With less than a day to go before Bournemouth Air Festival flies into town, organisers have issued a reminder that drones are strictly banned at the festival site.
In addition, there will be travel restrictions in place on Bournemouth Pier Approach flyover and a marine safety zone restricting boats entering the water under the flight display area.
Bournemouth Air Festival, which is currently managed by BCP Council, runs from tomorrow until Saturday.
The free event attracts thousands of residents and visitors to Bournemouth’s seafront.
It includes aerial displays, the chance to engage with the armed forces, interact with activities in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Village and enjoy the ground entertainment and much more.
Visitors will also be able to watch the Royal Navy’s armed combat demonstrations, explore the British Army’s battle tanks, take flight on the fairground rides and indulge at one of the many eateries around the festival site.
Cllr Richard Herrett, Portfolio Holder for Destination, Leisure and Commercial Operations at BCP Council, said: “Bournemouth Air Festival is an incredible display of partnership work, with all teams meticulously planning every detail to ensure the event runs smoothly.
“The safety and wellbeing of everyone at the Air Festival is paramount, and I encourage everyone to familiarise themselves with our safety advice ahead of time.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to Bournemouth at the end of August for a fantastic, safe and enjoyable time.
“If anyone sees something suspicious, they’re encouraged to follow the mantra ‘see it, say it, sorted’ and report it to a member of event staff or police.
“In an emergency, always call 999.
“We all have a role to play in keeping each other safe.
“Your safety is our priority, and that’s why we work with several partners, including Dorset Police, RNLI Lifeguards, Counter Terrorism Policing, BCP Council Community Safety (CSAS) Officers and Seafront Rangers, Poole Harbour Commissioners, HM Coastguard and other emergency services, to deliver a safe event.
Assistant Chief Constable Mark Callaghan, Gold Commander for Dorset Police said: “Our multi-agency approach, which is led by BCP Council, includes high visibility patrols by uniformed officers, armed police and security staff as well as CCTV monitoring.
“We want to welcome everyone to come and enjoy the air festival responsibly while reminding them to be vigilant and report anything suspicious.
“Overall, it’s about keeping everyone safe on the land, in the sea and in the skies, so those visiting the event can have a fantastic time.”
Visitors are encouraged to follow the RNLI’s beach safety advice if entering the water, which includes swimming between the red and yellow lifeguard flags and following their essential ‘Float to Live’ guidance.
Those planning to travel to Bournemouth by bicycle or Beryl e-scooter are advised that riding these vehicles within the festival site is not permitted.
Temporary Beryl bays on the periphery of the event site will provide somewhere to leave Beryl bicycles and e-scooters.
Families can also take advantage of the LV= KidZone beach safety scheme to help protect and reunited lost children and vulnerable people on the seafront.
Visitors are advised to take a picture of their child or vulnerable person to see what they’re wearing during each visit to the Air Festival, and to also collect a free wristband from LV=Kidzone operatives, seafront offices or RNLI lifeguard towers.
The wristband will have the parent or guardian’s phone number written on it, which will help to reunite any children or vulnerable adults with their friends and family should they become split from the group.