The Bournemouth Air Festival has been the absolute highlight of our coastal summers for years, but things are looking very different for 2026. If you were planning your August around the usual roar of jet engines, you will need to adjust your calendar. The Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council has decided to pause the event for 2026 to protect public funds following a budget review. This means there are no scheduled air displays, and the iconic Red Arrows will not be flying over the bay this summer, as they only perform here as part of the official festival. The council is currently looking for a commercial partner to fund and run the event in the future, so its long-term return remains unconfirmed.
Every week we pick 🏆 the 5 best 🏆 things to do in Bournemouth and send them to your inbox. Just one weekly email, no spam.
By submitting your email, you accept our Privacy Policy
It is a massive change for a town that has hosted this spectacle since 2008. Over its run, the festival grew into Europe's largest aviation event, drawing more than nine million people to our shores. Those who remember the classic weekends will recall how the entire stretch between Bournemouth and Boscombe piers transformed. The skies were filled with everything from historic warbirds to wingwalkers, while the sea hosted naval frigates and beach landings. The evening "Night Air" sessions, with illuminated planes and fireworks after dark, were always a highlight, bringing in significant trade for local businesses.
Even without the planes, our seven-mile coastline from Alum Chine to Hengistbury Head is still the place to be this summer. Bournemouth Beach was recently ranked the top beach in the UK by TripAdvisor, and we still have excellent Blue Flag spots at Durley Chine and Fisherman's Walk. You can stroll along Bournemouth Pier or Boscombe Pier, which are open daily from 09:00 to 23:00. If you fancy some fishing, Boscombe Pier offers day passes for £10.50 (card only at the seafront office). Further down the coast, Mudeford Quay is perfect for a relaxed afternoon, where you can catch the Mudeford Ferry over to the sandbank.
If you are looking for alternative events to fill the gap, there are still great local options nearby. The Poole Harbour Festival is taking place at Baiter Recreation Ground from 31 July to 2 August 2026, offering a weekend of live music and family entertainment. Closer to home, the Muscliff Family Fun Day will be hosting its tenth annual event at Muscliff Park. While we might miss the jets this year, there is plenty of coastal life and local entertainment to keep us busy.
Published Date
18 July 2026
More information
