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OFF TO A FLYER!

9:29am Friday 29th August 2008

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BOURNEMOUTH'S first air festival took off in style on Thursday with stunning displays in cloudy skies between the two piers.

Civic chiefs hope that up to one million visitors will flock to the town for the four-day event and boost the local economy by an estimated £17.5 million.

Those wanting a guaranteed "front seat" on the cliff-top to view the breathtaking aerial action were prepared to pay a premium for a night's bed and breakfast accommodation in a sea view room.

The borough's head of tourism Mark Smith pledged that the air show was just the first of many. "It's taken two-and-a-half years of planning but it's absolutely amazing.

"Now we've got a world class event and the right formula, we will be making the air festival an annual attraction at the end of August. The date each year will be determined by the bank holiday.

"The setting, between the piers, is perfect. Times are tough but it's a free event for families, not just from outside the area but local residents. There's so much for them to do, even if the sun isn't shining."

Kevin Wood, director of the Cumberland Hotel on the East Cliff, said sea view rooms had been snapped up weeks ago with guests paying £260 a night for bed and breakfast accommodation and a prime vantage point.

Wartime memories flooded back when the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight opened the festival in nostalgic style, the distinctive drone of the engines of a Lancaster bomber, Spitfire and Hurricane captivating thousands of spectators who had lined the cliff-top and promenade below.

A Bournemouth tourism spokesperson said: "The first day went really well with a fantastic turn-out; now we're all looking forward to the next three days.

"Everything is going to plan and we are urging people to use the park and ride schemes at Bournemouth University's Talbot Campus and King's Park. A service will also be available at the Littledown centre on Saturday and Sunday."

East Overcliff Drive, Russell Cotes Road and Beacon Road will be closed from 9 am until 7 pm except for residents' access.

Parking is suspended on Grove Road, Manor Road, Meyrick Road (from Grove Road), West Hill Road (from West Cliff Road) and St Michael's Road (from Westcliff Road).

Friday's action will start again at 1.30 pm with a display by the RAF Falcons. An appearance by the Red Arrows will be the first of three during the festival. Full details of display times are contained in the official souvenir programme.

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gunters goonies, christchurch says...
9:46am Fri 29 Aug 08

i went ysterday and it was ace, seeing the spitfire, made me feel proud to be british, Also as im getting married on saturday we are at the marsharm court hotel we will enjoy the planes flying over

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PokesdownMark, Pokesdown says...
10:46am Fri 29 Aug 08

Hey congratulations gunters!
I'm sure it will be a very memorable day.

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Christopher, Wallisdown & Winton West says...
11:06am Fri 29 Aug 08

Congratulations to you both. Do have a great day on both accounts.

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Christopher, Wallisdown & Winton West says...
11:13am Fri 29 Aug 08

This is an updated time table from the Military Air Shows website:

Flying Program for Friday, Saturday, Sunday - subject to change!

Friday 29th August
1:30pm-2:30pm
RAF Falcons Parachute Team
Black Cats
BBMF
Grob Tutor
Tucano T1

2:30pm-3:30pm
Blue Eagles
Folland Gnat
Red Arrows + Folland Gnat
Red Arrows

3:30pm-4:30pm
Falcon 20 (FRA)
Yakolevs
Sea vixen
King Air
Hawk T1
Team Guinot
Typhoon

Saturday 30th August
12:00pm-1:00pm
Red Arrows + Folland Gnat
Red Arrows
Yakolevs

1:00pm-2:00pm
Navy lynx
DC6
Sea Vixen
BE200 King Air
Blue Eagles
Sea Hawk

2:00pm-3:00pm
BBMF
The Blades
Folland Gnat
Grob Tutor
Tucano T1

3:00pm-4:00pm
Hawk T1
Team Guinot
Catalina
RAF Falcons Parachute Team

Sunday 31st August
1:00pm-2:00pm
Yakolevs
Navy Lynx
Folland Gnat
BE200 King Air
Catalina
Blue Eagles

2:00pm-3:00pm
Sea hawk
Avro Lancaster
DC6
Grob Tutor
Tucano T1
Sea Vixen

3:00pm-4:00pm
Red Arrows + Sea Vixen (Brian Grants bowout display)
Red Arrows
Team Guinot
The Blades

4:00pm-4:30pm
Hawk T1
Eurofighter Typhoon
RAF Falcons Parachute Team

Air displays start times::

Friday - 1.30pm
Saturday - 12 noon
Sunday - 12.40pm


Sadly as reported in another story, the Vulcan Bomber will not be with us this weekend due to maintenance problems. A good reason for another annual Air Festival next year.

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In Absentia, Bournemouth says...
12:31pm Fri 29 Aug 08

A good event for the area, but I fail to see why it needs to run over 4 days, the programme is quite repetitive. Surely, Saturday and Sunday would have been sufficient?

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Christopher, Wallisdown & Winton West says...
2:23pm Fri 29 Aug 08

Numbers is the answer. Some can make it on certain days, and others on other days.

What show is not on for three, four or more days.


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In Absentia, Bournemouth says...
2:28pm Fri 29 Aug 08

Christopher wrote:
Numbers is the answer. Some can make it on certain days, and others on other days. What show is not on for three, four or more days.
Would'nt know. Not a plane spotter myself. I'll be avoiding the centre of town for the weekend.

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Christopher, Wallisdown & Winton West says...
2:39pm Fri 29 Aug 08

Your choice, but there are many other displays both static and active for everyone.

Many shows is the answer.


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Shaunt, Bournemouth says...
6:28pm Fri 29 Aug 08

most people wont have realised as a resident to the seafront this air show has been nothing but a pain for us having to undure the constant sound of low flying aircraft shaking are homes to the ground im actually having things fall off the wall not to mention having to park a full ten minutes from my house as im not aloud to park on my road as they are using for the buses to the park and ride i wanted to go and enjoy the show but how can i

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missymo, Bournemouth says...
6:49pm Fri 29 Aug 08

Shaunt wrote:
most people wont have realised as a resident to the seafront this air show has been nothing but a pain for us having to undure the constant sound of low flying aircraft shaking are homes to the ground im actually having things fall off the wall not to mention having to park a full ten minutes from my house as im not aloud to park on my road as they are using for the buses to the park and ride i wanted to go and enjoy the show but how can i
Dont live by the seaside then!!!!

We live by the Uni, and can not park..but we dont moan about it. If we did not like it we would move!!!!

The seaside/ tourists were there, before you and your house.

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b&bathletic, Pokesdown says...
6:51pm Fri 29 Aug 08

Shaunt wrote:
most people wont have realised as a resident to the seafront this air show has been nothing but a pain for us having to undure the constant sound of low flying aircraft shaking are homes to the ground im actually having things fall off the wall not to mention having to park a full ten minutes from my house as im not aloud to park on my road as they are using for the buses to the park and ride i wanted to go and enjoy the show but how can i
Must be awful living in a tourist resort, and these annoying tourist attractions ruining your day;-) For once there is a successful event and the NIMBYS are out to have whinge.

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freefall, Poole says...
7:06pm Fri 29 Aug 08

In Absentia wrote:
Christopher wrote: Numbers is the answer. Some can make it on certain days, and others on other days. What show is not on for three, four or more days.
Would'nt know. Not a plane spotter myself. I'll be avoiding the centre of town for the weekend.
And you won't be missed....miserable sod!!!

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jobsworthwatch, Bournemouth says...
7:07pm Fri 29 Aug 08

Why are the land trains still running while so many people are walking around gazing at the sky? We will be lucky to get through this air show without an accident! Our health and safety jobsworths are clearly not doing their job; cant cycle but its ok to plough through people with a landtrain!

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freefall, Poole says...
7:11pm Fri 29 Aug 08

Shaunt wrote:
most people wont have realised as a resident to the seafront this air show has been nothing but a pain for us having to undure the constant sound of low flying aircraft shaking are homes to the ground im actually having things fall off the wall not to mention having to park a full ten minutes from my house as im not aloud to park on my road as they are using for the buses to the park and ride i wanted to go and enjoy the show but how can i
Rather than 'suffer' the marvelous air show, go to summer school and learn some grammar, spelling and puctuation!!! Your'se is atrociouious!!!

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Alison, poole says...
7:29pm Fri 29 Aug 08

Fantastic Red Arrows Show today, never has it been a 30 min show. Just a shame about the traffic congestion at 5pm! Though why would any local pay £10 for a park and ride service?!

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missymo, Bournemouth says...
7:39pm Fri 29 Aug 08

We are parking otherside of gardens and walking in. Sod £10, dont we pay enough to BC.

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Neil, Bournemouth says...
7:44pm Fri 29 Aug 08

Believe me, I am always the first to moan; but we went down there today and it was SUPERB!!! I'd really recommend you don't drive. Park as far away as you can because it was chaotic today and if the weather is good it will be even more chaotic tomorrow. It is well worth making the effort to get between the piers on the sea front because the commentary is informative and quite amusing. There are a fair few stalls and there are even a few bargains to be had (if you look very hard) but, come on guys; £1.50 for a can of coke? If you see nothing else BE THERE for the Typhoon. Brilliant. Please do it again next year.

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In Absentia, Bournemouth says...
8:14pm Fri 29 Aug 08

freefall wrote:
In Absentia wrote:
Christopher wrote: Numbers is the answer. Some can make it on certain days, and others on other days. What show is not on for three, four or more days.
Would'nt know. Not a plane spotter myself. I'll be avoiding the centre of town for the weekend.
And you won't be missed....miserable sod!!!
Enjoy your couple of hours trying to get out of the town afterwards.

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tattyanne, Poole Dorset says...
8:17pm Fri 29 Aug 08

I have read all the comments, and while I would agree with some, it is a bit much paying nearly 10 pounds for a few chips,a drink, hot dog and a burger, I thought that it was an absolutetly fabulous display!! I am soo glad to have had the opportunity to beable to attend today, Friday, as I have to work Saturday and Sunday, at our local hospice and so would not have been able to see this brilliant show!! I appreciate that the noise ftrom the Typhoon aircraft was rarther loud... but what a fabulous chance to see this amazing aircraft in action. After all it is only for 4 days out of 365... and it did take us 2 hours to get home.. a distance of about 4 miles! It was well worth it.. I hope to be able to go again. Well done and thankyou..

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tattyanne, Poole Dorset says...
8:25pm Fri 29 Aug 08

sorry a few spelling mistakes.... more keyboard dyslexia than bad grammar!!

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tattyanne, Poole Dorset says...
8:41pm Fri 29 Aug 08

OMG I nearly forgot!! I managed to meet all the pilots of the amazing redarrows display team.. I got their autographs and photographs... thankyou... you have made a lot of women very happy.... happy women= happy husbands!!!

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ActrosMan, Poole says...
8:44pm Fri 29 Aug 08

The Vulcan will NOT be flying at Bournemouth due to undercarriage problems. Full story on the Vulcan website.

http://www.tvoc.co.u
k/

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Geof, Wimborne says...
9:45pm Fri 29 Aug 08

Why do people always moan - if you don't like the cost of snacks then take your own and as suggested walk in!!
What a great show and congratulations to all concerned. With not much wind today the Red Arropws "trails" stayed inplace to great a wonderful mass of colour during probably the best of their displays I've seen. The town was "buzzing" and even if it was busy MOST had a great day!! Thank you

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pierman, Poole Dorset says...
9:58pm Fri 29 Aug 08

Geof wrote:
Why do people always moan - if you don't like the cost of snacks then take your own and as suggested walk in!! What a great show and congratulations to all concerned. With not much wind today the Red Arropws "trails" stayed inplace to great a wonderful mass of colour during probably the best of their displays I've seen. The town was "buzzing" and even if it was busy MOST had a great day!! Thank you
Geoff my sentiments all over ...they get given something for free and start whining...if you dont like it lump it ..if you went to an organised Airshow in an airbase you would pay loads...Mildenhall sold decent burgers and ice cold bud lovely


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pierman, Poole Dorset says...
9:58pm Fri 29 Aug 08

gunters goonies wrote:
i went ysterday and it was ace, seeing the spitfire, made me feel proud to be british, Also as im getting married on saturday we are at the marsharm court hotel we will enjoy the planes flying over
Have a great day tommoorow to both of you

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Christopher, Wallisdown & Winton West says...
10:14pm Fri 29 Aug 08

It is really good to see so many positive comments than negative comments. So much work has gone into the organizing of the Air Festival, and I for one would like to see more to come. It is not up to More Bus or Bournemouth Council or any one else to put the prices to food and drink, this is down to the people who run the stalls or wagons. This happens at every show one goes to. You are in there, they have the monopoly (I think a percentage is paid to the organizers - I know they did at a fair I organized). Take some sandwiches and drinks yourself. Save a few pennies.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend.


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nickbmth, lansdowne says...
10:44pm Fri 29 Aug 08

i have been to the air show on thursday and friday and i think its a great family advent and its about time tha bournemouth does so good advents and the people who arranged it all have done bournemouth proud and all those people complaning want to stop as they will ruin it for the rest of us. i mean when i was on the overcliff today friday it was great to see thousands i mean thousands of peoples hand in the air and being amazed by the plaines thank you ...........

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saz2008, poole says...
10:54pm Fri 29 Aug 08

Does anyone know what time the fireworks are on, on saturday? its normally 10pm but just checking.

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poolepaul, poole says...
10:54pm Fri 29 Aug 08

no vulcan....thats a massive shame for me....but then again watching the eurofighter....thats pretty amazing...and the red arrow show (from what i saw...had to take my kid to the loos)...was the best show ive ever seen them do...i people want to moan about having to pay for a free event...let em moan and point them in the direction of what i am guessing is a pretty quiet steam event

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davie, hamworthy says...
11:10pm today Fri 29 Aug 08

I have read some of the comments and find them laughable...people complaining about the noise of low flying aircraft!!!hmm lets see..no aircraft instead the steady stream of young lads throwing empty cans/bottles in your so perfectly kempt gardens..hmmm no police officers on the over cliff as they are usually in town...hmmmm...oh wait this is the clincher....PEOPLE COMING INTO BOURNEMOUTH AND RE-VIGARATING THE TOWN..HOW DARE THEY...i live in poole and went to b/mouth beach today to watch what was a fantastic array of the old and the new..i.e if ever this country is attacked in any way shape or form we know that the TYPHOON eurofighter will defend it so think about that complainers..rant over..i thought the thypoon was a spectacle on its own!!gutted about the vulcan though

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Christopher, Wallisdown & Winton West says...
11:14pm Fri 29 Aug 08

saz2008 wrote:
<i><i> Does anyone know what time the fireworks are on, on saturday? its normally 10pm but just checking.</i></i>
The firework display sponsored by the RAF will commence at 10pm.

Davie: Spot on mate. Lets have more shows and more aircraft in the future. A great Air Festival

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selfheal, swanage says...
11:30pm Fri 29 Aug 08

it sounds like a really good event, and like its really busy over in swanage.

however people complaining about the noise do have a point in part. I live over in south purbeck... i can see diddly squat of the air show at all yet the last two days its been extremely noisey (i mean seriously... not just a tiny bit of disturbance) with all the planes flying over and around the area to turn around- the low cloud hasnt helped as it just makes it louder. Because of the cloud you cant even see much from over studland way, let alone south purbeck. So far i think ive seen 2 of the planes, but have had 2 extremely noisey afternoons- fortunately im not too bothered about it.

Im sure its great for everyone in bournemouth who can see the event taking place, but im not sure how many people in places like purbeck are getting a bit tired of the noise, when they arn't seeing any of the benefits! I certainly wasnt expecting it to affect us so much over this way.

Think i might try and get close enough to everything to see the red arrows tomorrow- they're ace!

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selfheal, swanage says...
11:31pm Fri 29 Aug 08

doh! meant to say bournemouth in that first sentance, sorry!

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scorpio3, dorset says...
12:19am Sat 30 Aug 08

I hope someone took a photo of the red arrows escorting two planes in the middle..what a fantastic sight,my camera ran out as they went over my garden,its got to be front page viewing,,dont tell me i was the only one who saw it...WOW FACTOR...

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davie, hamworthy says...
12:49am Sat 30 Aug 08

selfheal!!!think about it..its BOURNEMOUTH AIR FESTIVAL does that mean you have a divine rite to see it because you live in swanage??there is a chain ferry that links you to the real world!!!if you cant see the spectacular which is the air show from swanage then pay £3.60 walk to branksome chine and stop whinging

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nigglygrilly, Poole, UK says...
7:57am Sat 30 Aug 08

Yes it's noisy, yes there are thousands of people, yes it's bringing money into the area, yes people are having a great time. Not a plane spotter myself but went yesterday and going again today - fantastic show - great tannoy system - can actually hear what people are saying. Yes snacks are pricey - real rip off - we took our own! Yes it menas some poeple are inconvenicned for four days - out of 365 that's not bad - when Bournemouth FC play at home - goodness knows how many days out of the year - lots more people cannot park anywhere near their homes!
It's free - it's great and it's fun - and, hopefully will keep the council tax down by bringing much bneeded revenue into the town.
Looking forward to next year and the "invasion" - maybe it ought to be taken further into town than just the beach?!?!? Lol
Oh and yes I am a local!

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patricia stanley, burnham drive says...
11:40am Sun 31 Aug 08

Excellent whoever organised it should have a gold medal just a shame people have to moan about it Im bournemouth bred and borne and Im really proud of the whole show the only hope is that all the businesses that have benefited from it will sponsor any future shows not just the few this time but everyone should have a pat on the back for an excellent effort.

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SKY'S THE LIMIT: RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Spitfire flies over Poole Bay, with the Purbeck hills in the background SKY'S THE LIMIT: RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight's Spitfire flies over Poole Bay, with the Purbeck hills in the background

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