Below are some tips to help you make the most of the largest free-entry event in Wales, organised by Swansea Council.
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.”
Wales Airshow tips
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.
Plan ahead to make the most of your day
There are still some spaces available in the pre-bookable dedicated car parking. This offers convenience as they’re close to the core airshow area and also guarantee a parking space on what will be a busy weekend. Fees range from £10 and remain the same as last year, with an increase of just 50p for park and ride.
Park and ride facilities will be available at Bay Studios, off Fabian Way, and at the council’s Landore P&R site. Regular bus services will transport people from the park and ride facilities to the Civic Centre and back throughout the event weekend. Parking info: www.bit.ly/WAparking23
You can travel to Wales Airshow by train and bus with official travel partners GWR and First Cymru. More info: www.bit.ly/WAgwr23 and www.bit.ly/WAfbc23
The Wales Airshow has an official app designed to enhance the visitor’s experience. It offers access to the official timetable of displays, live updates, plane bios and more. Available on Android and Apple devices for a one-off £1.99, it can be re-download for free if you’ve bought it previously.
Organisers and partners are taking a number of measures to minimise the event’s environmental impact. These include six main recycling points and three signposted water refill stations to help reduce plastic waste. Full plans and initiatives – www.bit.ly/WA23green
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.
Show your support for the event’s sponsors and supporters
- DS Automobiles at FRF Motors Swansea – supporting the appearance of the Red Arrows
- GWR – Wales Airshow travel partner
- First Cymru – Wales Airshow travel partner
- John Pye Auctions – Wales Airshow supporter
- Sinclair Group – Wales Airshow supporter
- Gower College Swansea – Wales Airshow marquee sponsor
- Dawsons Estate Agent – Lost children’s wristbands sponsor
