Author: BAFadmin

Dates for this year’s Bournemouth Air Festival have been announced, presenting an opportunity for businesses and sponsors to participate in the world’s biggest land and air festival by the sea.  

Bournemouth Air Festival, organised by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council, will return on Thursday 29 August – Saturday 31 August this year.   

Another jam-packed programme of world-class aerobatic displays will take to the skies, while plenty of entertainment for all ages will be accessible along 1.5 miles of award-winning coastline. 

Fairground rides, Pier to Pier trading, fireworks, vintage displays, demonstrations from the Army and Navy, exciting night air displays and plenty more is all to be expected at this year’s festival.  

The landmark event is also hoping to inspire budding engineers with an enhanced STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) Village on the beach. Further to its success in 2023, the innovation-inspired village will feature unique demonstrations and displays from industry-leading companies, both local and national.  

Across four days, more than 600,000 people attended the last Bournemouth Air Festival. Over 11,000 copies of the official programme were sold; Bournemouth Air Festival social media accounts, which boast a combined following of more than 110,000 people, achieved over 1.8 million engagements; and the dedicated webpage was visited by over 1.4 million users.  

Participating brands and sponsors, which have previously included Porsche, Sunseeker, Rowse and Marriott, each benefitted from the equivalent of £3.5 million in advertising value, while the festival itself was detailed in over 1,400 items of coverage from local, national and international media.  

BCP Council is now inviting sponsors, traders and exhibitors to come forward to register interest in being part of this year’s festival, which has the largest single audience of any aviation event in Europe. 

As only a limited number of spaces are available, we advise registering interest early to avoid disappointment.  

Amanda Barrie, Director of Commercial Operations at BCP Council, said:  

“With its iconic planes, aerobatics, plentiful entertainment and welcoming family-friendly atmosphere, Bournemouth Air Festival is a fantastic finale to the summer, drawing in crowds far and wide. 

“This year we’re planning to make the festival even more memorable; listen out for further announcements regarding the event programme in the coming months.” 

Councillor Millie Earl, Portfolio Holder for Tourism at BCP Council, continued:  

“Bournemouth Air Festival marks a huge opportunity for sponsors, traders and exhibitors to get in front of consumers, grow and bring fresh eyes to their brand. The festival has the potential to bring a wealth of opportunities, whether your business is local, national or international.  

“Whether you choose to sponsor display acts or the STEM Village, take a prime trading location on the cliff or beach, or have your brand featured in the widely sold official festival programme, the event is a chance to make meaningful connections and develop new relationships.” 

Since last Summer, BCP Council has prioritised working with businesses and external organisations to operate a collaboratively funded, sustainable festival in 2024. 

Looking forward, the council is now inviting expressions of interest from operators to manage and deliver Bournemouth Air Festival in its entirety from 2025 onwards, enabling forward-thinking businesses and organisations to take the lead in continually growing, developing and building the event into a one of a kind ‘Festival of the Air’ spectacle. 

Councillor Earl added: “This is a hugely exciting opportunity to run, grow and shape an impactful event that has made a significant contribution to the local tourism economy over its remarkable 16-year history.  

“Consistently attracting over half a million visitors, Bournemouth Air Festival boasts an eclectic atmosphere, with day and evening air displays and entertainment attracting a broad demographic. If you think your business could help to grow and develop the festival, and the festival could help you to grow and develop your business, we’d love to hear from you.” 

“I’d like to say a huge thank you to the business community, council officers and BCP Cabinet members who, amid passionate public appeal, have worked together on these plans to organise a sustainably funded festival this year, and in years moving forward.  

“Our area is built on a visitor economy and these plans are about supporting the businesses that depend on the festival with a sustainable, long-term strategy. We also recognise the cultural value it brings in making the area a great place to live, work and play, and I’m excited to see what the future will bring.”  

Sponsors, traders and exhibitors who would like to register interest in being part of the festival in 2024, should email Ali Perrins, Event Manager, at alison.perrins@bcpcouncil.gov.uk or apply online here: bournemouthair.co.uk/commercial/ 

View the sponsorship prospectus here on the Air Festival website. 

Parties interested in managing the and delivering the Bournemouth Air Festival from 2025 onwards must express an interest through the Council’s eTendering website (ProContract).  

The deadline for expressions of interest is 2pm on Friday 01 March 2024.  

 

Editor’s notes:              

Press Information:  email Julia.bullas@bcpcouncil.gov.uk 

Commercial and sponsorship opportunities: email alison.perrins@bcpcouncil.gov.uk  

For more details visit bournemouthair.co.uk or follow the Air Festival crew on social media #bmthairfest 

Facebook: @bournemouthairfestival, Instagram: @bmthairfest, Twitter: @BmthAirFest   

The countdown is on for the Bournemouth Air Festival as more displays and attractions are announced. 

Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to visit the town on 31 August for the free four-day event. 

In a first for the festival, the North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco plane will join the line up and making their debut will be the Starlings Aerobatic team, who will bring a two aircraft aerobatic display to the event. 

Visitors will be treated to a new performance by former RAF Tornado pilot Richard Goodwin in his unique G-JPIT bi-plane, which he has recently reengineered to include two ATM Lynx Jet engines. 

Making a welcome return will be the Yakovlev 50 and the Norwegian Historical Squadron with their classic jet the deHavilland Vampire FB.52  

The Night Air programme will include The Firebirds Display Team and Otto the Schweizer 300C helicopter with their vibrant pyrotechnics, not forgetting the Typhoon with its roaring night display. 

Back on land, and in another first for the festival, Madame MOJO’s Cabaret Club will be offering performances throughout the four days. 

Visitors can also take advantage of funfairs, big screens showing films and 1.5 miles of food and drink stalls. 

⁠Portfolio Holder for Connected Communities and Tourism, Cllr Millie Earl, said: “We are looking forward to welcoming everyone back for this year’s Bournemouth Air Festival.  

“An incredible amount of work has gone into ensuring this event will be fun for everyone. 

Festival Director Jon Weaver said: “We encourage everyone to travel sustainably to the festival and try the Park and Ride, walk or cycle their own bike or a Beryl bike to the festival.  

“If you are from out of town, we have some excellent coach operators offering great prices down to the festival. 

“We’ve been made aware of planned strike action on the trains on Saturday 2 September and we are waiting for confirmation on how this will affect trains. Please check the South Western Railway website for more information. 

“While enjoying the festival, please help keep our beautiful seafront clean by recycling and disposing of your rubbish responsibly and leaving only footprints.” 

Also returning to the festival will be the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines, who will be performing Sunday morning 11am-12pm and the Beat Retreat Sunset Ceremony in the Lower Gardens on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6.45pm. 

The Commando Recruiting Team will be giving Unarmed Combat demonstrations on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 6.20pm. 

Crowd favourites the Red Arrows will perform at 5.30pm on Thursday, 5pm on Friday and Saturday and 2.45pm on Sunday. You can get up to date access to the full Flying programme by purchasing the Coronation Souvenir programme here. 

The RAF Typhoon will display each day and the Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster will perform the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. 

There’s still time to snap up the last few VIP hospitality tickets for the best view of the festival here. 

Editor’s notes: 

For more information on Morebus routes through the festival see here. Thanks to the current government bus subsidies, the fare is £2 per single journey, so it’s cheaper than ever to travel by bus and a greener way too.  

For more information on train strikes, please visit the South Western Railway website. 

Buy tickets to Madame Mojo’s Cabaret club here. 

For information on what BCP Council are doing to make the festival more sustainable, please see here. 

For more information on the displays and aircraft as they are being announced please go to the Bournemouth Air Festival website or stay up to date on social media: Facebook: @bournemouthairfestival, Instagram: bmthairfest, Twitter: @BmthAirFest   

Press Information: Julia.bullas@bcpcouncil.gov.uk. Commercial and sponsorship opportunities: cara.donn@bcpcouncil.gov.uk   

Primary school children who won a competition to inspire future engineers will get to meet the Red Arrows at this year’s Bournemouth Air Festival.

Six winners from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole primary schools won the competition to design a paper aeroplane.

They will now meet the world class RAF pilots at this year’s free four-day event, organised by BCP Council.

The winners will be taken on a tour of the festival’s Ultra Energy STEM Village (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths), which features exciting demonstrations from local STEM companies.

All primary schools in the BCP Council area were also invited to an exclusive Question and Answer online event with the Red Arrows in late June.

About 130 classes and 3,300 children took part in the event, which featured Flt Lt Patrick Kershaw from the Red Arrows and promoted the Ultra Energy STEM Village.

The pilot, known as Red 5, spoke about his fondness for Bournemouth and how he would be looking forward to seeing the children wave as he flew over for this year’s air festival.

A spokesperson from Stourfield Infants School said: “Thank you for giving our school the opportunity to take part in today’s Q and A with Red 5.

“The children have been talking about it all day. He has truly inspired a whole school, so many aspiring to be a Red Arrows’ pilot.

“We’ve had lots of paper aeroplane making in Sparkle Time this afternoon, the playground was definitely a very busy runway!”

One winner of the paper aeroplane competition was Dylan Goodman from Winton Primary School, whose brightly coloured design caught the attention of the judges.

Dylan’s mother Sarah Goodman said: “Dylan is aviation mad, and it’s been his dream for as long I can remember to join the RAF and be a Red Arrow pilot, so this is an incredible opportunity for him!”

He will join winners from Heatherlands Primary School, Parkfield School, St Clement’s and St John’s Infant School, Talbot Heath and Christchurch Infants.

Councillor Richard Burton, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People, said: “This community engagement has really helped us inspire the next generation of schoolchildren into STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths).

“If you’re a budding engineer, or you’re just interested in how things work, please do visit the Ultra Energy STEM Village at this year’s Bournemouth Air Festival.

“It will feature games and interactive displays on topics such as virtual reality, lifeboats that save lives at sea and zero-carbon technology.

“Some of the region and nation’s top experts specialising in various STEM sectors will be there, such as the RNLI and Rolls Royce. It’s not to be missed!”

Squadron Leader Tom Bould, Team Leader and Red 1 of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, said: “STEM subjects power the work of the Red Arrows and are at the core of so many roles within the RAF.

“We’ve all been very impressed by the creativity and ingenuity in all in the children’s paper aeroplane designs. Every entry was a possible winner!”

Paul Hine, Ultra Energy’s STEM Ambassador, said: “Applying STEM to the world’s challenges is often the only way we’ll solve them.

“This year our stand will bring to life a zero-carbon theme with interactive games exploring how nuclear energy works and how we make it safe and controllable. We can’t wait to see you there!”

Visit the Ultra Energy STEM Village on the East Cliff at the Bournemouth Air Festival 31 August – 3 September 2023.

Editor’s notes:

See a list of all exhibitors at: bournemouthair.co.uk/whats-on/stem-marquee/

Ultra Energy – Ultra Energy – this year’s STEM Village sponsor, based in Ferndown. It’s goal is to see nuclear energy fulfil its net zero potential by engineering innovative safety solutions that help nuclear companies succeed. Website – ultra.energy

RNLI – with cutting edge technology the RNLI saves lives at sea. RNLI engineers design, build or maintain the charity’s lifeboats and stations or have a supporting role in finance, HR, planning or administration. Website – rnli.org.uk/apprenticeships

Thales – this year’s display appearance supporter of the RAF Chinook Display Team. From the credit card in your pocket, your passport, your secure online banking and supporting UK’s Army, Navy and Air Force, Thales teams harness the extraordinary power of technology to build a future we can all trust. Website – thalesgroup.com/uk

Rolls Royce – Rolls-Royce develops and delivers complex power and propulsion solutions for safety-critical applications in the air, at sea and on land. We harness the potential of cutting edge technologies to create safe, cleaner and more efficient power and propulsion solutions. Website – https://www.rolls-royce.com

Micro Nav Limited – the leading, award-winning specialist producer of Air Traffic Control simulators with an unbroken track record since 1988. Website – Micro Nav

Yunex Traffic –  a world leader in intelligent traffic systems, offering the widest end-to-end portfolio of solutions for adaptive traffic control and management. Website – Yunex

Spherea Test & Services Ltd– an international group providing complex test solutions for aerospace and defence platforms, systems and equipment. Website – spherea.co.uk

Superior Seals Ltd  – a leading manufacturer of high integrity o-rings and seals  Website Superior Seals Ltd

Parvalux Electric Motors Ltd – the UK’s largest fractional horsepower electric motor manufacturer and supplier, with state of the art manufacturing and service facilities.  Website Parvalux

AUB (Arts University Bournemouth) – a leading University offering high quality specialist education in art, design, media and performance across the creative industries. Website – aub.ac.uk

Centre VR – Europe’s largest virtual reality arenas and escape room venues. Over 100 amazing experiences for seven-year-olds to adults. Website – centrevr.co.uk/

Bournemouth University – a university that inspires learning, advances knowledge and enriches society worldwide, through research, education, and the impact of its staff, students and graduates –bournemouth.ac.uk

KW Engineering – an engineered aerospace component company based in Poole – kw-eng.co.uk

IMI Thompson Valves Ltd – designing, manufacturing, assembling and testing high integrity pneumatic and hydraulic flow control devices.  Website – IMI Thompson Valves 

Leonardo – sponsor of the Typhoon Display Team this year, Leonardo is a global high-tech company and a leading player in Aerospace, Defence and Security. Website – uk.leonardo.com

AECC University College – specialist health sciences university, delivering high-quality education, research, clinical and consultancy services in chiropractic, physiotherapy, psychology, radiology and imaging sciences. Website – aecc.ac.uk

For more information on the displays and aircraft as they are being announced please go to the Bournemouth Air Festival website or stay up to date on social media: Facebook: @bournemouthairfestival, Instagram: bmthairfest, Twitter: @BmthAirFest

Press Information: Julia.bullas@bcpcouncil.gov.uk. Commercial and sponsorship opportunities: cara.donn@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

This year’s much anticipated Bournemouth Air Festival is set to engage with a new audience as confirmation of a new STEM area, sponsored by Atlas Elektronik UK (AEUK), is taking residence on the East Overcliff. STEM is an approach to learning and development that integrates the areas and challenges of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

Located next to the RAF Village area the Atlas Elektronik UK STEM marquee will see a number of high profile local, regional and multinational companies and experts specialising in various STEM sectors gathered in one place. They will be on hand and ready to introduce and inspire the next generation of engineers, scientists, researchers, IT specialists, games developers and more.

Lisa Bowyer, Head of HR from AEUK said; “The Air Festival is the perfect platform to showcase careers specialising in a STEM education. The opportunities are vast, exciting and dynamic, there’s so much possibility. We’re delighted to be supporting this new area, to engage, offer advice and hopefully inspire children and young adults to choose a fulfilling and motivating STEM career.

Participating and on hand to talk to will be expert advice and representation from AIM Altitude, AEUK, Babcock International Group, BAE Systems, Bournemouth & Poole College, Bournemouth University, Cobham Mission Systems, Curtiss-Wright, Draken, EXplora Science Technology and Discovery Centre, RNLI, Spherea Test & Services Ltd, Ultra Electronics and Signature Technicair.

Jon Weaver Air Festival Director added: “It’s great to work with such leading STEM representation from the local and regional area. It represents something new in the festival along with other changes we’re making to introduce maritime. The bigger air-displays have already been announced – and there’s more to come.

Councillor Mohan Iyengar, Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Leisure and Culture said: “It’s more great news for the air festival – along with last week’s RAF announcements. As always, we’ll keep our preparations rolling forward while staying attuned to any further developments and government announcements.

Regarded as the UK’s most successful civilian air show with brilliant day and night-time entertainment in the skies, on land and in the evening, the 2021 Air Festival takes place
2^nd – 5^th September.

From sky to sea – Sunseeker partners with Bournemouth air festival in a record-breaking parade of new and classic sunseeker boats

Sunseeker has partnered with the Bournemouth Air Festival for 2021 to create a spectacular display of new and classic Sunseeker yachts. On Saturday 4th September, Sunseeker owners are invited to join an official ‘Parade’ in front of thousands of Air Festival spectators. Sunseeker is calling for owners to take part and help become part of an extraordinary event by bringing together the largest number of Sunseekers in history.

This follows last year’s hugely successful inaugural Sunseeker Parade as part of the grand opening of its VIP Showcase in Poole, where dozens of boats took to the seas in a commemorative voyage of a lifetime, culminating with a visit to its shipyard on Poole Quay.

The Bournemouth Air Festival draws thousands of spectators each year and remains the UK’s best-attended seaside festival. This year the event is set to return Thursday 2nd – Sunday 5th September and Sunseeker is delighted to be involved in bringing the festival back to the local area with new maritime entertainment.

Bryan Jones, Marketing Manager at Sunseeker International, commented: “The Air Festival is such a fantastic local event and one of the best vantage points to view the amazing displays is definitely on the water where boats are invited to anchor. We are delighted to be supporting the event this year and hope to welcome a record number of our fantastic owners to get involved in the Parade and put on something unique for festival-goers to enjoy. We are always blown away by the enthusiasm of our owners who make these events possible and we hope to make this one of the highlights of 2021. We’re used to breaking records but with so many owners involved, this is going

to be truly momentous.”

Added Jon Weaver Air Festival Director; “The Air Festival provides a great platform to showcase the prominent international status of local brands, and in particular Sunseeker based in Poole. We hope this is the beginning of a strong partnership that demonstrates this Festival has a wide programme of activity on land, sea and air.”

If you own a Sunseeker and would like to take part in the Sunseeker Parade on Saturday 4th September 2021, please register your interest.

Ends

FOR PRESS ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:

Enya Lumley or Nicola McKenna

McKenna Townsend

Tel: +44 (0)1425 472330

Email: sunseeker@mckennatownsend.com

Bryan Jones

Marketing Manager

Tel: +44 (0)1202 381111

Email: bryan.jones@sunseeker.com

Web: www.sunseeker.com

About Sunseeker International Limited:

Sunseeker is the world’s leading brand for luxury performance motor yachts. Originally named Poole Power Boats, the company was founded by brothers Robert and John Braithwaite in 1969. The company changed its name to Sunseeker International in 1985 and has since become a global icon, with every Sunseeker the result of an uncompromising and unmatched approach to design, craftsmanship and performance.

In August 2013 a majority stake in the business was acquired by Wanda Group, the Beijing headquartered conglomerate with strong footprints across China, Europe and the US. Wanda Group is a committed long-term shareholder providing strong financial and strategic backing for Sunseeker’s continued growth and success.

From its manufacturing base in Poole, Dorset on the south coast of England, Sunseeker employs c.2,000 people and produces around 150 boats every year ranging from 38-161 feet with 95% being exported – see www.sunseeker.com.

Poole is also the home to Sunseeker’s dedicated Design & Technology Centre, a unique facility which vertically integrates every detail of the yachts from the initial concept designs through to the finishing details including furniture, complex electrical systems, helm consoles and soft furnishings. As Sunseeker produces these components in its own dedicated facility, it is able to offer exceptionally high quality control, craftsmanship and attention to detail.

In 2022, Sunseeker International will launch its first production yacht with hybrid power.

Sunseeker’s continual investment in research and development is evident, not only in the application of world-class innovation, but also in the design and construction of its boats. New materials and propulsion systems are continually developed and introduced to the range to offer improved environmental impact, better handling and better comfort on board. Going forward, Sunseeker is investing in new materials and features to improve sound and ambient air quality for its customers.

When customers want something even more distinctive, buyers of the larger Yacht and Superyacht models can benefit from the company’s ‘Bespoke’ customisation service which allows individual customers to personalise their yacht.

Demand for the company’s larger models continues to grow year-on-year with more than 141 yachts over 100 feet in length already delivered since 2000. This increase in demand for larger models has been the driving force behind the recent launch of the company’s Superyacht Division and its truly momentous plans to expand its manufacturing into the world of metal-built yachts. This exciting new development will see Sunseeker produce its largest superyacht ever, the magnificent 50M Ocean, launching in 2023.

Working very closely with 120 retail & service locations in 74 countries, service and product support is a key priority in maintaining customer satisfaction.

As a prominent business within the county and one of Dorset’s largest employers, Sunseeker continues its work with charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, a charity that resonates with its employees who have already raised donations approaching £100,000 during just two years. In addition, it continues its support of their annual Dorset Bike Ride which has raised over £1million since Sunseeker’s involvement began.

Most recently Sunseeker announced a long-term partnership with the Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE), a charity dedicated to creating marine reserves around the world and improving biodiversity. With the future of healthy seas and oceans at risk, Sunseeker supports BLUE in its widest sense including a unique campaign titled ‘Project Menorca’ which will focus on the island’s marine environment. Working closely with BLUE, the new partnership will establish a recognised model of conservation, supported by local partners on the island including the Menorca Preservation Fund.

The Sunseeker range constantly sets new standards and benchmarks. From the majestic Superyacht and Yachts range, through to the luxurious Manhattan range, the iconic Predator models, dynamic Sports Yacht and the agile Performance range, each Sunseeker is the result of an uncompromising approach to innovative design and engineering excellence. Never settling for second best, it is this spirit of excellence that has driven Sunseeker to its pre-eminent position in the leisure marine industry today.

The current 20 boat range consists of:

Superyacht 50M Ocean, 42M Ocean, 131, 116

Yacht 100, 95, 90 Ocean, 88, 86, 76 Sport Yacht 74, 65 Predator 74, 60 EVO™, 55 EVO™, 50 Manhattan 68, 66, 55, 52

Performance Hawk 38