One of Swansea's biggest and most popular summer events is back next week, the Wales Airshow - and the RAF's top display team, The Red Arrows will be performing. This year's event will take place on Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7 with several special aircrafts taking to the skies each day, and there will also be many stalls to peruse and lots of live entertainment to enjoy too.
Plus, this year the Wales Airshow will be marking "Wales Armed Forces Day" on the Saturday, with a special Veterans' Village, supported by Royal British Legion, offering stalls and information from charities that support people in the armed forces locally and nationally, and a 'Covenant Marquee' where veterans are invited to chat and relax over a tea or coffee and ask for any specialist advice or support they may require.
Confirming that The Red Arrows will be performing this year, Swansea Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: "We're delighted that The Red Arrows will be flying over Swansea again this summer. They're a huge draw and help illustrate why our armed forces are so important." For the latest Swansea news, sign up to our newsletter here
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"It's amazing to have the Red Arrows back again, especially in this their 60th anniversary year when they have a busy schedule including a five-week international summer tour! They love coming to Swansea!" he added. "The Wales Airshow will be a fantastic weekend for the whole area. As the city's reputation grows as a top-class venue for big events, this show is a great partner for others such as the IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea and World Triathlon Para Series Swansea."
The Wales Airshow is the "largest free-entry event in Wales" and is organised by Swansea Council. Thousands of people attend each year so 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.
When does Wales Airshow 2024 take place?
This year the Wales Airshow is taking place on Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7.
Organisers say the 'ground displays' and stalls will be open from 10am to 6pm each day. There will also be a 'Veterans Village' and stalls marking Wales Armed Forces Day on the Saturday. The Village, supported by Royal British Legion, will offer stalls and information from charities that support people in the armed forces and a 'Covenant Marquee' where veterans are invited to chat and relax over a tea or coffee and ask for any specialist advice or support they may require.
The full timings 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, Royal Navy Black Cats, Team Raven, Fairey Swordfish, Westland Wasp, Yak 50, over the course of the weekend.
Full timings will be added to this article when they're confirmed - plus, you can download the Wales Airshow app to your smartphone for display bios, live updates and notifications, the timetable, event information, exclusive offers and more.
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 60th season and have flown almost 5,000 displays over the years.
At Wales Airshow 20204, they'll take to the skies on the Saturday.
Timings 2024
At the time of writing, the full timings are yet to be confirmed - but the list of aircraft appearing on each day has been confirmed.
Saturday:
- Red Arrows – time TBC
- Typhoon – time TBC
- Royal Navy Black Cats – time TBC
- Team Raven – time TBC
- Fairey Swordfish – time TBC
- Westland Wasp – time TBC
- Yak 50 – time TBC
Sunday
- Typhoon – time TBC
- Royal Navy Black Cats – time TBC
- Team Raven – time TBC
- Fairey Swordfish – time TBC
- Westland Wasp – time TBC
- Yak 50 – time TBC
Road Closures and Parking Restrictions
Why are road closures necessary?
A spokesperson for Swansea Council said: "The Airshow, which is Wales' biggest free family event, takes place on Saturday, July 6 and Sunday, July 7 2024 over Swansea Bay. This year's Airshow will include ground displays, static aircraft, exhibitions and a spectacular airborne show and much more.
"To support the increasing visitor numbers and to deliver the event safely, the footprint for the event will once again include part of Oystermouth Road and a number of road closures are therefore necessary to be able to facilitate this.
"As you are aware, major events of this type, whilst hugely important to the City, will unfortunately cause some disruption to the normal day to day routine activity. We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience that this might cause you and thank you for your cooperation. If you have any further questions, please email us at special.events@swansea.gov.uk or call 01792 635428 (during normal office hours)."
Residents are reminded that emergency access will be maintained at all times. If you have any concerns or issues during the weekend of the event, contact Swansea Council's Residents & Business Contact Line: 01792 635428 (phone line open Saturday and Sunday 10am to 6.30pm).
This year's road closures will be as follows;
Phase 1
From Friday, July 5 at 12pm to Saturday, July 6 at 5am
- Oystermouth Road / Mumbles Road will be closed in a Westbound direction only (from the junction of West Way to Brynmill Lane)
- NO access between the eastbound carriageway of Oystermouth Road and Bond Street, St Helens Road and Beach Street during these times
- Access to the Marina will be maintained via Dunvant Place
Phase 2
From Saturday, July 6 at 5am to Monday, July 8
- 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
- Pantycelyn Road will be closed (between Dyfed Avenue and Townhill Road) between 8am and 7pm on both days
- Access to Swansea University & Brynmill Lane to be maintained via Sketty Lane
Parking restrictions
Swansea Council added: "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.
There will be parking restrictions and a tow-away zone from 12pm on Friday, July 5 until 5am on Monday, July 8 on:
- Both sides of Oystermouth Road / Mumbles Road
- Both sides of Bryn Road
Other restrictions
- Swansea Promenade, from the Civic Centre to Sketty Lane, will be prohibited to cyclists from 7am Thursday, July 4 to Tuesday, July 9 at 11pm
Car Parks
Car parking tickets permit one vehicle (car/small van/motorcycle) to park between 8am and 8pm on July 6 or 7 for the purpose of attending Wales Airshow. No overnight parking allowed. No motorhomes allowed. Full terms and conditions are available here.
All event car parks are accessible, with dedicated accessible parking space - these are not bookable in advance and are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Car park surfaces vary (e.g. some are on grass etc.), please check car park details below.
Online booking is available until 5pm, Friday, July 5 for Saturday, July 6 parking, and until 5pm Saturday 6 for Sunday, July 7 parking. Pay on the gate will then be available on the day, if there are sufficient spaces available.
Tier 1
Recreation Ground (Yellow car park)
- Cost per vehicle: £20
- Postcode: SA2 0AT
- Car Park surface: Gravel and Grass
- Open from 8am
- Book Parking for Recreation Ground – Yellow Saturday 6 July 2024
- Book Parking for Recreation Ground – Yellow Sunday 7 July 2024
Swansea Civic Centre East (Orange car park)
- Cost per vehicle: £20*
- Postcode: SA1 3SN
- Car Park surface: Tarmac
- Open from 8am
- Book Parking for Civic Centre East – Orange Saturday 6 July 2024
- Book Parking for Civic Centre East – Orange Sunday 7 July 2024
Guildhall Rotunda (Brown car park)
- Cost per vehicle: £20*
- Postcode: SA1 4PE
- Car Park surface: Tarmac
- Open from 8am
- Book Parking for Guildhall Rotunda – Brown Saturday 6 July 2024
- Book Parking for Guildhall Rotunda – Brown Sunday 7 July 2024
Tier 2
Paxton Street (White car park)
- Cost per vehicle: £15*
- Postcode: SA1 3SA
- Car Park surface: Tarmac
- Open from 8am
- Book Parking for Paxton Street – White Saturday 6 July 2024
- Book Parking for Paxton Street – White Sunday 7 July 2024
Tier 3
King George V Playing Fields (Purple car park)
- Cost per vehicle: £10*
- Postcode: SA2 9AU
- Car Park surface: Grass
- Open from 8am
- Book Parking for King George V Playing Fields – Purple Saturday 6 July 2024
- Book Parking for King George V Playing Fields – Purple Sunday 7 July 2024
Pay-on-the-day car parks
A number of car parks are also available for paying on arrival on the weekend of the event:
Singleton Hospital (Pink car park)
- Cost per Vehicle: £10*
- Postcode: SA2 8QG
- Car park surface: Tarmac
- Open from 8am
Directions for Singleton Hospital Overflow Car Park
Swansea University (Green car park)
- Cost per Vehicle: £20*
- Postcode: SA2 8PP
- Car park surface: Tarmac
- Open from 8am
Directions for Swansea University Car Park / Green Car Park
*All tickets subject to 5% booking fee
Other non-event city centre car parks are also available in the city. You can find information on these online here.
Park and Ride
Two bespoke Park and Ride sites will operate all weekend catering exclusively for Wales Airshow visitors.
Swansea Council says: "Traffic on Wales Airshow weekends in the city can become very busy, and it will take time for Park and Ride buses to make their way between the site and the event. Please factor this into your travel plans.
"Your car parking ticket permits one vehicle (car/small van) with up to five people to park between the hours of 8.30am and 8pm on July. 6 2024 or July,7 2024 for the purpose of attending Wales Airshow, no overnight parking allowed. No motorhomes allowed.
Online booking is available until 5pm Friday, July 5 for Saturday, July 6 parking, and until 5pm Saturday, July 6 for Sunday, July 7 parking. Pay on the gate will then be available on the day, if there are sufficient spaces available.
Bay Studios, Fabian Way
The service will run from the Swansea Bay Studios Car Park on Fabian Way (JNC42 M4) on the entrance to Swansea, dropping off and picking up at The Civic Centre.
With an express route, the travel time from the Bay Studios Park and ride site to the event is reduced but please still allow plenty of time to park your car and catch the bus to make sure you don’t miss any of the action.
- Cost per vehicle: £12.50*
- Postcode: SA1 8PZ
- Car Park surface: Tarmac
- Open from 8am
- Buses will run between 8.30am and 8.00pm
- Book Parking for Bay Studios, Fabian Way – Saturday 6 July 2 024
- Book Parking for Bay Studios, Fabian Way – Sunday 7 July 20 24
Landore
In addition to this bespoke service above we will also be using the Landore Park & Ride service all weekend. The service will run from the Landore Park and ride site on the A4217 (next to the Liberty Stadium), dropping off and picking up at The Civic Centre
- Cost per vehicle: £12.50*
- Postcode: SA1 2JT
- Car Park surface: Tarmac
- Open from 8am
- Buses will run between 8.30am and 8.00pm
- Book Parking for Landore – Saturday 6 July 2024
- Book Parking for Landore – Sunday 7 July 2024
*All tickets subject to a 5% booking fee
Visit the WalesAirshow website for further information.
