Details have been revealed of Britain’s biggest free summer spectacular in the south this August.

More than one million people are expected to enjoy breathtaking displays of aviation acrobatics from the Red Arrows, RAF Falcons, Royal Navy and more during four days of flying fun.

Everything from the state-of-the-art Eurofighter Typhoon to hot air balloons will be taking to the skies, while street entertainers and The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines promise to provide entertainment for everyone.

A Battle of Britain memorial flight and the world’s only formation wing-walking team will also be among the many highlights for visitors, holidaymakers and aviation enthusiasts at the second Bournemouth Air Festival.

The event, sponsored by More Bus, attracted more than 750,000 people in its inaugural year, but organisers are promising the 2009 version will be even bigger and better.

“In 2008 our over-riding objective for last year was to establish an event that would appeal to locals and attract people from all over the UK,” said director of tourism, Mark Smith. In 2009 our objectives are to build the evening entertainment programme, boost the already brilliant day displays and cement our reputation as the leading free air event in the country.”

The Red Arrows will be wowing the crowds with three aerobatic displays during the festival, which runs from August 20 to 23.

There will also be shows by the Black Cats Helicopter Display Team, beach assaults, and demonstrations from the Royal Marines’ Commando Display Team.

Complementing the military displays will be Team Guinot – the world’s only formation wing walking team, and locally-based aerobatic aircraft Yakovlevs Aerobatic Team, promising radical gyroscopic turns.

The Blades Aerobatic Display Team will also show off their most adventurous aerobatic manoeuvres, while 23 hot air balloons will take to the sky alongside a spectacular laser show for a “night air” display.

The festival will also feature a firework display on the Saturday night.