Bournemouth Air Festival takes place from 2-5 September, and the organisers are urging people not to travel to the event by car but to use other means of transport.

If one in three people left their cars at home and travelled to the event by train, bus, bike or walking over 2,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions would be saved every year. Comparatively, aircraft during the four days of entertainment contribute just 240 tonnes.

Running since 2008, the event returns after being called off last year due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Jon Weaver, festival director said: “We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for this year’s Bournemouth Air Festival which has been running for 14 years. A tremendous amount of work has gone into ensuring this event will be one of the biggest and best yet.

“And we ask everyone attending to please – think before you travel. Do you need to take the car? If you are from out of town, please think about getting the train or the coach and travelling down to the Festival. We have excellent bus routes and we know a lot of our residents already use the bus, walk or cycle to the Festival.

Cllr Beverley Dunlop, lead member for Cultural Events, said: “Only through more people choosing sustainable travel options will we be able to continue to enjoy exciting events and entertainment like this. We will welcome many people to Bournemouth over the four days of the festival and ask everyone to consider how they can plan their visit with the least impact to the environment.”

The One in Three campaign is supported by South Western Railway, Yellow Buses and Beryl Bikes.

Andrew Ardley, regional development manager for South Western Railway (official train provider), said: “We will be running extra and extended services for this year’s Air Festival as well as strengthening our existing services to ensure those choosing to travel by train can do so easily and comfortably. We look forward to welcoming you.”

David Squire, managing director of Yellow Buses, said: “Yellow Buses are delighted to be partnering with SWR, Beryl and BCP Council to encourage visitors to the Air-Show to travel sustainably. In addition to our regular bus network, linking the town centre to all the suburbs and further afield to New Milton and Wimborne, we operate a comprehensive bus network with a great range of value tickets, including our Summer Sizzler evening ticket at just £3. On the air show days we will have a frequent shuttle bus link, connecting with SWR trains and taking visitors directly to Bournemouth Pier. The latest Euro 6 engined buses are cleaner and greener than an equivalent car and one full double-decker can remove up to 75 cars off the road, helping to speed up everyone’s journey.”

Phil Barrett, community engagement and events lead for Beryl Bikes, said: “We are working hard to promote sustainable travel to this year’s event. We have launched our Park and Cycle initiative enabling people to get a free 20 minute journey when travelling to the beach or to the Air Festival. Please do leave your car at home if you are able to, download the Beryl app and pick up one of our 1,000 bikes across the conurbation making your journey a healthy one.”

Air Festival goers are also reminded to please ‘Know Before You Go’ and visit bournemouth.co.uk/visitor-information/coronavirus before you travel. In line with Government guidelines, please do not travel to the event if you have any Covid symptoms. Download the beach check uk app to find your quiet spot and avoid busy locations.

The Air Festival features the greatest RAF line up in five 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. Entertainment is from 10am with flying from early afternoon and dusk flying in the early evening. Download the Air Festival and the Beach Check apps.