Bournemouth Air Festival returns after cancelled year

The Red Arrows appeared at the festival for the first time in three years

Bournemouth Air Festival has opened after a year off due to the pandemic.

Up to one million people could attend the four-day event, which is expected to generate more than £30m for the local economy, organisers said.

Flying started under cloudy skies on Thursday afternoon, including the Red Arrows' first appearance at the festival for three years.

Other highlights included a wing walkers display and a flypast by an RAF Eurofighter Typhoon.

Jon Weaver, air festival director said: "Trying to organise this event has been incredibly challenging for everyone involved. With all the hard work that has gone into it, this is just the boost we need - we can't wait to welcome everyone."

Organisers urged festival-goers to use the council's smartphone app which shows which areas of the beach are most crowded and "help everyone attending have a safe event by not coming if they have had Covid symptoms".

Covid safety measures also include one-way systems in some areas and hand sanitiser stations.

An RAF Eurofighter Typhoon was one of the highlights on the first day

A plaque bearing an inspirational poem was recently added to the Jon Egging memorial at East Cliff

A plaque in memory of Red Arrows pilot Jon Egging has recently been added to the memorial at East Cliff to mark the 10th anniversary of his death at the air festival in 2011.

Flt Lt Jon Egging died aged 33, when his Hawk T1 aircraft crashed following a display.

The festival, first held in 2008, can be viewed on the beach either side of Bournemouth Pier or on the clifftops.

Last year, virtual reality displays were shown online after the event was cancelled due to Covid-19.