THE Bournemouth Air Festival is set to be bigger and better than ever - and the Red Arrows are again set to return for the full four days.

The annual extravaganza, back for the eighth time this summer, was officially launched at a glitzy event on the end of the town’s pier – and its organisers have promised a more spectacular show than ever.

As well as the popular Red Arrows displays, which in 2014 dazzled hundreds of thousands of spectators watching from the seafront, the Battle of Britain memorial flight, Hawk T2 role demonstration team and Typhoon will also be welcomed back.

RAF wing commander Alf Garnett said the festival is one of the highlights of the calendar for his pilots, describing it as a ‘high priority' for the RAF.

“In terms of audience numbers it’s perfect for showcasing our aircraft and offers a first class arena for engaging with the public and showing them what we do for them on a daily basis,” he added.

The Royal Navy will also be strongly represented and boast four warships, a large amphibious command ship complete with helicopters, Royal Marines and landing craft, Royal Navy Black Cats helicopter display team and commando helicopters.

Commodore Jamie Miller, naval regional commander, said: “2015 will be the greatest ever concentration of naval forces yet seen off Bournemouth. Needless to say I am keeping some surprises back – but rest assured this will be our best year yet.”

Military vehicles displayed by the army will mean all three branches of the forces are represented, with further announcements of civilian aircraft participation still to come.

However, it will include SallyB, the Tigers Parachute Display Team, the Blades, and Twister Duo.

Cllr Lawrence Williams, Bournemouth council’s tourism portfolio holder, said he hopes the announcements will reinforce the festival’s status as the UK’s leading aviation event.

He added: “For us as a festival - the organisers, teams of people behind the event and the hundreds of thousands of people who attend - it really shows how far we have come to have such incredible continued Royal Navy and RAF support. “

This year’s festival will run between Thursday, August 20 and Sunday, August 23. For more information, visit bournemouthair.co.uk.