Revival plans for Bournemouth Air Festival aim to revive ‘dying town’

Plans are under way to revive Bournemouth Air Festival by 2027, in an attempt to breathe life into Bournemouth “dying town.”

Former festival volunteer Susan Lennon is leading the plans but faces sponsorship and funding difficulties.

Following the cancellation of the 2025 event due to budget cuts and environmental concerns, a dedicated group of 12 residents has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £50,000. Their goal is to secure a performance from the iconic Red Arrows.

Without the festival local businesses told Mrs Lennon they feel “if they wait till 2027 they could go under by then”.

The last festival, held in August 2024, was funded by BCP council, however funding was cancelled after concerns of environmental damage and budget cuts. Mrs Lennon believes “the red arrows will not have an environmental effect due to their 100% biodegradable fuel.”

Mrs Lennon looks upon local hotels and businesses to help sponsor the festival, to fund the minimum £100,000 target, without this the Red Arrows and the festival won’t be secured.

In previous years the festival gathered up to £59 million in revenue for the local economy, without this Mrs Lennon believes current local business owners will fear this and upcoming years profits.

The crowdfunding campaign will contribute £50,000, with the rest coming from sponsors. If the target isn’t met, the funding will be donated to the Jon Egging Trust, a Red Arrows pilot who tragically lost his life during a display in 2011.

For Mrs Lennon and many in the town, reviving the festival isn’t just about jets in the sky, it’s about bringing life back to Bournemouth.

https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/red-arrows-weekend-2026