THE SKIES over Bournemouth were dazzled with a colourful array of afternoon flights for the town’s returning Air Festival.
All the big hitters flew into view, despite some clouds, for day one of the 2022 Bournemouth Air Festival in an event described as the “first one of normality” since the pandemic.
Dubbed the Platinum Jubilee Bournemouth Air Festival in celebration of the Queen’s 70 years on the throne, beachgoers were given a right royal treat with well over a dozen aircraft performing daring tricks and exciting manoeuvres.
Visitors came from far and wide to enjoy the spectacle, which last year generated around £50m in visitor spend. Adam Wilson from London was visiting with his partner and their young son. Having just watched the RAF Chinook helicopter, he told the Echo: “It’s our first one [Bournemouth Air Festival].
“It’s really good to see people up for it and having fun – especially for the kids. My old man recommended it as he lives in Dorset so we thought we’d come and see what all the fuss is about and haven’t been disappointed.
“Except on special occasions like the Jubilee, you just don’t see stuff like this in the London sky so it’s a real thrill for us.”
Having stunned the nation with their breath-taking display over Buckingham Palace for the Queen’s Jubilee, the Red Arrows drew the most attention when they flew over the beach during the afternoon session.
- Read more: LIVE updates from Bournemouth Air Festival day one
- Read more: Red Arrows display suspended at Bournemouth Air Festival
However, their performance was curtailed after a short while when Red 6 reported engine concerns which resulted in the Hawk T1 X7 being escorted back to Bournemouth Airport to the disappointment of those on the beaches and clifftops.
A Red Arrows representative apologised over the speaker system to the thousands on Bournemouth beach hoping for a longer display, but said he hoped they would understand how the decision was taken for the safety of the whole team.
A Red Arrows spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, the team had to cut-short the second half of today’s display because Red 6’s aircraft was giving irregular engine indications. As a precaution, Red 6 safely returned to the airport early and the team followed afterwards.
“We’re excited to be flying across the three remaining days of the show.”
Before their performance was curtailed due to engine issues with Red 6, here was a manoeuvre called “The Torndado” by the Red Arrows. @Bournemouthecho #BmthAirFest pic.twitter.com/U4sAyOTYzP
— Andrew Goldman (@AndrewDailyEcho) September 1, 2022
A short while later, however, and the RAF Typhoon soon roared overhead for the afternoon finale in a deafening but delightful display.
Among the earlier displays was a T67 Firefly piloted by Rod Dean, who was celebrating the 50th anniversary his first ever air show flight. Described as a “real gent of an aviator”, the retired RAF pilot wowed the crowds with various stunts.
Jean Burch and Simone Stark travelled from Basingstoke to watch the event unfold. Simone said: “It’s been really good, we’re thrilled to be back. We’ve found a great place to sit, we both like airplanes, you’ve got the sea in front of you, so what’s not to like?”
The festival continues with afternoon and night displays on Friday and Saturday (September 2 and 3) before concluding with the afternoon display on Sunday.
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