General FAQs 

What are the 2024 dates?
Thurs 29 – Sat 31 August 2024.

What time does flying start on each day? (approx daily times)

Varies daily, flying starts early afternoon. Full flying program is available in the brochure. You can order a copy online and obtain your unique code and access the free app your code will be on your e-receipt from the purchase of the brochure.

Is the Typhoon returning this year?

Yes.

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, The Royal Navy Village, with the Army and Royal Marines, is on the beach in Zone2. There are also ancillary RAF and Royal Navy stalls and assets on the East Overcliff (zone 6) and there will be vehicles, have-a-go equipment and personnel to speak to.

Where can I get information about the flying programme?
You can get this in the brochure – buy a copy of the Air Festival brochure online, at the Tourist Information Centre Pier approach and at various stockists.

We publish full flying times in the official souvenir programme which comes with an access code for a regularly updated live flying schedule, accessed via the website or the official air festival app. 

Will there be a brochure?
Yes, you can order the brochure now–  the brochure is normally available to physically purchase from early August at the Tourist Information Centre, Pier approach and at various stockists.

Can I buy the brochure online?
Yes, you can order the brochure now 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. If you purchase in person there is a code in the programme.

Is my brochure code unlimited to access the flying schedule?

You can use the code up to five times a day prior to the event then up to eight times a day during the event itself.

I am out at sea watching the festival from my boat, how can I buy a programme to access the flying app?

You can order the brochure now and obtain your unique code and access the free app (from mid-August), your code will be on your e-receipt from the purchase of the brochure.

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. There is also a cash point located at the front entrance to the BIC.

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                                    X: @BmthAirFest
Facebook: /Bournemouthairfestival                         Instagram: @bmthairfest
Or visit the Tourist Information Centre at Pier Approach
You can contact  the 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.

Is there hospitality this year and are tickets still available?

Yes, you can buy hospitality tickets Hospitality – Bournemouth Air Festival  ✈ For all Air Festival Hospitality Enquiries please contact the operator, Streamline Leisure on hospitality@streamline.group

Are there tickets still available for the Sand Bar?
Yes, you can buy Sandbar tickets Hospitality – Bournemouth Air Festival ✈ For all Air Festival Hospitality Enquiries please contact the operator, Streamline Leisure on hospitality@streamline.group

Where is the Sand Bar located?
You’ll find the Sand Bar at lamppost 13, near to the hospitality marquee, under the central flight line. You can walk to it via the Toft 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!

Can I buy ear defenders on site?
Yes you can buy ear defenders on site.

Is there a lost and found procedure for children?
Yes – You can pick up a LV=Kidszone wristband from specially trained LV=KidZone volunteers, BCP Seafront Staff or RNLI Lifeguard Towers on the beach. 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. For more information take a look here.

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.

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.

Air Restrictions Map

Will there be a Pilot Meet & Greet this year?
No – but you may well be able to catch up with some of the teams in the Armed Forces Villages .

If it is a hot summer, is there a risk of fire?

Please do NOT bring a BBQ to the beach – please bring a picnic or support the onsite food and drink traders.

Open fires, fire pits and fire bowls are not permitted at any time on our beaches, promenades, cliffs or cliff tops, which provide a home to many of the UK’s rare species of reptiles, birds and insects. Their dry nature means they are vulnerable and sparks from open fires can cause horrific damage. Please do not drop cigarette butts. The chemicals leach into land and waterways, plus they can be a danger to wildlife.

How can I keep myself and others well in the sun?

Bring a refillable thermos cup or water bottle and get free drinking water at our water refill stations! Just download the Refill app to find where our hydration stations are located.

Take care in and out of the sun. Seek shade where you can, apply sunscreen, wear a hat and light, loose cotton clothes, drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol. If you or others feel unwell, get dizzy, feel weak, anxious or have intense thirst, move to a cool place, rehydrate and cool your body down.

If you feel like a dip to cool off, remember this!

If you get into trouble in the water, float to live: lean back, using your arms and legs to stay afloat. Control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard.

People visiting beaches across BCP are encouraged to follow the RNLI’s beach safety advice if entering the water:

  • Choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags
  • Check the weather and tide times before you go
  • If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live: tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can
  • If you see anyone in trouble in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard
  • if you are heading out into the water, tell a friend or relative you are going.

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?
Park & Ride at King’s Park or there are several car parks in the town centre which can be found online on the Find a Car Park page. Or for ultimate convenience, try our NEW premium parking offering to secure a guaranteed parking space close to the festival site.

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?
£18 for a return ticket (Tickets entitle up to 7 people to use the bus)

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.

What are the ‘Park & Ride’ opening hours?

Every 15 minutes from 9.00am on Friday and Saturday. (Last bus at 11.00pm)

*Please note that the Park & Ride is not operating on the Thursday*

Where does the Park & Ride drop off?
The drop off & pick up point is Manor Road, on the East Cliff. (approx. 5-10 min walk from the event site).

Is the Park & Ride service suitable for mobility scooters/wheelchairs? Yes, all buses are accessible.

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 MoreBus website 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).

To find a car park with disabled parking provision, please visit the Find a car park (bcpcouncil.gov.uk) page, or for more information on using your blue badge, please visit Use your Blue Badge (bcpcouncil.gov.uk)

Are there accessible toilets at Monkey Island?
Yes, there are accessible toilet facilities.

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 mobility scooters available to rent at the event?

No, BCP Council cannot provide mobility scooters to rent at the event, but these are available for rent via independent retailers such as:

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.

Can I bring my own food and drink?
Yes, you can but please use the bins provided for rubbish and leave only footprints!  There will be plenty of food and drink available on site between the Piers and along the East Overcliff.

We will be sitting on the beach, are we allowed to bring a single-ring gas picnic stove to use?
No, this is strictly not allowed.

Are there any electric BBQs I can use?
The electric BBQs installed at Pier Approach will not be available for use during the festival.

What time are the bars open?
Bars are open until 10pm

Can I still go into the sea?
Yes, but there is limited bathing.  Swimming is not permitted in the exclusion zone between Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers, so we recommend you swim to the west of Bournemouth Pier or to the east of Boscombe Pier.

Can I fish from the Pier?
No, not during the Air Festival.

Can I cycle?
You can cycle to the event and use the cycle parking located throughout the area.

Can I ride my e-scooter?
Private e-scooters are not permitted, but rental e-scooters and bikes are available from any of the marked “Beryl Bays” – just download the Beryl App to register, unlock and enjoy your ride in.

It gets busy at the festival site, so to keep everyone safe there will be a temporary traffic order restricting cyclists and e-scooters from riding within the festival areas between 10am – 11pm. Please walk with your bike/e-scooter through the event areas.

These include Undercliff Drive, East Overcliff, Pier Approach and between Bournemouth and Boscombe Pier. Beryl will instate a 3mph geofence on all e-scooters within this zone and provide temporary parking areas close by. Please see the Beryl App for details.

Festival – Land, Air and Sea

When does the festival/flying start and finish each day?
The festival site opens daily at 10am. Flying starts early afternoon each day (although varies each day specifically) – but roughly speaking, around 1.30pm/2pm. Thursday ends around 9pm , Friday and Saturday ends with fireworks just after 10pm.

What is flying/ can I expect to see?

There is so much to see and do during the three days of the Air Festival – keep and eye out for the latest updates on our media hub here: Media Hub – Bournemouth Air Festival

Will there be an official livesteam or Air Fest TV this year?

Yes! We will be having a live stream this year (2024) which is brought to you by Aeroview TV and it’s FREE!
Please be wary of any other links for live streams, and there is no charge for the Aeroview official live stream – if you encounter a payment screen, close the link and never share any of your details – we will not ask for payment details in order to watch the stream.

Our 2024 live stream will be found here at >>>> Aeroview live stream

Hot Radio is also broadcasting LIVE on the radio during the event at hot.radio, on DAB & 102.8FM.

Will there be a pilot meet and greet session?
No – but there may well be the opportunity to meet some of pilots and teams in the Forces villages

Night Air

What time does the Night Air Programme start?

Live music in the Lower Gardens Bandstand from 6pm and RM unarmed combat Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 6.20pm, followed by HM RM Band Collingwood Beat Retreat Sunset Ceremony at 6.40pm.

Dusk flying displays from 7.40pm Thursday, 7.40pm Friday and 7.35pm Saturday, followed by firework displays on the Friday and Saturday at 10pm.

Are there fireworks and what time are they?
Yes there will be Fireworks from Bournemouth Pier on Friday and Saturday evenings at 10pm

Where’s the best place to see the fireworks?
It’s probably best to locate yourself either on the beach or cliff tops for a higher view.

Are the Royal Navy performing in the evenings? 
Yes, the Royal Navy will be performing Beat Retreat and Unarmed Combat in the Lower Gardens each evening of the event (Thursday – Saturday)

Will there be night air concerts?
No there will not be any night air concerts this year.

Lower Gardens/ Town Square

Will there be entertainment in the Lower Gardens/Bandstand?

2024 will see His Majesty’s Royal Marines Band Collingwood perform the Beat Retreat Sunset Ceremony in the Lower Gardens on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings from 6.40pm as well as a morning concert on the Saturday at 11am.

The RM Commando Recruiting Team will also be giving Unarmed Combat demonstrations on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday in the Lower Gardens from 6.20pm.

In addition to this, there will also be live music on at the Bandstand in the Lower Gardens from 2pm – 8pm.

How can I keep up to date?

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 who may be affected by this outdoor environment, but still want to attend and enjoy the festival to seek quieter areas of the beach

Entertainment, stalls and displays on the ground will be quieter in the morning, from 10am.

Visitors are also welcome to watch the displays via social media or live stream. For more see bournemouthair.co.uk  and social media #bmthairfest at @BmthAirFest

Who is exhibiting in the STEM Village in 2024?

Take a look at the huge list of companies joining us for 2024 in the STEM village to showcase their skills and products. This is a must see for all ages, both educational and fascinating. Come and meet a whole raft of knowledgeable experts and hands on displays for you to see, touch or just come along and have a chat. You’re sure to be inspired!

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 – just over 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 but also reduce use of man-made energy, plastics, waste to landfill and the carbon footprint of trade and catering provision.

Where can I find out more information?
bournemouthair.co.uk  and social media #bmthairfest Instagram | Facebook | X

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.

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’.

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 every 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 2024 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 2023

Sustainable responsible visitors

I want to be more responsible and sustainable this year what can I do to make a difference?

      • Travel by bike, bus or train. Read more about how to travel sustainably here.
      • Bring a refillable thermos cup or water bottle and get free drinking water at our water refill stations! Just download the Refill app to find where our hydration stations are located
      • Around 2,000 tonnes of waste is left on our beach each year. Help drive down that waste by ensuring you dispose of your rubbish responsibly where you can, and if a bin is full, please find another empty bin. Better still, take your rubbish home with you and recycle it as well! See more at Leave only Footprints.
      • Help prevent fires by bringing a picnic and not a bbq, or support our traders onsite and buy some delicious treats from them!
      • If you see something suspicious find a Policeman, Ranger, Security officer or member of the Events Team, remember ‘See it, Say it, Sorted’.

 

What value does the air festival add to the local economy?

The Air Festival brings in tens of millions of pounds to the local economy and attracts over half a million visitors from all over the UK. It also supports over 250 full time jobs so it’s a huge event in the calendar locally.

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 16th year, Bournemouth Air Festival is the biggest date in the area’s calendar with lots of benefits to a range of audiences living locally.

The landmark festival provides free entertainment over three 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 2024. 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 Village. 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 2024.

Returning for its fourth year is the STEM Village integrates the areas and challenges of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The marquee was located at the RAF Village on the East Cliff but building on its success there are plans to move it down to the seafront in 2024. Watch this space for more information as it becomes available.

At the STEM Village you will find some of the region’s high-profile companies and experts specialising in various STEM sectors, ready to inspire the next generation!

Why is BCP Council looking for funding for Bournemouth Air Festival in 2024 and the years ahead?

These plans reflect the meaningful steps the council is taking to deliver a balanced budget for 2024/25 despite the challenging financial climate in which it is operating.

Councils in England face an unprecedented challenge caused by a reduction in funding for local government over the last decade, recent high inflation and exceptional and rising demand for public services. BCP Council shares these challenges.

BCP Council’s budget for 2024/25 tackles these obstacles, protects core services and puts money aside to cover ongoing risks, while delivering more efficient ways of working and a move to more of an enabling council.

The Council’s plans for the Bournemouth are a stepping stone to a long-term economic and cultural future for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

Our area is built on a visitor economy and this proposal is about supporting the businesses that depend on it with a sustainable long-term strategy, while also recognising the cultural value it brings in making the area a great place to live, work and play.

See Council budget press release: A budget to support the most vulnerable and deliver a sustainable future | BCP (bcpcouncil.gov.uk)

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