THE mighty Vulcan bomber is coming back to Bournemouth Air Festival this year, it has been confirmed.

At a Patrons' event on Monday evening, it was confirmed by Dr Robert Pleming, CEO of the Vulcan to the Sky Trust, which operates the Cold War jet, that the crowd-pleaser will be returning to the show in August.

It will appear on the final day of the event, which runs between Thursday, August 20, and Sunday, August 23, this year.

Weather and airworthiness permitting, the crowds at Bournemouth will get the chance to see Vulcan XH558 – one of their favourites alongside teams like the Red Arrows – once again.

Dr Pleming said he was delighted that the Vulcan would be appearing in the show.

He said: “We are so pleased to be coming back to Bournemouth. It’s is our favourite location to display at.

“It's perfect to display the aircraft along the cliff top and everyone is always so friendly and welcoming.”

David Bailey, of the Patrons 100 Club, said: “It’s absolutely amazing to have the Vulcan coming back. It’s what everybody wants to see. I don’t know anyone in the town that doesn’t get excited when the Vulcan goes over. It’s an amazing sight and an amazing sound.”

As in previous years, the Vulcan's return has again been made possible thanks to sponsors Stephen Young, Lord of Westbury and Waxham, Adrian Gunner and Maggie Keet, with the Vulcan to the Sky Team Bournemouth.

Maggie said: “She’s awesome. She is a real crowd-puller. She is the people’s aircraft and she always will be.”

Last year Beagle Technology Group in Christchurch carried out work on the Vulcan that helped to extend its airworthy life for another two seasons.

After a £7 million restoration at the turn of this century, XH558 was returned to the skies in 2007 – 14 years after its last flight – and has been on the display circuit ever since.

It costs £2.2 million a year – all from private sources and donations – to keep the world’s only airworthy Vulcan in the air.