Britain's Biggest Airshow Begins

Britain’s biggest air show is underway; the Bournemouth Air Show is now in its eleventh year and features representatives from all three services.

Beneath hazy skies, a contingent of Royal Marines kicked off the day with an Unarmed Combat demonstration in front of spectators.

In a nod to history, a number of Second World War aircraft were on display – including a Dakota, Hurricane and Spitfire from the Battle of Britain.

And at 5.30 the Red Arrows soared over festival goers, trailing their trademark red, white and blue smoke in their wake.

Squadron Leader Ian Williamson, the acting area commander, RAF recruiting in South East, has high hopes for the weekend:

"Bournemouth air show as you are probably aware is one of the biggest air shows in Europe and it is certainly the biggest of the south coast. Bournemouth council tell us that it is somewhere between 1 and 1.2 million people are going to come to the show, assuming the weather stays as it is now, over the next few days"

Commander Steven Ward, Naval regional officer for Wales and West of England, thinks that HMS Diamond will be the star attraction over the weekend:

"She will be hosting visits all throughout the weekend. We also have a couple to patrol craft coming up from Poole and they're manned by junior officers in the Royal Navy but also members of the University Royal Navy squadron so hopefully our future men and women future of the organisation"

Other activities available include face painting, juggling, balloon making and a birds of prey display.

The four-day event runs from Thursday 30th August until Sunday 2nd, opening at 10am each morning and finishing at 10pm on Friday and 6pm on Saturday and Sunday.