Future Bournemouth Air Festival would be 'different beast'

Talks are already ongoing between BCP Council and a potential operator to take on the popular show over a 10-year contract. 

As reported, the anonymous operator is described as “experienced” in air shows and would look to host it on different dates over a Friday, Saturday and Sunday. 

An air show will not be returning for 2025, but the show could make a return in 2026, should contracts be signed. 

Red Arrows over Bournemouth

Culture cabinet member at BCP Council Andy Martin said: “From my point of view, having been involved with the air festival in different capacities for all its time, it clearly needs to be a different beast if it comes back. 

“I’m sure it will be a different beast when it comes back given what I know of potential interest. But without being too simplistic, it would be great if it was less Bournemouth and more Farnborough. 

“More about technology, and STEM and building on the great work done on STEM at the air festival, but something that’s a lot more commercial event as well as a public spectacle.” 

A report by BCP Council said the operator’s experience includes “key links to the European Airshow Council (EAC) and the UK Air Display Symposiums”. 

It included the provision to ‘commercialise’ the area between Boscombe and Bournemouth piers with a variety of hospitality offers ranging in price.  

Cllr Martin questioned what that would look like. 

Andy Martin has been involved in the air show every year, both with the Echo and BCP Council

Sandra Moore, cabinet member for communities, added: “This would be far more commercial and I really don’t want to see anybody priced out of going. 

“But at the same time the new operator is going to have to underwrite all the massive safety risks involved, all the legal and security requirements which are wide ranging and increasingly expensive. 

“I only hope that they're still able to include the STEM village. But at the end of the day it’s worthwhile pursuing this offer.” 

Cabinet member Jeff Hanna said he wanted to clear up rumours that the council takes in profits of £14m, which he described as “total misunderstanding”. 

He said: “We have in fact had to pay in order to enjoy the air festival and although in some areas like parking we do get additional income, the overall costs have been as high as £400k in 2022. 

“It’s that overall cost that we can’t sustain. The £14m figure is an additional income for the businesses in the area which clearly is welcome for them, but sadly the council doesn’t get a cut.”