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HUNDREDS of thousands of people are set to flock to the seafront for this year’s Bournemouth Air Festival. But maybe you’re looking for somewhere different to watch the action this time around.

Here are a few suggestions for a different angle on the displays.

1. A BOAT

If you happen to own one, or know somebody that does, there can be few better ways to watch the air displays.

Sail into the bay, anchor up and sit back and relax with a front row seat.

Don’t expect to be on your own, though – previous years have seen as many as 600 boats moored up off the beach.

2. BALLARD DOWN, PURBECK

This is probably more one for photographers looking for a different vantage point, but if you want to get well away from the hustle and bustle of Bournemouth seafront, then this isn’t a bad place.

Enjoy the air displays with the beach and clifftop as a backdrop, instead.

Take note, though, that you might need your binoculars, or a big lens on your camera.

3. HENGISTBURY HEAD

If you want to be the first to spot (most of) the aircraft heading in for their displays, this is the place to be.

Most fly in from Bournemouth Airport, over the head and into the display arena. The exceptions include the Red Arrows and The Blades, which fly in straight over the beach.

But you’ll get a different view on things at Hengistbury for certain, and a bit more space for that picnic.

4. BOURNEMOUTH AIRPORT

More for the real aircraft buffs, this one.

Plenty of flying fans gather around the perimeter of the airport to watch their favourites flying in and out and parked up on the tarmac.

There’s also the cafe at Bournemouth Flying Club, if it’s available when you want to watch, or you could pay a visit to Bournemouth Aviation Museum across the road from the airport and get fully in to the spirit.

5. WEST CLIFF, NEXT TO THE BIC

Although you’ll be a bit off the flight line, the slope alongside the side of the BIC isn’t a bad place to be, especially for the Night Air displays.

Just along from the pier, you’ll get to see the extreme westerly part of each display, so to speak, and the pyrotechnics of the dusk displays look really good from here.

6. BOURNEMOUTH BALLOON

This one might be in fairly big demand – and you’ll only be up there for a short time – but time it right and you’ll get a spectacular view, if the weather’s good.

 

Courtesy of BournemouthEcho