Wales Airshow returns to Swansea Bay this weekend

The two-day Wales Airshow – organised by Swansea Council – is back again and there’s an enormous amount to enjoy.

Council head of cultural services Tracey McNulty said: “Tens of thousands of people will attend this exceptional annual show – and we look forward to welcoming all of them

“There’ll be lots to enjoy, with air and ground displays for all the family, and we ask 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.”

New features this year include a Veterans’ Village to honour all ex-Service people.

The airshow takes place close to Armed Forces Week and visitors will be able to celebrate the contributions made to the UK by those who serve and have served in the forces.

The show will mark Wales Armed Forces Day, with Saturday activity including a stage ceremony – from noon – and entertainment.

Wales Airshow tips

See the Red Arrows – if you can

With their renowned aerobatics and exciting displays, the RAF’s Red Arrows are a must-see. The council has just announced the time for the appearance of this world famous team. The Red Arrows are due to appear over Swansea at 5.15pm on Saturday July 6.

Look to the sky

The big weekend will see the return of the RAF Typhoon on both days and a Royal Navy Black Cats Wildcat.

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 the Army’s world-famous Red Devils Parachute Team and some Scandinavian flying expertise with the Norwegian Vampire.

The crowds will witness a Fairey Swordfish bi-plane and – for fans of helicopters – the Westland Wasp, a Rolls Royce Spitfire (Sunday only), a Yak50 (an aircraft that’s twice been the world aerobatic champion), the Starlings Aerobatic Team with their high-octane close formation aerobatics, the four-strong Gazelle Squadron helicopter display team, a Sea King helicopter and the Firebirds Aerobatic Team.

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 Hurricane, Typhoon and Flea, interactive military displays, food and drink stalls, live entertainment, a funfair, a 1941 Bedford MW lorry and many other vintage military vehicles, a D-Day mobile museum, trade stands, the Motor Zone for fans of cars – and a new family fun area.

The ground displays – including flight simulators, Band of the Prince of Wales, large combat vehicles and the Veterans’ Village – are a great way to experience the Wales Airshow from a different perspective.

The Veteran’s Village, supported by The Royal British Legion, will feature a range of service-related charities that assist the armed forces community locally and nationally.

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 seafront and also guarantee a parking space on what will be a busy weekend. Fees range from £10.

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. 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 more recycling points than ever before 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 are available from airshow information points, car park staff, cadets and stewards located along the promenade, 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

• Aerodyne
• Day’s Rental
• First Cymru
• FRF DS Swansea
• FRF Toyota
• Great Western Railway
• Greatest Hits Radio
• Lidl
• Radnor Hills
• Royal British Legion
• Transport for Wales
• Travel House