The world-famous top RAF display team, The Red Arrows, will take to the skies above Swansea Bay this weekend as the annual Wales Airshow returns. Thousands of people of all ages are expected to head to Swansea beach to watch the Red Arrows and several other talented aircraft display teams, whilst there will also be live music performances, virtual reality experiences and food and drink and charity stalls to peruse.
This year's Swansea air show event is taking place over the weekend of Saturday, July 1, and Sunday, July 2, with the Red Arrows due to perform on both days. Over the weekend, there will also be performances from aircraft display teams The Vampire, The Westland Wasp, The Strikemaster and JettPitt, to name but a few.
The Wales Airshow is the "largest free-entry event in Wales" and has been organised by Swansea Council. Locals and visitors are advised to plan ahead for their visit and be aware of the various road closures in place. Scroll down for full details.
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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 so we encourage everybody to plan ahead. That way they'll maximise their enjoyment of the event.
"We also thank those whose daily routines may have to change due to the road changes which are in place for the safety of all. We thank all our sponsors and supporters who help us to keep this great event free to the public." You can get the biggest Swansea news stories straight to your inbox with our newsletter.
What time will everything start?
Organisers say the 'ground displays' and stalls will be open from 10am to 6pm each day, with the first flight scheduled to begin at around 12pm each day. Saturday's event will start with a display by the Typhoon Display Team.
The full running order for this year's air show has not yet been published but we know the display teams showing off their skills will include: The Red Arrows, Typhoon Display Team, Team Raven, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, Norwegian Vampire, P-47 Thunderbolt, Tigers Army Parachute Display Team, AeroSuperBatics Wingwalkers, Strikemaster, Swordfish, Yak 50, Jet Pitts, Harvard G-NWHF, Supermarine Seafire and Westland Wasp.
Does the event cost money and do I need a ticket?
The Wales Airshow is free and no tickets are needed.
Who are The Red Arrows and when will they fly?
The Red Arrows are the RAF's top "aerobatic team," a close-knit group of highly-skilled RAF pilots who fly Hawk fast-jets in close formations and eye-catching arrangements, supported by a team of engineers and operational staff on the ground. They're currently in their 59th season and have flown almost 5,000 displays over the years.
At Swansea Airshow 2023, they'll take to the skies at 5pm on Saturday and 12pm on Sunday.
Where can I park?
There are several different parking options this year - but they all incur a charge. Firstly, there are two Park & Ride services operating exclusively for Wales Airshow visitors. These Park & Ride services will run from the Swansea Bay Studios car park in Fabian Way, dropping off and picking up at the Civic Centre, and from the Landore Park and Ride site, also dropping off and picking up at the Civic Centre. Parking at the Park & Ride sites costs £12.50 per vehicle.
If you'd like to park closer to the event, you can pre-book your parking at various city centre car parks at a cost of £10 to £20 per vehicle (plus booking fee). Among the options, you can park at the Recreation Ground (£20 per vehicle), Swansea Civic Centre East car park (£20 per vehicle), Guildhall Rotunda car park (£20 per vehicle), Paxton Street (£15 per vehicle) or the King George V Playing Fields (£10 per vehicle).
Online booking (online here) is available until 5pm Friday, June 30, for Saturday, July 1, parking, and until 5pm Saturday, July 1, for Sunday, July 2, parking. Pay on the gate will then be available on the day.
There are also several other car parks available for people who wish to pay on arrival. Among the options, you can park at Sketty Lane car park (£10 per vehicle), Singleton Hospital (£10 per vehicle) or at Swansea University (cost TBC).
If you plan on cycling to the event, there is a new dedicated "bike park" at the Lacrosse field at Singleton Park. Spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
What roads will be closed this year?
Some cycling restrictions will be imposed on Thursday, June 29, with the first phase of road closures coming into place on Friday, June 30, so that event organisers can build the various stands and attractions safely on the roadway without vehicles passing them. Other road closures will come in on Saturday, July 1 and last for the whole weekend. The road closures apply to all cars, vans, motorbikes and other vehicles, except for those used by the emergency services.
This year, the following road closures and diversions are in place:
Phase 1 (Friday, June 30, at 12pm to Saturday, July 1 at 5am)
- Oystermouth Road/Mumbles Road will be closed Westbound (from the junction of West Way to Brynmill Lane)
- No access between the eastbound carriageway of Oystermouth Road and Bond Street, St Helen's Road or Beach Street
- Access to the Marina will be maintained via Dunvant Place
Phase 2 (Saturday, July 1, at 5am to Monday, July 3, at 5am)
- Oystermouth Road/Mumbles Road will be closed in both directions (from the junction of West Way to Sketty Lane) - diversions will be in place
- Access to the Marina will be maintained via Dunvant Place
- Access to Argyle Street will be maintained using a short diversion via the Civic Centre
Access to Swansea University and Brynmill Lane will be maintained via Sketty Lane
- Pantycelyn Road will be closed (between Dyfed Avenue and Townhill Road) between 8am and 7pm on both event days
Parking restrictions, cycling restrictions and tow-away zone (Friday, June 30, at 12pm to Monday, July 3, at 5am)
Swansea Council said: "For safety, security and to aid traffic-movement in the area we are required to keep some roads free of parked vehicles. In order to be able to ensure this, there will be parking restrictions and a vehicle tow-away operation taking place on the roads shown below. If you are affected by these closures, we would kindly request that you move your vehicle to an alternative location:
- Both sides of Oystermouth Road/Mumbles Road
- Both sides of Bryn Road
In addition, Swansea Promenade (from the Civic Centre to Sketty Lane) will not be accessible to cyclists from Thursday, June 29, at 7am to Tuesday, July 4, at 11pm.
Where will the First Aid points be?
There will be two First Aid points, staffed by St John Ambulance. One will be at the Civic Centre and the other will be based on the prom near the Cenotaph. Members of St John Ambulance will also patrol the Airshow site throughout both event days and stewards will also be available to help people.
Free lost child wristbands will be available from Airshow information points, car park staff at Civic Centre East car park and Paxton Street car park and from the police and fire service stands at the Cenotaph. Parents are encouraged to write their mobile numbers on the bands and put them on their children's wrists.
Where are the accessible viewing areas?
Swansea Council officers have been working with the National Autistic Society (NAS) Swansea branch to ensure this year's event can be enjoyed by people who have additional needs and accessible needs.
There will be two accessible viewing areas for the Airshow this year - at the Cenotaph and Civic Centre. Each accessible viewing area will have views of the displays and the beach, chairs for viewers and their companions and accessible toilets. NAS Swansea branch supporters will also be on-hand to provide assistance and support to families. Both areas will also be stewarded.
In partnership with the council, the NAS Swansea branch also plans to host a quiet viewing area on the first floor of the Civic Centre's Central Library.
A spokesperson for NAS Swansea branch said: "We very much look forward to working with Swansea Council during the 2023 Wales Airshow and for other public events in future. The council prides itself in working together to create an inclusive and accessible city for all to enjoy and we are thrilled to be part of it. "
Councillor Francis-Davies added: "We want everybody to enjoy the Airshow – it's one of the highlights of Swansea’s fantastic annual events programme. We successfully worked with the NAS Swansea branch for last year's city centre Christmas parade and, on that occasion, our partnership received great feedback."
What other measures are in place to support people with accessibility challenges?
Swansea Council has confirmed that permanent disabled-access toilets, including those at Swansea Marina, the Civic Centre, Singleton Park Boating Lake, Blackpill Lido, Oystermouth Square and Knab Rock, will be open during the Wales Airshow weekend. Please note, some loos require a RADAR key.
Changing Places sites, with accessible toilet facilities for people who cannot use standard accessible toilets, are available at the Civic Centre, Secret Bar and Café, Quadrant Bus Station Public Toilets (RADAR key), National Waterfront Museum, LC leisure centre and Swansea Railway Station.
Over the show weekend, most caterers, traders and displays will be located along or near to the roadway or the prom, the council added. Ramps and dropped kerbs will be located at a number of points along Oystermouth Road to improve accessibility.
Swansea Mobility Hire will provide powered scooters, wheelchairs and manual wheelchairs to help people who have limited mobility to shop or visit other facilities within the city centre. The council is also working with Swansea Parent Carer Forum on the airshow and other events through the year.
How can I get the latest updates from organisers?
The Wales Airshow also has an app designed to enhance visitors' experiences. Dubbed "the ultimate guide to the Airshow," the app offers access to the timetable of displays, live updates, plane bios and more. It's available on Android and Apple devices for £1.99, but can be re-downloaded for free if you've bought it before.
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