3 army men with arms crossed smiling for camera on Bournemouth beach

Armed Forces Villages

Located on the beach (Zone 2) the Royal Navy Village offered the opportunity to meet members of the services alongside a variety of service charities that help to support serving and former personnel and their families, and interactive attractions and demonstrations. Also in Zone 2 there was the chance to visit the Army Village and get up close to an array of current British Army equipment, such as the Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank! With expert soldiers on hand to answer any questions it was the perfect opportunity to find out all about a career in the Army

The RAF chinook team posing in front of their stand at the air show

Royal Air Force Village

The interactive RAF Village up on the East Overcliff saw the return of the static Hawk display. The perfect place to find out more about a career in the RAF and discover what the RAF do on a daily basis.

Hanging seat ride up high

Funfairs & Entertainment

2023 once again provided a variety of traders across the Seafront, the Town Centre and up on East Overcliff, offering everything from local shortbread to a nifty new pair of sunglasses. There was also plenty of funfair entertainment to enjoy on the Seafront across the 4 days.

Woman dressed in caberat and singing

Madame MOJO’s

New in 2023 Madame MOJO’s was a shimmering cabaret and live entertainment experience, hosting the most outrageous drag queens, comedians, and cabaret singers carefully handpicked, without so much as chipping a nail.

Madame MOJO’s Cabaret Club at The Bournemouth Air Festival offered hints of the West End, elements of Moulin Rouge, Madame JoJo’s, Funny Girls and even a touch of the Ibiza beach vibes.

Teaming up with the award-winning Steak House restaurant Funki Griller, diners enjoyed a unique show experience, that proved to be one of the highlights of the Air Festival.

vintage cars lined up in a row

Vintage Cars

Bournemouth's East Overcliff saw a range of vintage cars

Fudge trader at the air festival

Food and drink

With 1.5 miles of terrific traders and a variety of veritable vendors, there was plenty to keep everyone well fed and watered throughout the festival. Not forgetting the new seafront al fresco bars and restaurants, which proved perfect for watching the air displays

Marching band along Bournemouth Seafront

Lower Gardens & Night Air entertainment

2023 saw the Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines perform on the Sunday morning from 11:00am-12:00pm and the Beat Retreat Sunset Ceremony in the Lower Gardens on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Also delighted audiences the Commando Recruiting Team gave Unarmed Combat demonstrations on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Big Screen located in the Bournemouth gardens with visitors watching

The Big Screen

The Big screen in the Lower Gardens offered some early evening entertainment for all the family.

Multi colored fireworks exploding in the night sky above Bournemouth pier

Fireworks

Bournemouth's awe-inspiring firework displays near the pier on Friday and Saturday evenings proved as popular as ever