TORNADOES are set to thunder into Bournemouth this summer.

The Daily Echo can reveal that this year’s Bournemouth Air Festival, set to be held between August 18 and 21, will boast not one but two RAF Tornado jets.

It is the first time the aircraft – in this case Tornado GR4 role demo planes from XV Squadron, RAF Lossiemouth – will take to the skies between the piers.

The Tornado visit announce- ment is the first new attraction confirmed for the fourth festival and the pair will display on the Saturday of the event.

Aircraft leader Flight Lieutenant Jonny Meadows said: “We’re really looking forward to displaying in Bournemouth. The location over the seafront is fantastic and the festival has a reputation for being well organised and attracting a large, really enthusiastic crowd.”

The team features two Panavia Tornados and they will perform a sequence aimed at giving the thousands set to descend on the seafront a taste of what the jet does on overseas operations.

Flt Lt Meadows added: “As this is the first time we’ve brought our display to Bournemouth we’re looking to make a good impression and show off some of the manoeuvres that make the Tornado such a special aircraft.

“We want to get people excited and give them a thrill that will have them coming back for more. Our show is fundamentally different from most displays and we hope it will be well received.”

The Tornado has been the backbone of RAF operations for the past 25 years, operating in every military engagement since the first Gulf War in 1991 up to the current conflict in Libya.

Its capabilities include long-range bombing runs and tactical strikes and it is known as a world leader in reconnaissance.

Jon Weaver, air festival director, said: “It’s always great to be able to bring something new to the air festival line-up and having not just one but two Tornados is fantastic.

“It’s a first for us to see two fast jets performing a display and seeing them rocketing over the seafront I’m sure will emerge as one of the standout moments of the festival.”

Organisers have already confirmed that many favourites from past years, including the Red Arrows, will return this August.

Find out more at bournemouthecho.co.uk/ bournemouth_air_festival or at bournemouthair.co.uk.