Red Arrows and a B-52 bomber stuns Bournemouth Air Festival

Thousands of people watched from the beaches and clifftops as for the first time the popular Muscle Plane took on a Sunseeker power boat in the bay. 

Pilot Rich Goodwin defeated the power boat in a race in the bay before completing his breath-taking, and dramatic, performance. 

Spectators were visibly in awe at the stunts being performed in the bi-plane, with a lot of fast-paced maneuvers. 

Read more: Bournemouth Air Festival day three updates live

The stunts pilot Rich Goodwin can do are incredible @Bournemouthecho pic.twitter.com/q435HPalEE

— Matt Simpson (@MattSimpsonEcho) September 3, 2022

Also new this year was the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress bomber plane making a fly-by. The United States military jet can fly at high subsonic speeds at altitudes of up to 50,000 feet. 

The iconic Cold War-era plane held a large presence as it did a fly-by at 4.15pm. Not even touching the ground, the B-52 made a one-off appearance as it was already close by at a base in Europe. 

At the #BmthAirFest for the first time is the B-52 bomber plane. Huge Cold War-era aircraft, popping by to say hello as it was already in Europe @Bournemouthecho pic.twitter.com/uDhvJtQh2P

— Matt Simpson (@MattSimpsonEcho) September 3, 2022

Read more: Pilots meet and greet at Bournemouth Air Festival 2022

Last up, 15 minutes later, was the iconic crowd-pleasers the Red Arrows.  

The aerobatics display team put on yet another faultless performance for the evidently delighted crowd, with stunts including the heart formation. 

Also during the show was the Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter and Hawker Fury and Tempest. 

And finally they need no introduction. It’s the Red Arrows. Everybody loves these guys - it’s difficult not to.

The best display team in the world? @Bournemouthecho pic.twitter.com/MXH7FD6ZGi

— Matt Simpson (@MattSimpsonEcho) September 3, 2022

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Thousands of people from across the country came down to Bournemouth this afternoon to see the air show. 

Rani Rai, visiting from Birmingham, said: “It’s a pleasure to be here. It’s amazing and beautiful. I’m just ecstatic. What a beautiful turn out as well. There are so many people here watching the display.” 

❤️ A heart from the Red Arrows concluding day three of the Bournemouth Air Festival’s day shows. Next up Night Air… @Bournemouthecho pic.twitter.com/yg5yj7RNgG

— Matt Simpson (@MattSimpsonEcho) September 3, 2022

Joanna, a Bournemouth resident watching from the beach with her family, said: “It’s great day out. We’ve just come for the Saturday, but the grandkids love it. It gets everyone together doesn’t it.” 

Tim and Jill visited from the Isle of Wight and had been watching the show from Bournemouth Pier. Tim said: “There’s a tour set up to come here from the Isle of Wight, and we did the Eastbourne show, so thought we’d try this one.  

“It’s good. A lot more crowded than the Eastbourne one.”