TOURISM officials say rumours the Bournemouth Air Festival has been cancelled are false.

Claims the popular event would not take place in 2020 have circulated on social media today.

A spokesperson from BCP Council said: "We have been made aware of rumours surrounding the future of the Bournemouth Air Festival and can assure you that the popular event has not been 'shelved'.

"We’re committed to showcasing our area in the best possible way now and in the future, and attendance levels of more than a million last year tell us there is great demand for the Air Festival.

"Any suggestion that the 2020 event has been cancelled are nothing more than fabrication."

Almost 10 million people have visited the event since its inception. 

This year's festival will take place between Thursday, August 29 and Sunday, September 1.

The Saab Draken from Sweden and Canadair T-33 Silver Star will be displaying for the first time.

Both powerful aircraft will be joined at the event by the RAF Typhoon, which is taking part for the first time since 2016.

As reported, the Red Arrows will not be returning for this year’s festival as they are completing a landmark tour of North America.