmed, help is needed to secure the aircraft for a second day. Festival organisers are urging local businesses, individuals and companies to help achieve this by showing their support of the event and donating £200 (+ VAT) to become an official Patron.

Jon Weaver added, “We know how much the crowds enjoy watching the Vulcan and to secure a second display from this historic aircraft would be fantastic, but we can only do this with the support of the Patrons Scheme”

Avro Vulcan XH558 returned to flight on 18th October 2007 following an award winning restoration programme. The tireless work of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust has cost more than £10million, including £2.7 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and over £1million in direct sponsorship. The rest – the majority – has come from public donations from more than 40,000 people worldwide, making XH558 truly ‘the people’s aircraft’.

The UK’s largest coach operator National Express has confirmed its support of the UK’s largest free aviation event by becoming an official sponsor of the 2011 Bournemouth Air Festival.

The company links over 1,000 destinations, including major cities and airports across the country, and as the UK partner in the Eurolines network, serves over 500 destinations across Europe and North Africa.

Jonathan Pollard, Head of Business Development said; “The decision to become involved in the Bournemouth Air Festival was an easy one to make for National Express. We serve the majority of the areas that people travel from to the Festival, and the size of the audience makes this a hugely exciting and attractive prospect to us.”

National Express customers will receive a 50% discount on bookings made between 1st June to 31st July. During this period a number of National Express coaches operating out of Bournemouth will feature special Air Festival livery, and Air Festival posters will be placed at several National Express locations.

Jonathan adds; “We’re really proud to offer our customers the chance to visit such a fantastic event at half the usual cost, and are looking forward to this being the start of a great relationship with the Bournemouth Air Festival.”

Jon Weaver, Air Festival Director said; “Having such a recognisable brand as National Express sponsoring the Air Festival is terrific. They have a huge number of customers and are ideally placed to spread awareness of the event across the country. The 50% travel discount is a superb offer and the more people who take advantage of that, the less congestion we get, so having National Express as a sponsor is a double win for us!”

Air Festival organisers are thrilled to unveil a brand new addition to this year’s flying display line-up. Making its first appearance at the Bournemouth Air Festival is the Tornado GR4 Role Demo, displaying on Saturday 20th August.

Aircraft leader Flight Lieutenant Jonny Meadows said; “We’re really looking forward to displaying in Bournemouth. The location over the seafront is fantastic and the Festival has a reputation for being well organised and attracting a large, really enthusiastic crowd.”

The Tornado GR-4 Role Demo of No. XV Squadron (R) RAF Lossiemouth, features two Panavia Tornados performing a short sequence which aims to give the crowd an insight into Tornado Employment on Operations Overseas.

Added Flight Lieutenant Meadows; “As this is the first time we’ve brought our display to Bournemouth we’re looking to make a good impression and show off some of the manoeuvres that make the Tornado such a special aircraft. We want to get people excited and give them a thrill that will have them coming back for more. Our show is fundamentally different from most displays and we hope it will be well received”

The Tornado GR4 has been the backbone of RAF operations for the last 25 years, operating in every military engagement since the first Gulf War in 1991 right up to this year’s conflict in Libya. Capable of carrying out a variety of tasks including long-range bombing runs, tactical strike missions and being a world leader in its reconnaissance capabilities, the Tornado GR4 has a reputation as one of the finest multi-role fighter aircraft ever produced.

Jon Weaver, Air Festival Director said; “It’s always great to be able to bring something new to the Air Festival line-up and having not just one, but two Tornados is fantastic. It’s a first for us to see two fast jets performing a display and seeing them rocketing over the seafront I’m sure will emerge as one of the standout moments of the Festival.”

Air Festival organisers are asking this year’s visitors to the UK’s biggest free 4-day aviation event to be responsible – whether this is taking home or recycling their rubbish, using alternative transport or just taking care of themselves in the Great British Summertime.

With the Festival attracting an ever-growing amount of visitors, disposing of litter, alternative modes of transport, a greater green awareness and safety in the sun are areas that organisers are working hard to influence and improve.

Jon Weaver, Air Festival Director said; “This is a massive event for the town and the previous years have been very successful in attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors. Whether they are local, regular or occasional tourists or first time visitors, we want them to be impressed with the Festival set up. We want to build on last year’s successful key green issues, promoting the waste and recycling disposal, and encouraging people to ‘go green’ when travelling to the town.”

To ensure Festival litter is properly disposed of and recycled, the council’s Street Services department as part of the local ‘Green Goals’ partnership will provide almost 100 extra, brightly labelled ‘Green Goals’ bins for recycling and general rubbish. The general waste will be subjected to mechanical and biological treatments to extract as much recyclable material as possible rather than being disposed of in landfill. Street Services Manager Stuart Best said; “We want everyone to enjoy the Festival and being responsible and disposing of litter properly goes a long way to achieving that. An event of this scale inevitably generates a sizeable amount of waste but by increasing waste awareness we can, together with our Green Goals partners, achieve our aim of making this a ‘zero waste to landfill’ event.”

To provide Festival-goers with a greener mode of alternative transport, there are plenty of options available, including Park and Ride services in and around the town as well as coaches, buses, trains and cycling.

For visitors arriving by car the easiest and most convenient way to get to the Festival site is to use the Park and Ride service. The service will operate from three conveniently located car parks; Bournemouth University Talbot Campus, King’s Park and the Littledown Centre (weekend only) and costs £12 per group (max. seven people per group).

While waste disposal and transport are important issues for Festival organisers, being safe during long days in the sun is important to us all, and visitors are urged not to get complacent in the sunshine.

Dr Richard Holmes, local GP said; “We all want to take the opportunity to enjoy ourselves, but I would like to encourage people to look take care in the sun. Simple things like wearing sun cream, taking breaks in the shade and avoiding too much alcohol can mean an enjoyable air festival without becoming unwell. The best form of treatment is prevention, but if you do become unwell there are lots of NHS services to help you. You can get health advice on symptoms 24 hours a day from NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or at nhsdirect.nhs.uk and your pharmacy is also an excellent source of information, advice and treatment. Hospital emergency departments are for life threatening illness or injury only.”

To ease the worry of losing a child in the large crowds, parents should stop at one of the seafront offices and pickup their free Kidzone wristbands. By filling in a contact number on the band, any child that wanders away from their parents can easily be put back in contact with them.

Festival-goers are also reminded that, in order to avoid congestion, there are two access points to the Festival site – Bournemouth Pier and Boscombe Pier.

The record-breaking Bournemouth Air Festival has been launched at KeyWest on Bournemouth Pier. Attended by local business people, with members of The Royal Navy, The Royal Air Force, Army, the event was a chance for guests to find out what can be expected at this summer’s most anticipated aviation festival.

Since 2008, more than 2.7million people have experienced the UK’s leading aviation event and this year from 18th to 21st August, local residents, holiday makers and day visitors will be encouraged to ‘stay longer and see more’. With great aircraft planned, new additions to the Night Air evening programme, 1.5miles of trading between the Piers and increased support from the Armed Forces, it’s not to be missed.

The much anticipated Red Arrows will be making three displays Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The world-famous aerobatic team will be joined in the display programme by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (on all four days of the Festival), Hawk jet, Tucano and Tutor all ready to take to the skies.

Festival goers can also look forward to seeing a host of civilian aircraft, to date this includes The Blades, SallyB, aerobatic pilot Gerald Cooper, Breitling wingwalkers and SWIP Team twister duo.

Ready to demonstrate their capabilities both out at sea and onshore, the Royal Navy’s presence is set to be bigger and better for 2011. Working jointly with the Army, expect to see more kit, more activity, more music and more people. The Royal Marine Reserve, Royal Marine Commando Display Team and Army will be conducting an amphibious assault on the beach, RFA Mounts Bay and HMS Tyne (open to visitors) will be in the bay and onshore at the joint Army and Royal Navy village area there will be more vehicles, Commando Display Team Weapons Dome and challenging climbing wall.

Bournemouth Air Festival 2011: Summer’s most anticipated event unveils fantastic line-up

The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood with be performing the Beat Retreat twice daily, in the morning and as part of the evening ‘Night Air’ programme, which also features The Royal Marines Commando Display Team. There are also plans to close the Festival with a Gala Concert at the De Vere Royal Bath and daily presentations by the Royal Navy Presentation Team.

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.”

At the RAF Village, Festival goers can look forward to seeing a variety of interactive, informative and educational attractions assets RAF Caterers, Firefighters and Safety Equipment Fitters from RAF Odiham, a life size mock-up Chinook Helicopter, and an interactive weapons display. New for this year will be elements of the RAF Central Band from RAF Northolt and the RAF Halton Voluntary Band. There will also be the Royal Air Force Presentation Team who will help explain further the RAF’s role.

Group Captain Ian Tolfts OBE said;

“Despite last year’s weather conditions the event was a great success for The RAF and 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.”

Along with tremendous military support, the Air Festival organisers will be building on last year’s communications and developing social media, Facebook and Twitter as well as more Air Festival TV screens throughout the site and both iphone and android mobile phone apps.

The daytime programme doesn’t end with the aircraft, until 10pm Thursday – Saturday evening’s Festival goers can enjoy ‘Night Air’ entertainment, sponsored by Corona, the ‘world’s best selling sunshine beer’ in the Lower Gardens and seafront area. This year Night Air is set to include The Royal Navy programme, a dusk air display, live music, balloon glow, street entertainers, fireworks and aviation inspired film screenings.

Jon Weaver Air Festival Director said:

“Last year was a first for a dusk time display and it was a triumph. 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.”

The accomplishments of the dusk display could not have been achieved with out more than 50 Patrons who all pledged £200 to support the event, this year organisers are again asking local businesses to back the Festival. 2011 Patron’s Ambassador Nigel Hedges said;

“Last year was a superb achievement for a first time scheme, but this year we want more. Together with my fellow Ambassador Gina Mackin we want to hit the target of 80 Patrons and raise £16,000. So we will be able to provide further sponsorship for a dusk display on Saturday night. As long as we have an Air Festival we need to be all actively supporting it.”

Not forgetting 1.5 miles of superb trading space between the Piers with interactive Military Village areas, refreshments and entertainment, there is plenty to keep everyone entertained.

Added Jon;

“We’re delighted to be welcoming back crowd favourites, particularly the Red Arrows – we’re really fortunate to have them again for three displays when we know the impact of international military operations. The Air Festival 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 bournemouthair.co.uk, the official Air Festival brochure will be available from early August.