SPECTATORS were treated to a preview of two of the most eagerly-anticipated visitors to this year's festival – the Typhoon and Saab Draken.

While the Saab makes its Bournemouth Air Festival debut, the supersonic Typhoon fighter jet is making its first return since wowing crowds over Bournemouth in 2016.

Summing up the opening salvo, air festival head of operations Chris Saunders said: "We've enjoyed a fantastic start to four days of flying.

"The sun's been out and has brought with it lots of families who've enjoyed a packed display programme.

"The opening day kicked off with the superb aerobatics of the Blades, welcomed back the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight - featuring a full complement of the Hurricane, Lancaster and Spitfire for the first time since 2016, and debuted the Ultimate Warbirds who showcased their dog fighting skills in the skies above Bournemouth.

"We hope today was a taste of things to come, we were even treated to some tantalising rehearsals from the Typhoon and Saab Draken, and we're looking forward to a wonderful weekend of day and dusk displays."

Indeed, those air festival fans gathered on the beach and the cliffs gave almost as a big a roar as the Typhoon and Saab did when they made their brief appearances over the seafront.

Chris said: "There's also plenty to do on land with attractions, trade stands and armed forces demonstrations all along the seafront.

"Don't forget adventures out at sea too - anchorage tours around both Royal Navy ships are running throughout the day with tickets available online or from the tourist information centre.

"Thanks to our enthusiastic display teams, residents and visitors who came down to watch and all those who are working to keep people safe and help the festival run smoothly."

See all our Air Festival coerage at bournemouthecho.co.uk/air