Weymouth Air Festival 2027 plans gather momentum

Weymouth Air Festival 2027 plans gather momentum

AIR is inviting local businesses, residents and community organisations to help bring a new air festival to Weymouth in August 2027, as Bournemouth’s Air Festival remains on pause.

AIR believes Weymouth has an opportunity to create its own major aviation and community celebration, bringing spectacular flying displays together with the atmosphere of the town’s much-loved traditional carnival.

The potential benefit to the area is clear. In 2019, Bournemouth Air Festival attracted more than 600,000 visitors and contributed an estimated £32 million to the local economy.

Provisionally planned for 18–20 August 2027, AIR Festival 2027 could feature military and civilian flying displays, a music festival on the beach, family entertainment and community activities. Organisers are also exploring the possibility of drone displays and aerial pyrotechnics. Proposed VIP hospitality areas could offer corporate partners a prominent role in the event and help generate income.

Plans gathering momentum

The proposals have received encouraging initial support from Dorset Council and Weymouth Town Council. Experienced aviation specialist David Walton of TSA Consulting has been appointed Flying Display Director.

Applications and requests have been submitted to relevant military and civilian flying organisations, and AIR has begun approaching major businesses about sponsorship opportunities.

Organisers stress that the festival remains a proposal. It will depend on securing sufficient funding, sponsorship and volunteers, as well as the necessary permissions and approvals.

Claudia Webb, Event Organiser, said:

“An event of this scale takes detailed planning and cooperation. We’re working through the practical requirements carefully, with public safety, operational feasibility and the needs of the town at the centre of our thinking.”

She added:

“There’s a huge amount to do, and we’ll need local people, organisations and businesses to get involved. Every offer of support will help us understand what may be possible and build a strong foundation for the festival.”

AIR is committed to ensuring the festival benefits Weymouth’s existing businesses. Food and drink stalls would be selected to complement the established seafront cafés, restaurants and traders, giving visitors more choice while encouraging them to support local businesses.

The proposed dates fall during the busy summer season, but aviation displays depend on suitable weather and visibility, as well as aircraft availability. Holding the event in quieter months would bring greater risks of cancellations and could make it harder to deliver.

AIR has launched a public fundraising campaign and is inviting residents and businesses to help turn the proposal into reality.

Jamie Lyones, CEO of AIR, said:

“Weymouth has a fantastic opportunity here. With Bournemouth’s Air Festival on pause, why shouldn’t we aim to create something equally exciting on our own doorstep?

“We want to bring back the atmosphere and community spirit of Weymouth Carnival, add spectacular aviation displays and live entertainment, and create something that benefits the whole town.

“As a former Round Tabler, I was privileged to be actively involved in the original carnival. I saw the community spirit it created, and I’d love to help bring some of that feeling back to Weymouth.

“We’ve already made encouraging progress, but we’re not pretending this is a done deal. We need substantial sponsorship, funding and manpower to make it happen.

“Imagine if every business in Weymouth and Portland contributed just £50. Together, those contributions could make a tremendous difference.

“We know there will be sceptics, but we’d encourage people to get involved and help make it possible.

“If you’ve ever said Weymouth needs more big events, this is your opportunity to help bring one to life.”

A festival for the whole town

AIR hopes the festival could become a regular fixture in Weymouth’s calendar, attracting visitors, supporting tourism and hospitality businesses, and creating opportunities for local charities, performers and community organisations.

AIR is particularly keen to hear from local service clubs and community organisations, including schools, colleges, charities and youth groups. They are invited to help shape the festival and get involved through activities, performances, volunteering, fundraising, educational projects or other practical support.

Environmental responsibility, public safety and financial sustainability will remain central to the planning process.

The proposed August dates are subject to confirmation. Further announcements are expected as funding, aviation arrangements and operational planning progress.

How to get involved

Donate to the festival’s GoFundMe campaign:

https://gofund.me/d09b59540

Businesses interested in sponsorship, corporate partnerships or VIP hospitality, and service clubs, schools, community organisations or individuals wishing to volunteer or offer practical support, should contact:

festival@radioair.uk

Jamie added:

“We’re aiming high because Weymouth deserves something special. We can’t promise the festival will happen, but we’re determined to give it every chance.

“Let’s show what Weymouth can achieve when we all pull together.”

Media enquiries
Radio AIR
festival@radioair.uk
www.radioair.uk