Talks over new operator in bid to save air festival

About 500,000 people attended across the free three-day event in August 2024

A contract to continue the Bournemouth Air Festival through an "experienced operator of airshows" is being considered by councillors.

Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has released a report looking into potential options for the festival's future.

In the document, it confirms an unnamed operator has suggested the festival does not take place in 2025, but returns with a "completely refreshed offer" from 2026 to 2036.

The proposed 10-year contract for the festival comes after the authority confirmed it would no longer fund the event.

The annual event takes place on Bournemouth seafront

The report states there were five potential operators who came forward, which was quickly whittled down to two after meetings.

One of the operators was then told their proposals could not go ahead as it required further funding from the authority.

The remaining potential new operator has suggested running the airshow for three days on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the end of August.

The report does not provide much information about the potential operator, except to say its experience includes “key links to the European Airshow Council (EAC) and the UK Air Display Symposiums”.

The authority's director of commercial operations, Amanda Barrie and head of events, Helen Wildman, set out what the council will need to do if it signs a contract with the operator.

Their report suggests commercialising Boscombe and Bournemouth piers via hospitality.

It says: “Whilst an element of access will be maintained, free viewing of the displays will be outside of this core zone."

Millie Earl, leader of BCP Council, said lots of work went into the 2024 event

The last council-funded air show, held in August, saw about 500,000 people attend.

The report revealed the potential operator had been at the event "to gain insight into the further work that is needed".

It added: “It is noted that some of this work will require more detailed discussions before a full appraisal can be undertaken and any future operator agreement can be entered into to ensure all risks are fully explored.”

Councillor Millie Earl, BCP Council leader, said: "We have been honest that, bearing in mind the financial challenges we are facing as a council, 2024 was the last year of a council funded air show.

“We have talked to several potential future operators, but any decision needs to go through the full democratic process."

Ms Earl confirmed the report would be discussed in cabinet on Wednesday 2 October.

She continued: "There is an officer recommendation to agree to continued feasibility conversations with a future operator, as well as seeking to source sponsorship, for a festival from 2026 onwards.

“This is another step in this process, but we would like to emphasise that no decision has been made.

“We will update residents, businesses and visitors as soon as we can.”