Following confirmation of Bournemouth Air Festival dates for 2024, the volunteers at Steamship Shieldhall have announced that the heritage steamship will spend time in Poole in Dorset to visit the event.
With concerns that 2024 may be the last year of the Air Festival – unless sponsorship can be found – Shieldhall is expecting demand to be high for all of its planned sailings centred around the Festival:
Monday 26 August, One way trip to Poole, with entertainment from the Shieldhall Stompers Jazz Band, 10am – 4pm  (departing Berth 110, Western Docks, Southampton)
Thursday 29 August, Bournemouth Air Festival, 10am – 7pm  (departing and returning to Poole Quay)
Friday 30 August, Bournemouth Air Festival, 10am – 7pm 7pm  (departing and returning to Poole Quay)
Saturday 31 August, Bournemouth Air Festival, 10am – 7pm 7pm  (departing and returning to Poole Quay)
Sunday 1 September, Jurassic Coast Cruise, 11am – 4pm  (departing and returning to Poole Quay)
Monday 2 September, One way trip to Southampton, 10am – 4pm  (departing Poole Quay)
Once onboard, guests are encouraged to visit Shieldhall’s impressive engine room complete with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and her volunteer crew and listen to an informed commentary on the sights and sounds of the Solent and Poole Harbour.
Shieldhall will pass close to a range of marine traffic, always the chance for her crew to sound Shieldhall’s distinctive steam whistle and siren! Shieldhall’s teak decks provide great viewing spaces, whilst her steam propulsion lends itself to Shieldhall offering a stable viewing platform, ideal for photography. Guests can relax in Shieldhall’s  Saloon with a wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; Titanic bottled beers; wine and hot and cold food, available on all trips.
Shieldhall’s Chairman Martin Phipps noted: ‘We’re delighted to have confirmed our arrangements for Poole Week. It’s always a highlight of our sailing programme, both for guests and our volunteer crew. If this is to be the last Bournemouth Air Festival we’ll make sure we celebrate in appropriate fashion.
“We have the very best views of the aerial action, anchored between Bournemouth and Boscombe Piers, with the sun at our backs and looking towards the beach. And for those not attracted by aircraft, we finish our week in Poole with a sailing along the World Heritage Jurassic Coast on Sunday 1 September, where we will view Old Harry Rocks, Swanage, Peveral Point, historic Durlston Castle and Anvil Point Lighthouse. Once past Anvil point we’ll head west passing Guillemot Ledge, Dancing Ledge and Seacombe Cliff to reach our western most point, St. Aldhem’s Head, before turning around and retracing our route to Poole. It promises to be a marvellous trip, to end what we trust will be a memorable week’.

Tickets for all trips may be purchased at www.ss-shieldhall.co.uk or through calling the Ticket Manager on 023 8155 0242.

The post Steamship Shieldhall announces 2024 Bournemouth Air Festival sailings appeared first on All At Sea.