Armed Forces

In pictures: Huge crowds enjoy weekend of airshow fun

Tens of thousands of people enjoyed two days of airshow fun over Swansea bay – with visitors to the city coming from across the UK.

Published

3 months ago

3rd July 2023

Editor

The Swansea Council organised two-day event saw huge crowds enjoying a wide range of interactive displays and activities on the ground, including a replica Typhoon and live entertainment, as well as in the air featuring The Red Arrows, the RAF Typhoon and a host of other displays.

The Red Arrows dedicated its heart manoeuvre on Saturday to the Morgan’s Army Charitable Foundation. It’s the charity named for Morgan Ridler, the three-year-old Gorseinon boy who passed away from a rare cancer on Wednesday.

***Crowds on Swansea beach watching the Red Arrows over Swansea Bay***
*(Image: Swansea Council)*

***Tens of thousands of people enjoyed the first day of Wales Airshow with displays including the Red Arrows and Typhoon Display Team over Swansea Bay.***
*(Image: Swansea Council)*

***Evan Gilbert aged 8 gets a flight tutorial RAF Flying Officer Tom Dennison.***
*(Image: Swansea Council)*

***The crowds got to visit the many ground displays and saw replica planes, including a Typhoon, and military vehicles, trade stands and entertainment stages.***
*(Image: Swansea Council)*

***The Eurofighter typhoon jet over Swansea Bay***
*(Image: Swansea Council)*

Tens of thousands flocked to Swansea's seafront to watch the air display — ***Tens of thousands flocked to Swansea’s seafront to watch the air display***
*(Image: Swansea Council)*

***Dare-devil wing walkers at Wales Airshow in Swansea***
*(Image: Swansea Council)*

***A replica Typhoon ground exhibit at the Wales Airshow***
*(Image: Swansea Council)*

***Tens of thousands of people enjoying the first day of Wales Airshow***
*(Image: Swansea Council)*

Inside the Typhoon Replica ground display aircraft — ***Inside the Typhoon replica ground display aircraft***
*(Image: Swansea Council)*

***The Red Arrows wowed the crowds at the Wales Airshow in Swansea***
*(Image: Swansea Council)*

***Jack Lloyd from Newton aged 3 flying amongst the crowds on Swansea Bay Beach.***
*(Image: Swansea Council)*

***The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight***
*(Image: Swansea Council)*

***The Red Arrows over Swansea Bay***
*(Image: Swansea Council)*

***The AeroSuperBatics Wing Walkers.***
*(Image: Swansea Council)*

***Jet Pitts G-JPIT stunt plane***
*(Image: Swansea Council)*

Swansea Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “The stars of the show included the hundreds of thousands who enjoyed a day out or a weekend in Swansea.

“The family atmosphere resulted in a great weekend. As one of the highlights of the annual Swansea events calendar, the annual airshow was a huge success, continuing to support the city’s reputation as a top class venue for major events

“The AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers, the Jet Pitts in their stunt bi-plane and an incredible Norwegian Vampire were among those who made for a real festival atmosphere.

“The airshow contributes millions of pounds to the local economy and we thank local businesses and residents for their patience with the road closures and to all traders for their contribution to the latest show’s success.”

The council have announced that next year’s Wales Airshow, on July 6-7, will have a new partner event – the Saturday will host Wales National Armed Forces Day Swansea 2024.

It’ll feature military displays, parades and entertainment to celebrate the contribution of those serving in the Armed Forces, veterans, reservists, cadet forces and volunteers.

Council leader Rob Stewart said: “This will also give everybody who attends Armed Forces Day the chance to enjoy all that the airshow brings and vice versa.

“Armed Forces Day will feature military displays, parades and entertainment to celebrate and acknowledge the contribution of those currently serving in the Armed Forces, our veterans, reservists, cadet forces and volunteers. We look forward to welcoming it to Swansea!”

(Lead image: Swansea Council)