Royal Navy helps make Bournemouth Air Festival a flying success

At sea, on land and in the air – the Royal Navy and its people joined almost 700,000 members of the public to make this year’s Bournemouth Air Festival a flying success.

From beach assaults to combat demonstrations and helicopter flypasts, sailors and Royal Marines thrilled the crowds with their daring displays over the weekend.

Among the ships assembled for the popular event were support ship RFA Argus, Type 23 frigate HMS Monmouth and River-class offshore patrol vessel HMS Tyne. 

They were joined by Wildcat helicopters from the Royal Navy’s Black Cats display team and a Merlin from the Commando Helicopter Force.

The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines HMS Collingwood also supported the event with an evening concert and sunset ceremony.