Bournemouth Air Festival a Flying Success

Personnel and ships from across the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Fleet Auxiliary gathered in Bournemouth at the weekend to help make the town’s air festival a flyaway success. More than 1 million people flocked to the Dorset town to watch the four day event which was heavily supported by the Royal Navy, Army and RAF.

Five Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels – Her Majesty’s ships Westminster, Mersey, Smiter and Puncher as well as RFA Argus – all anchored in Bournemouth Bay providing a naval backdrop as well as taking part in sea displays.

On land Royal Marines kept the crowds entertained with amphibious landings and static displays of equipment and vehicles.

While in the air the audience were treated to displays by the Black Cats Helicopter Display Team, Red Arrows, B-17 Sally-B Flying Fortress, Canberra PR9, a RAF Typhoon, the iconic Avro Vulcan and many more.

Royal Navy Regional Commander, Wales and Western England, Commodore Jamie Miller, said:

“We are delighted to come back to Bournemouth year after year - and every time we do we give a bit more of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines.”

The Bournemouth Air Festival is now in its seventh year and in that time has welcomed 5.8 million visitors to watch the display teams, meet the Royal Marines and visit the Royal Navy ships.