Royal Navy flies in to Bournemouth Air Festival

The Royal Navy flew in to launch the 7th Bournemouth Air Festival this morning (Thursday 28 Aug) with air displays and a Royal Marines abseil.

In front of thousands of onlookers the Royal Marines wowed the crowds with their skills abseiling down a building in this the 350th anniversary year of the Corps.

Shortly afterwards the Black Cats display team took off from the deck of Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) Argus to put on a show.

The Bournemouth Air Festival is the only event of its kind that brings together Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary ships, Royal Marines, Army, Royal Air Force, civilian aircraft and display teams for an aerial spectacular.

The air festival runs over the course of four days with this year expected to be the biggest and best yet with two Royal Navy vessels – HMS Westminster and HMS Mersey – as well as RFA Argus in attendance providing a backdrop for the occasion.

Commodore Jamie Miller, Naval Regional Commander (Wales, Western England), said: "Over the next four days the public will see the greatest ever concentration of Naval force yet at the Bournemouth Air Festival. 

"Working with our Royal Marines, the Army and French Navy we will be showcasing what we do best. We’re really looking forward to the next four days and hope the public are too.”

Setting Bournemouth Air Festival apart from the other air shows is the Night Air programme which runs from Thursday to Saturday night from 18:15.

Here the public will be treated to HM Royal Marines Band CTCRM performing at 1830.

Jon Weaver, Air Festival Director, said: “It really shows how far we have come over the last seven years to have such superb military support. The Royal Navy has played an integral part in making the Air Festival the success it is today and we’re extremely grateful. 

"Year-on-year the event continues to grow with more ships, people and assets.”

The Bournemouth Air Festival runs until Sunday (31 Aug) with HMS Westminster open to visitors over the weekend.