THERE’S just one week to go.

Next Thursday, the fifth Bournemouth Air Festival takes to the skies over the seafront, with organisers promising the biggest and best event ever.

Both they and the hundreds of thousands of people set to descend on the town for the extravaganza will be crossing their fingers for fine weather for the four days of the show.

It is set to be a poignant return for the Red Arrows a year on from the death of Flt Lt Jon Egging in a crash after a display at last year’s festival.

And there are sure to be a few tears among the crowds as the team roars into view next Thursday afternoon.

New attractions this year include a World War Two re-enactment on the Saturday and Sunday, featuring a Catalina, Messers- chmitt 109, Spitfire and a P-51 Mustang.

On the bill are two Tornado jets, the Vulcan bomber, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Tigers parachute team, the Black Cats helicopter team, Chinook and the Breitling Wingwalkers.

There will also be dusk displays by a Spitfire, O’Brien’s Flying Circus and the SWIP Twister Duo.

On the ground there will be a beach assault and the Royal Navy will have ships moored in the bay.

Also new this year are concerts at Boscombe featuring big names including Rizzle Kicks and Scouting for Girls.

Air festival director Jon Weaver said it was “incredible” that the festival was now in its fifth year.

“We’re bringing Night Air at the Piers, which has never been seen before, it’s new for everyone and we’re certainly taking the festival to another level.

“From everybody who organises the festival we would really like to thank everybody who comes to the festival and has supported it over the last four years.

“We hope everyone enjoys the air displays, dusk displays, trading between the piers, street entertainment, live music, Night Air programme and so much more,” he added.

  • This article has now been edited as the Sea Vixen will no longer be appearing at this year's Air Festival. You can read more here