Don’t leave it too late to book your accommodation for the Bournemouth Air Festival this August!

The Bournemouth Air Festival (18-21 August) has welcomed almost eight million visitors to our corner of the South Coast since it began in 2008. And this year’s event looks to be the biggest yet.

But what’s to love, if you don’t list “plane spotting” among your specific interests? Well, here’s your starter for five.

It’s officially the best tourism event in England.

The festival won the coveted Gold at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2015, beating off tough opposition from The Cotswold Show and Food Festival, Mallard 75 at the National Railway Museum, Northumbrian Water/Kielder Winter Wonderland, Leapish Waterside Park and Vintage by the Sea at The Midland. Check out the website to see what all the fuss is about.

The Red Arrows will be performing on ALL FOUR DAYS!

Everybody loves the Reds, Right? This year it’s the team’s 52nd season and they will be showing how it is done the Royal Navy Black Cats Helicopter Display Team, Tigers Parachute Display Team, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and, even the Swiss Air Force Super Puma Team – a first for Bournemouth. (Mind you, if this lot are anything like the rest of the Swiss transport system, the Red Arrows might have a run for their money!)

It’s all in a good cause.

The Patrons scheme was launched in 2010 and has raised in excess of £80,000 for Air Festival charities, nominated by the Armed Forces. This year’s charities have been confirmed as the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC), ABF The Soldiers Charity and the Jon Egging Trust, started in memory of Flt Lt Jon Egging who lost his life on 20th August 2011 whilst performing at Bournemouth with the Red Arrows. The charity runs accredited programmes to increase young peoples’ self-confidence, self-esteem and life and work skills.

You can get a ringside seat on the beach for almost half the price of last year.

The SandBar, new this year, is offering “a more relaxed” (read, cheaper) beachside hangout for £45pp (the Marquee next door starts at £80) with access to an exclusive viewing area. It boasts simple menus – think tapas boards for sharing, wood fired pizzas, nachos and puds – plus firepits in the evening to keep things toasty as you watch the skies light up with pyrotechnic night flying. Book tickets here.

You can combine it all with a luxury stay at the Green House Hotel.

Here at the Green House Hotel, Bournemouth’s most environmentally friendly boutique hotel, we are perfectly placed to welcome Air Festival visitors for serious bouts of rest and relaxation amidst all the high-octane action. Set in our own quiet oasis just one block from the sea front, we are only a short stroll from the heart of the festival action. After a hectic day of winging it, our super-luxurious bedrooms – complete with handmade beds, organic linen, and spacious opulent bathrooms (our master doubles also feature original Victorian rolltop baths) – will feel like sheer heaven!

But don’t delay – the Air Festival dates book up fast! Call us today to book your room on 01202 498500 or book online here.