The Festival itself has seen breathtaking displays from the Black Cats Helicopter Display Team, Team Guinot Wing Walkers and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight as well as the awesome Eurofighter Typhoon and a record three appearances by the world-famous Red Arrows.

Spectators have been watching the displays along the 7-miles of Bournemouth beach, making this the largest event of its kind not only in the town’s history but in the country.

Said Alex Carter Managing Director of title sponsors Wilts & Dorset: “I am delighted, and overwhelmed with the results – the leading resort has produced what we consider to be a, if not the, leading aviation festival and to be a part of the town’s history is a great achievement for us all – on behalf of Wilts & Dorset I’d like to pay tribute and give thanks to all involved, we’re looking forward to seeing everyone next year!”

With temperatures on Saturday reaching 88 Fahrenheit, visitor figures, (along the seafront, the cliff top from Alum Chine to Southbourne and in over 1,000 boats in the bay), exceeded what could be up to 380,000 people in one day, making it officially the busiest the Seafront has ever been.

And with Festival entertainment into the evening the town was buzzing with a great atmosphere of aviation enjoyment and excitement – with estimates of up to 750,000 people in 4-days.

The More Bus Bournemouth Air Festival has led the way in aviation events with a jam-packed line-up of evening attractions in the town centre and award-winning Lower Gardens – making this a Festival in every sense of the word. Said local businessman Stanley Reeves, owner of S&D Leisure; “The evening entertainment has undoubtedly added to what was already going to be a great line-up for visitors; in particular the Heliosphere and Balloon Glow – it’s certainly something the town needed and all credit to the organisers. There’s no question as to whether we will be involved again next year, we’re behind it one hundred per cent.”

Not only were the thousands of spectators left amazed by the displays but the Pilots were equally impressed with the results of Bournemouth’s first ever Air Festival, commented Dave Lilly, Black Cats Pilot “The crowds, setting and hospitality have been second to none – we can’t wait for next year!” Added Stew Campbell Tucano Pilot “It’s great organisers were able to book the weather, we’re looking forward to being back next year”.