From Climbing Walls to Red Arrows

Our day at the Bournemouth Airshow was filled with excitement, adventure, and some incredible memories. Gabriel was the perfect age to try out all the activities on the beach, and he didn’t hesitate to dive right in, testing his strength, courage, and curiosity at every turn.

Marine Pull-Up Bar and Army Climbing Wall

We started at the Marines’ pull-up bar, where Gabriel eagerly stepped up to the challenge. He gripped the bar, pulled himself up, and managed a few solid pull-ups, his determination shining through. The instructors were impressed with his effort, giving him a well-earned cheer.

Next, we moved to the Army’s climbing wall—a towering structure that caught Gabriel’s eye right away. He was quick to strap on the harness and start his ascent. Halfway up, a slip nearly sent him back down, but he recovered with impressive focus and managed to climb all the way to the top. His grin at the summit said it all—this was a big moment for him, and I couldn’t have been prouder.

Bomb Detector and Sitting in Tanks

One of Gabriel’s favourite experiences was with the bomb disposal squad. On the beach, they had set up a bomb detector challenge, and Gabriel got to try his hand at finding “explosives” hidden in the sand. He listened carefully to the instructions, scanning the sand with precision and lighting up with excitement when he uncovered a “find.”

The day wouldn’t have been complete without climbing inside the military vehicles on display. Gabriel loved sitting in the tanks, asking a million questions about how they worked and imagining himself in the driver’s seat. It was a thrill to see these powerful machines up close, and Gabriel soaked up every detail.

The Red Arrows Finale

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to a perfect viewing spot for the day’s grand finale: the Red Arrows display. Gabriel was mesmerised as the planes streaked across the sky in perfect formation, leaving trails of red, white, and blue. The daring stunts, loops, and synchronised dives had us both cheering, a spectacular end to an unforgettable day.

A Day to Remember

The Bournemouth Airshow was a fantastic mix of action, learning, and awe-inspiring moments. From conquering the climbing wall to experiencing life inside a tank, Gabriel embraced every opportunity with enthusiasm. The Red Arrows’ dazzling display was the perfect conclusion to a day that left us both tired but exhilarated, already planning our return.