Royal Navy, RAF aircraft and local historians set to bring the past to life.

At this year’s More Bus Bournemouth Air Festival, it’s not just the super fast jets and adrenaline fuelled aircraft that will be impressing the crowds; there will be a host of history and heritage taking to the skies, on the ground and out at sea.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) will feature on three of the four days of this summer’s most anticipated event, 20th – 23rd August 2008.

The Spitfire, Hurricane and Avro Lancaster will take to the skies on Thursday 20th, Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd with the Lancaster flying solo on Sunday 23rd. The Battle of Britain Memorial displays will not only be hugely fascinating to watch but will give the crowds a chance to remember these famous frontline aircraft and pay tribute to those who flew them.

The Spitfire, having started its service for the RAF in August 1938, forms a key part in the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The Hurricane, designed and built solely for war was at the forefront of Britain's defence playing a major part in achieving victory in 1945; and The Lancaster, known as ‘The Bomber’, was an immediate success from the start of its service for the Royal Air Force from 1941.

Adding to the historical flight line-up is the Royal Navy Sea Vixen, flown by local Cmdr Lt Matt Whitfield. Celebrating 100 years of Naval Aviation this year, the Sea Vixen is the only airworthy one of its kind in the country.

Also flying this year is the SallyB otherwise known as the Flying Fortress. The last remaining airworthy B17 in the UK, in the Second World War, the Flying Fortress was critical to the US Air Force’s daylight precision bombing raids.

The Spitfire will be displaying with the P51 Mustang, this American aircraft is one of the best known and respected fighter planes of the Second World War; and not forgetting and the P-40 Kittyhawk. Also known as the Warhawk, she has served in every theatre of war including Europe, North Africa and the Pacific region.

It’s not only the skies that will be heaving with history, in addition to the aircraft the veteran tent, located along the promenade, offers the perfect opportunity hear more about the past, listen to stories and find out about the famous Schneider Trophy from locally based Poole Flying Boats.

Jon Weaver, More Bus Bournemouth Air Festival Director said; “We are delighted that a number of incredible historical aircraft will be returning to the Air Festival this summer, and equally excited about the number of new aircraft taking to the skies – for those who flew them and the conflicts they represent; it gives us all a chance to acknowledge their bravery. They have all played their part in shaping aviation history; we are truly honoured and proud to host them”.