Published on Wednesday 25 August 2021
Leaving these recent unprecedented times behind us, more than 20 local, regional, national and international companies have recognised the award-winning platform the air festival offers and will be supporting and sponsoring this summer’s much anticipated event in a number of unique and innovative ways.
A host of new sponsors and supporters have stepped up for 2021 and will be making the most of what is probably the largest free event taking place this year. With footfall figures predicted to reach 700,000 over the 4 days (with repeat visitors and good weather) companies making a welcome return include Bournemouth Highcliff Marriott (supporting the display appearance of the Tigers Freefall Parachute Display Team), The Oceana Group (supporting the display appearance of The Blades Aerobatic Display Team) and The Echo (producing the official Air Festival brochure and supporting the display appearance of Rich Goodwin in his Super Pitts Muscle Plane).
New for 2021 sees local company Zest Home Appliance Insurance and Repairs supporting the display appearance of the RAF Chinook, Right at Home supporting the display appearance of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and, in a festival first, Porsche Centre Bournemouth powering the Air Festival app. South Western Railway are proud to be the ‘Official Transport Provider’, with an easy online widget which makes booking train tickets super easy, and Hot Radio is taking the title of the ‘Official Radio Partner’, broadcasting the Air Festival live across their airways live from the event site.
It’s another first for the new Atlas Elektronik UK STEM Marquee, located on the East Overcliff. Home for four days to Atlas Elektronik UK, Bournemouth and Poole College, Curtiss-Wright, Draken Europe, DSTL, Explore Science, Technology and Discovery Centre, Gama Aviation, RNLI, Spherea Test and Services, Ultra and Signature TechnicAir it’s the perfect place to meet first-hand with high profile companies and experts ready to inspire the next generation of STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics) engineers, scientist, researchers and IT specialists.
Dr Susan Metcalff, Head of Research and Innovation Division, Atlas Elektronik UK said, "The Air Festival offers a great platform to encourage really positive STEM conversations – seeing the aircraft in the skies, the Sunseeker parade in the bay and military villages, all with that common STEM influence, what better place than the festival to encourage the next generation of STEM career enthusiasts!"
Home to the RAF Village the East Overcliff will have its own wifi hot spot provided by CityFibre the ‘Official Air Festival Wi-fi Provider’, making it easier to post, like and share your RAF village and Atlas Elektronik STEM marquee experiences.
The new 2021 environmental initiative sees organisers partner with Wave105, ‘Official Responsible and Sustainable Partner’. Jon Weaver Air Festival Director said, "Believe it or not, over 95% of CO2 emissions is not created by the display aircraft but by the number of cars coming to the event. This year we are encouraging festival goers to be the‘1-in-3’ that ditches the car and chooses to come to the festival by bus, train, bike or even by foot. If we all make a little change, we can help to make a big difference."
With support from the region’s largest commercial radio station, it is hoped that festival goers will see the impact they can make by travelling responsibly.
Councillor Drew Mellor, Leader of BCP Council said; "Since the start of 2021 we’ve been determined to make this the year of ‘bounce back’. To engineer the fastest possible recovery for businesses and for jobs – and to help people back outdoors. Festival Coast Live! has led the way this summer and we have no doubt that this year’s Air Festival will be a massive boost for everyone! We are delighted to have such a variety of companies and businesses behind us, from local franchises to internationally recognised leaders in their chosen fields we are proud to stage such a fantastic event."
The Air Festival takes place 2 – 5 September and features the greatest RAF line up in 5 years, with the Red Arrows (displaying daily at 3pm), Typhoon, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and RAF Chinook, not forgetting a host of civilian teams and aircraft including The Blades, Ultimate Warbirds and stunt pilot Rich Goodwin. With entertainment from 10am and flying from early afternoon with dusk flying in the early evening and great night air entertainment it’s a fantastic day out for all the family. Download the Air Festival app and make sure you’re beach ready for your day out and download the Beach Check app to find your perfect seaside spot.