Wales Airshow returns to Swansea this weekend

The ever-popular airshow, organised by Swansea Council is at Swansea’s seafront once again on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 July.

Here’s our essential tips to get the most out of your visit.

Beat the traffic

There will be road closures, particularly along Oystermouth Road and Mumbles Road from noon on Friday 30 June. There will also be a number of roads closed in Sandfields plus Pantycelyn Road, Townhill. Diversions will be signposted.

There’s a dedicated airshow Park and Ride bus service from the Bay Studios on Fabian Way as well as from the council’s Landore Park and Ride site.

There’s also special airshow parking available close to all the action if you prebook.

Don’t miss the Red Arrows

With their renowned aerobatics and exciting displays, the Red Arrows are a must-see. The council has just announced the times for the appearance of this world famous RAF team, supported on this occasion by DS Automobiles at FRF Motors Swansea. You can visit the DS Automobiles at FRF Motors Swansea stand next to the Red Arrows simulator in the RAF Village.

The Red Arrows are due to appear over Swansea at 5pm on Saturday July 1, and at noon on Sunday July 2.

Look to the sky

The big weekend will see the return of the RAF Typhoon on both days. On Sunday it will collaborate with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight‘s Lancaster in a new formation to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Dambusters raid. The Memorial Flight is also due on Saturday.

Team Raven, consisting of six experienced pilots performing formation aerobatics in their self-build aircraft, are also due to appear. Other attractions are set to include AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers, who are the world’s only formation wingwalking team, The Jet Pitts will have a stunt bi-plane performing skilled manoeuvres and there’ll be some Scandinavian flying expertise with the Norwegian Vampire. 

The crowds will witness a World War Two-era American fighter aircraft, the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, plus a pair of Strikemasters, capable of speeds of over 450mph, the Fairey Swordfish bi-plane (Sunday only), the Supermarine Seafire (Saturday only), a North American Harvard (Saturday only), Wales Airshow favourites the Tigers Army Parachute Display Team, a Yak50 (an aircraft that’s twice been the world aerobatic champion, and – for fans of helicopters – the Westland Wasp (Sunday only).

Keep your feet on the ground

The action doesn’t only take place in the sky. There’ll be ground displays for all the family including a replica Typhoon and Spitfire, interactive military displays, food and drink stalls, live entertainment, a funfair, two simulators including one from the Red Arrows, trade stands including airshow supporter John Pye Auctions, and – new for this year – the Motor Zone, an area for fans of cars and motorbikes with stands including Airshow supporter Sinclair Group. 

The ground displays are a great way to experience the Wales Airshow from a different perspective.

Stay safe!

Free lost child wristbands, sponsored by Dawsons, are available from airshow information points, car park staff and from the police and fire service stands at the Cenotaph. It’s a simple and quick way to help a lost child reunite with their parents. Just write your mobile number on the back and put it on your child’s wrist.

Please check the weather forecast before you travel. Organisers hope for sun – in which case, use sun cream and stay hydrated. They’re committed to reducing plastic waste and there’ll be three free water fill-up stations at the event.

There’ll be two First Aid points, manned by St John Ambulance personnel. One will be at the Civic Centre and one on the prom near the Cenotaph. Members of St John Ambulance will patrol the site throughout both days. Stewards will also be available to help.

Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “We look forward to welcoming tens of thousands of people to this exceptional annual show.

“There’ll be a huge amount to enjoy with air and ground displays for all the family, and we’d encourage everybody to plan ahead in order to maximise their enjoyment of the event.

“We thank those whose daily routines may have to change due to the road changes which are in place for the safety of all.

“We also thank all our sponsors and supporters who help us to keep this great event free for so many people to enjoy.”

(Lead image: Swansea Council)