Visitors to Bournemouth Air Festival next week are being asked to plan their journeys in advance to help reduce the environmental impact of travelling to the event.
If just one third of visitors changed how they come to the festival across the four days, 2,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions could be saved every year.
In comparison, aircraft over the four days of entertainment contribute around 240 tonnes of emissions.
This year’s festival is on Thursday 31 August – Sunday 2 September and includes aerobatic entertainment during the day and at dusk with family-friendly attractions throughout.
Cllr Andy Martin, Portfolio Holder for Customer, Communications and Culture, BCP Council said: “Bournemouth Air Festival is one of the highlights of the summer season, so we know we’ll get a high volume of people coming to Bournemouth.
“If you live locally I encourage you to travel by train, coach, bus and even bike where possible. This sustainable travel not only reduces air pollution, but it also eases traffic congestion around Bournemouth.
“It’s our responsibility to create awareness about sustainable practices and encourage everyone to follow those practices.”
Visitors are being urged to be aware of the planned rail strikes on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 September which are likely to significantly impact train services across the 4 days. Festival organisers are encouraging visitors to take the train if possible but check for updates on the National Rail and South Western Railway websites, and look at alternative coach, bus and bike options as well as the park and ride.
Jon Weaver, Festival Director commented: “There are many alternative ways to travel to the Air Festival including by bus and coach, with plenty of providers offering great prices on travel to and from Bournemouth throughout the summer, so although this strike action may affect a small number of travellers, I’m confident that the majority will make alternative travel arrangements to come and enjoy the Air Festival.”
Morebus still have their £2 single fare price cap in place, with over 65s and under 7s also travelling for free from as far afield as Sailsbury and Swanage.
There will be a Park and Ride operating in Kings Park (next to AFC Bournemouth) every 15 mins over the four days, dropping off up to seven people per car next to the event site on the East Overcliff.
And the active among us can visit the festival by pedal power by downloading the Beryl app and cycling or scooting down to Bournemouth on the peripheral of the festival site.
Reducing the environmental impact doesn’t just stop at sustainable travel, festival goers are also being encouraged to bring their reusable water bottles and fill them up at one of the 150 hydration stations located along the promenade, in a bid to reduce single-waste plastic.
For more information on how to go green for the Air Festival, please visit Plan your visit – Bournemouth Air Festival
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Notes to Editors:
Industrial action updates on the trains can be found here:
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- National Rail: Industrial Action | National Rail
- South Western Railway: Industrial Action | South Western Railway