IT was an opportunity to forget the credit crunch and rising fuel and food bills - if only for a while.

The Feelgood Factor came roaring back in some style during the show-stopping four day Bournemouth Air Festival.

With over 750,000 people flocking into the resort, seasoned observers say the town has never been as busy or vibrant.

There's been a carnival atmosphere.

And many from outside the area could not believe it was Bournemouth's first air display, because the organisation was so good.

Head of Tourism, Mark Smith, said: "The success of the festival makes it the biggest event of its kind in the country.

"We're absolutely delighted because our own expectations have been exceeded massively. I am confident next year will be even bigger."

Festival director, Jon Weaver, paid tribute to all the organisations and businesses which had worked to pull the event together.

"It has all looked very smooth on the surface but there have been many people working their socks off to make to sure it all happened."

The hospitality industry has been impressed too.

Kevin Wood of Oceana Hotels, which includes the Cumberland, described the weekend as phenomenal.

"We broke all records for occupancy and takings in our hotels and the feedback from tourists and locals was quite incredible.

Alex Carter, managing director of headline sponsor More Buses, added: "It was a leap of faith for us to put our names forward as the lead sponsor but that faith has been more than rewarded."

The council's deputy leader, Cllr John Beesley, said after the vision, commitment and dedication of all those involved, it would be "unthinkable not to be planning enthusiastically for 2009".

Even the display pilots were full of praise for the festival and said they were looking forward to returning next year.

Clearly, they're not the only ones.