Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 September 2022
Are the Red Arrows and Typhoon returning this year?
Yes once again the big air display attraction return for all 4 days with the Typhoon, doing additional evening displays on Friday and Saturday.
What is new about the festival in 2022?
This year we have a high-octane stunt between Sunseeker's high performance day boat, the Hawk 38, and the aerobatic plane G-JPIT. The two will be pitted against each other in the new Sea and Sky Sprint. Read more here.
There will also be a special joint display between a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight plane and the UK's fastest modern, when the Spitfire is joined in formation by the Typhoon for a short display, before they break and the Typhoon commences its flying display.
We are continuing to inspire the next generation with our STEM tent, which will be bigger this year, with exhibitions from the RNLI, BAE Systems, Draken Europe and Rolls Royce, to name a few.
Where's the best place to view the flying?
The festival site is 1.5 miles long between Bournemouth and Boscombe piers - there's a whole beach to choose from as well as the East Overcliff!
Where is the central flight line?
The flight line, or datum, is directly over the top of the Hospitality marquee in Zone1.
Where are the Royal Navy, Army, Royal Marines and RAF Village areas?
The RAF Village is on the East Overcliff along with the the RN dive tank. The Royal Navy village, with the Army and Royal Marines, is on the beach in Zone2. There will be vehicles, have-a-go equipment and personnel to speak to.
Where can I get information about the flying programme?
You can buy a copy of the Air Festival brochure, available from outlets - a list of stockists will be available online or from brochure sellers on the day. You will also be able download the Air Festival app with push notifications for flying display updates! You can also *Get your copy from the Tourist Information Centre at Pier Approach*
Will there be a brochure?
Yes, you will be able to pre order via the Bournemouth Air Festival website bournemouthair.co.uk - the brochure is normally available to physically purchase from early August
Can I buy the brochure online?
Yes you will be able to pre-order a copy and obtain your unique code and access the website and free app (from mid-August), your code will be on your e-receipt from the purchase of the brochure.
If I order my programme online for collection on the day at the TIC - do I get the code by email from See Tickets or with the programme on the day?
If you have ordered the brochure on-line you will get a code from SEE Tickets and if you purchase in person there is a code in the programme.
Is there a cash point located on the festival site?
There is a cash point at Pier Approach by the main entrance to the Pier Amusements.
How much does it cost to attend?
The festival is free to attend
Where can I find out more about the festival?
Online: bournemouthair.co.uk Twitter: @BmthAirFest
Facebook: /Bournemouthairfestival Instagram: @bmthairfest
Or visit the Tourist Information Centre at Pier Approach
You can contact organiser via these channels as well
Does the land train run?
No, unfortunately it doesn't - the seafront is too busy for it to operate.
Do the cliff lifts still operate?
The Westcliff and Fisherman's Walk lifts are both operating.
Where is the SandBar located?
You'll find the SandBar at lampost 13, near to the hospitality marquee, under the central flight line. You can walk to it via the Toff Zig Zag.
Can I bring my dog /guide dogs to the Air Festival?
Yes - as long as they are on a lead you can bring guide dogs to the beach, do remember jets can be very loud. Dogs are only allowed on the promenade on a lead and not the beach. See the Dog Friendly Zones for more information.
Are the air displays suitable for young children?
The Air Festival is a great family event, but for some younger children the noisy jets can be rather loud, if you are worried it's an idea to bring ear defenders!
Is there a lost and found procedure for children?
Yes - You can pick up LV=KidZone wristbands from the Tourist Information Centre at Bournemouth Pier Approach, from the KidZone Team Members (wearing blue t-shirts) on the beach and the RNLI Lifeguard Towers. Should you have a missing or found child, please report immediately to a member of the LV=KidZone/Seafront team or RNLI Lifeguard who will be on hand to help. The dedicated LV=KidZone team will be in operation between Alum Chine and Boscombe. LV=KidZone - Bournemouth
Stay safe. Take pictures of what your children are wearing on that day, have a meeting point in mind and report any missing children to the police immediately.
What should I do if I see something suspicious?
If you see something suspicious find a Police officer, Ranger, Security officer or member of the Events Team, remember 'See it, Say it, Sorted'.
Can I fly my drone at the Air Festival?
No. Drones are banned at the event. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are prohibited and not to be flown at the event site, please do not bring any UAS or UAV's to the festival. It is against the law for any of these craft to be flown within the Restricted Airspace that is established at the Air Festival to protect participating aircraft and display teams. Organisers are under strict rules to cancel the flying display programme if drones are flying in the dedicated approved air space. Please be aware drone operators will be prosecuted.
How loud and busy is the Air Festival?
With hundreds of thousands of people attending and displays including hi speed military aircraft etc then we advise people or may be effected by this outdoor environment, but still want to attend and enjoy the festival to seek quieter areas of the beach.
Please download the Beach Check app for where these are. The app is available on Google Play and the App store. Entertainment, stalls and displays on the ground will be quieter in the morning, from 10am.
Please note performances start every day from early afternoon and this year the Red Arrows perform at 4.30pm every day apart from Sunday at 1.30pm and we expect this will be an especially busy time.
Visitors are also welcome to watch the displays via social media, for more see bournemouthair.co.uk and social media #bmthairfest at @bmthairfest or @BmthAirFest
The festival includes a few noisy military plane air displays, which some people, particularly refugees who have recently fled conflict, may find unsettling.
What are you doing to mitigate the effect of this?
A letter was sent to our Homes for Ukraine sponsors on Friday 12 August asking them to let their guests know about the upcoming summer events, including the weekly summer fireworks displays in Bournemouth and Poole and the Air Festival at the beginning of September. We wanted to be sure that the sponsors were of the dates and to inform their guests that there would be an increase in aircraft activity over the region for the duration of the four-day show. Although the show takes place at the seafront, we explained that the aircraft are based at Hurn Airport and will be heard and spotted above the three towns and the New Forest area on their way to the display. We highlighted the Typhoon and the Red Arrows as they are the loudest and the fastest and could be unsettling if unexpected.
We also took the opportunity to let them know about some of the free events taking place across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole that might provide an opportunity for all guests to relax with their families.
What value does the air festival add to the local economy?
In 2021 the Air Festival brought in a total of £49.7m into the local economy, attracted about 800,000 visitors from all over the UK and supported about 266 full time jobs, so it is a critical event in the calendar locally.
This is a huge increase from previous years. In 2019 Air Festival made a major contribution of £32m to the local economy attracting over 600,000 visitors, retaining its reputation as an important attractor event for the region.
Tourism is vital to the economy, worth over £1billion and 17,000 jobs and the thousands of visitors attracted to the Air Festival not only support this economy but provide the opportunity for us to begin to influence how they think about travel, not only to the festival but in their everyday lives and on return visits to the destination and elsewhere
What additional value does the festival bring to the local community?
Now in its 14th year, Bournemouth Air Festival is the biggest date in the area's calendar with lots of benefits to a range of audiences living locally. After a few challenging years due the pandemic, Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole are eager to celebrate, and this year's Platinum Jubilee Bournemouth Air Festival is just the ticket.
The landmark festival provides free entertainment over four days against a beautiful backdrop of our award-winning beaches - so it's the perfect entertainment for families who want a pocket-friendly weekend of fun.
It also represents a major opportunity for traders to get in front of consumers. In fact, our traders are a huge part of the festival, providing non-stop interest. We want to celebrate them and work with them to make Bournemouth Air Festival a roaring success in 2022. It has the largest single audience of any aviation event in Europe, presenting a wealth of trading and brand engagement opportunities.
We also hope to inspire the next generation with our STEM marquee. We want our young people living locally to have access to some of the region's high-profile STEM companies and experts - opening up doors and opportunities they may not have otherwise had.
This festival is very much about our community - we want to give them something to celebrate and also something to be proud of.
How do you hope to inspire the next generation?
Aspiring engineers, apprentices or anyone excited about the way things work can gain hands-on experience with the latest technologies including virtual reality (VR)?, augmented reality (AR)? at Bournemouth Air Festival in 2022.
Returning for its second year the STEM marquee, once again located near the RAF Village on the East Cliff. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) integrates the areas and challenges of science, technology, engineering.
At the STEM marquee you will find some of the region's high-profile companies and experts specialising in various STEM sectors, ready to inspire the next generation!
Who is exhibiting in the STEM tent in 2022?
A B Precision (Poole) Ltd
AECC University College
AUB
Beagle Aircraft Ltd
Draken Europe
Groveley Precision Engineering Ltd
Laser Profiles Ltd
Leonardo
Parvalux Electric Motors Ltd.
RNLI
Spherea Test & Services Ltd
Superior Seals Ltd
Thompson Valves Ltd
Yunex Traffic
Rolls Royce
To find a full list and more information about these exhibitors, visit the air festival website, here STEM Marquee - Bournemouth Air Festival
What is the environmental impact of the festival?
In 2019 the Council undertook both Environmental and Economic assessments of Bournemouth Air Festival.
The environmental impact assessment calculated the total carbon footprint of the festival to be 7190 tonnes CO2e. The display aircraft fuel accounted for only 240tonnes - 0.3% of the total calculated on usage of 95211 litres of fuel.
The main challenge that we face is a modal shift in travel to and from the destination whether for the Air Festival or the millions of visitors that travel to the area throughout the year, as well as the thousands of residents travelling around the area to visit beaches and local attractions.
Alongside the BCP Sustainable Events Management Policy there is an ongoing Air Festival Sustainability Action Plan which includes objectives to not only reduce the carbon footprint of travel by a third over the next three years but also reduce use of man-made energy, plastics, waste to landfill and the carbon footprint of trade and catering provision.
As well as the above, plans are in place to develop the programming of the festival to make it more attractive for residents to visit and provide a wider community interest for the whole conurbation. This will include greater content on sea and land alongside the air displays.
Where can I find out more information?
bournemouthair.co.uk and social media #bmthairfest @bmthairfest @BmthAirFest
Maritime and crowd safety
We will be watching the air displays from our boat - are there designated areas or restrictions?
Please see the Maritime Safety Zone Map for more information.
Do we have to book or pay to watch from the bay?
No, you don't have to book or pay to view.
How are both crowd and event safety managed?
As with all major events, we have an extensive and robust event plan, covering all elements of operations. We work with stakeholders, Dorset Police and other emergency services to provide the best possible experience for people attending the Air Festival. The threat level is currently the same as last year, and as with all other national and major events, there will be high visibility patrols by uniformed officers in place. As always, we remind everybody to be vigilant and to report anything suspicious. You will notice enhanced security at the Air Festival again this year, with visible police, armed police and security staff as well as CCTV monitoring present.
Are there stewards on site if I need assistance?
Yes, stewards in hi-vis vests and Zone Managers in pink t-shirts are on site and ready to assist if/ when needed.
What are you doing to keep visitors safe?
The answer is lots. There are the security measures you can see and of course the ones you can't. We monitor the whole site each and everyeach day and our staff are trained to ensure all festival goers have a safe, secure and happy time. We work very closely with Dorset Police and teams of onsite security and stewards to ensure our security procedures are up to date and following best practice. If you're lucky, you may even see a sniffer dog on duty at the Air Festival but please remember, these are busy working dogs with a very important job to do.
Will the boat exclusion zone for 2022 be much larger - is it too deep to anchor safely on the southern edge?
No the Marine Safety Zone will be the same as in 2021
Getting here and getting around
How do I get to the festival site from the town centre?
You can get to the site through the Lower Gardens which leads straight to the seafront (and turn left!)
How do I get to the festival site from the train and coach station - can I walk, how far is it?
You can walk from the train and coach station; it takes about 30mins and is clearly signposted. Alternatively buses run every five mins to the town centre from Stand 5. You can Tap On and Off with a contactless credit card to pay on most buses.
Where's the best place to park?
If you are coming by car we would always recommend visitors to use the park and ride service bournemouthair.co.uk/getting-here/ . However there are a number of car parks in the town centre which can be found online at bournemouth.gov.uk. Live availability of carparking spaces is available on the Beach App.
I will be attending in a large work van 2.4m high it states King's Park is the car park. I can't find any information regarding a height barrier - can you help?
Parking charges apply - there are parking areas on the grass at Kings Park where there are no height barriers.
How much does the Park and Ride cost?
Parking is free but there is a charge to use the bus which will drop off at Manor Road (BH1 3EZ), approximately a five-to-10-minute walk to the event site.
Tickets entitle up to 7 people to use the bus (return). Thursday and Sunday - £10/ticket Friday and Saturday - £12/ticket Free Buses leave every 15 minutes from 9.00am and you will be conveniently dropped right by Boscombe Pier. Please park in a car park or only in marked bays as there is a tow away system in place.
Can I use the park and ride bus even if I don't park?
Yes as long as you pay.
Where is the Park and Ride location?
Kings Park BH7 7AF Open Thursday - Sunday
What are the 'Park & Ride' opening hours?
Thursday 9.00am - last bus at 11pm Friday 9am - last bus at 11pm
Saturday 9am - last bus at 11pm Sunday 9am - last bus at 7pm
Where does the Park & Ride drop off?
The buses drop off at Manor Road, approx. 5-10 min walk from the event site.
Are dogs allowed on the park and ride buses?
Yes, dogs are allowed on the buses, this is not just restricted to Assistance dogs - well behaved dogs in general are fine.
Where are the drop off zones for private hire taxis?
Outside BIC, Westover Road, Manor Road Park and Ride and taxis can also drop off at the bottom of Sea Road by Boscombe Pier.
Will the flyover be closed again as last year?
Yes it will be closed during the daily flying displays.
Will buses be running as normal across Christchurch, Poole and Bournemouth?
Yes - check More Bus websites or Facebook for up-to-date information and travel times.
Is there disabled parking and viewing?
Yes, but it is limited - disabled parking drop-off point is at the bottom of Sea Road at Boscombe Pier. Accessible car-parks are at Sea Road (BH5 1BN) and the Winter Gardens (BH2 5AQ with 250 spaces). There is accessible viewing available at Monkey Island, at the end of East Overcliff Drive (80 car parking spots). In addition, entering the event site from Boscombe, there is an accessible viewing area on the promenade outside the Surf Steps School (BH5 1BN).
For more information on blue badge parking in the town, you may wish to contact Borough Council Parking Services http://www.bournemouth.gov.uk/ContactUs/CustomerServices/WhoToCall.aspx
I am disabled. Some of the roads that are closed lead to disabled parking. Will we be able to get through/ navigate these road closures with simply having a blue badge?
Yes - showing a Blue Badge will allow people through the road closure to the accessible viewing at Monkey Island and the disabled parking at the Overstrand car park at Boscombe, there is also parking for Blue Badge holders only at the Winter Gardens car park.
Are there any road closures I need to be aware of?
The East Overcliff is closed to public access and if you are a resident, you will be aware of the closures in place. Please see the full Traffic Restrictions Plan Map for relevant information. You can also see a live view of all the road closures and restrictions across Bournemouth using this interactive map.
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