Final day of Bournemouth Air Festival as its future remains…up in the air

It’s the final day of the Bournemouth Air Festival, the last one to be managed and run by BCP Council.

Its leader, Cllr Millie Earl, said discussions have been held with several potential operators but a future organiser could postpone next year’s event, allowing time to plan and refresh the festival for 2026.

A report will go to the council’s Cabinet in autumn.

Angus Campbell, Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, pictured, told Bournemouth One it was “hugely important” that the festival continued.

He added: “I’m very optimistic about life.

“I know there are things happening around where we are going to get the money from but I think local people will realise that the prosperity and, perhaps, the reputation of the conurbation is very important.”

Cllr Earl said: “We understand people are keen to know what’s happening with the Bournemouth Air Festival after this year’s event.

“A lot of work has gone into the Bournemouth Air Festival 2024 – thank you to all our partners who have worked with us.

“We’re currently scoping plans for a potential future air festival and have been honest that, bearing in mind the financial challenges we are facing as a council, this is the last year of a council-funded air show.

“We have talked to several potential operators for future years, but any decision needs to go through the full democratic process.

“No decision has been made yet and a report is due to go to the council’s cabinet in the autumn.

“A potential future operator could decide to pause the production of an air festival in 2025 to allow time to plan and refresh the event for 2026.

“We will update residents, businesses and visitors as soon as we can.”

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