SUNSHINE basked down on Bournemouth for the first day of 2024’s air festival. 

Thousands of residents and visitors flocked to the beach and East Cliff to watch the as-ever popular event kick off.

Despite the Red Arrows being a no-show this year due to overseas commitments in Canada, it didn’t fail to bring in big crowds as many lined the pier.

The Lancaster bomber was the first plane to take to the skies at 2pm followed by the Firebirds, starring Poole-born Nigel Reid and John Dodd. 

Parachutists from the Red Devils team, which played an important role in the historic D-Day landings 80 years ago, then brought the red mist to the skies with a jump from thousands of feet up above. 

Fan favourite Rich Goodwin made his return to Bournemouth Air Festival with his breathtaking display of stunts and fast-paced manoeuvres. 

His bi-plane – which he once described as like being in a washing machine – is homemade over four years. 

And it wouldn’t be an air show without the roar of the Eurofighter Typhoon, back flying all three days during the day and night. 

Crowds watched on the lean, mean fighting machine darted across the skies over Poole Bay and the English Channel. 

The war hero Spitfire filled the sky with the iconic roar of the Merlin engine and was joined by a fellow WW2 veteran from the USA, the Mustang. 

This particular Spitfire was acquired by Rolls Royce in the mid-1990s and is part of the aerospace company’s permanent collection of aircraft. 

New to the air show this year was two fighter jets from Sweden – the Saab 37 Viggen (also known as the Tufted Duck) and the Saab 35 Draken. 

The former is a single seat, single engine combat aircraft built in 1950s while the latter joined the Swedish Air Force in 1960. 

Although not quite as loud as the Typhoon, the two flew together at speed and with vigour – bringing an end to a very successful first day. 

Amanda Barrie, festival director at Bournemouth Air Festival, said: “We are excited to welcome crowds of residents and visitors down to Bournemouth’s seafront for the 16th Bournemouth Air Festival.   

“It looks to be beautiful weather this weekend, so please keep hydrated by refilling your water bottles at the free water stations along the promenade.” 
• All pictures were taken with thanks to RockReef zip line on the pier