IT'S remarkable just how people have been reminiscing about the last big air show in Bournemouth, which took place at the airport in August 1991.

Yet it's even more remarkable how many people think this year's free four-day air festival (Thursday, August 28, to Sunday, August 31) is going to be taking place at the same airport.

As we count down to the start of the festival on Thursday, it's probably timely to remind some of the 500,000 folk who could be heading here that stationing yourself at the airport won't be anywhere near as exciting as it was 17 years ago.

All the action will be down at the seafront, with much of the entertainment positioned between Bournemouth and Boscombe piers and it's action that will certainly provide a fillip for the town.

And that will be particularly welcome in the wake of some disappointing weather in the past couple of weeks.

The festival needs a bit of luck with the weather and the early signs are very positive, although given that the forecasts this summer have done little to help tourism or the blood pressure of local hoteliers, there will be a true sense of relief if the predictions of a sunny end to August transpire.

These four days are a chance to put Bournemouth firmly on the aviation map and continue the reputation set by a long stretch of successful Red Arrows displays that have raised plenty of money and cheers over the years.

So get down to the beach during the day and the town centre during the evenings to enjoy the fun.

But do steer clear of the airport your photos won't be anywhere near as impressive.