People at Swansea's Wales Airshow had a fantastic weekend with hundreds of thousands turning their heads to the sky to enjoy the country’s biggest free outdoor event.
Two days of flying featuring The Red Arrows (who put on a stunning display on Saturday), the RAF Typhoon and many other displays delighted visitors, many of whom have journeyed from across the UK.
The event, which is organised by Swansea Council, saw huge crowds enjoy a wide range of interactive displays, activities and live entertainment on the ground as well as seeing the action in the air. New features included a Veterans’ Village to honour all ex-Service people. Visitors celebrated the significant contributions made to the UK by those who serve and have served in the forces.
There was a signing ceremony for the Armed Forced Covenant, renewing the council’s commitment to the armed forces family. The show marked Wales Armed Forces Day, with Saturday activity including a stage ceremony and entertainment. An original song, written by a group of veterans, was performed publicly for the first time at the event.
Swansea Council cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies paid tribute to the effort put in by council staff, emergency services, show sponsors and other council partners who helped make the event a top-quality showcase for the city.
The show has run every other year for a while before becoming an annual event in 2016 though unfortunately the airshow had to be cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to pandemic restrictions.
Scroll down for full updates and pictures during the course of the weekend and make sure you join our WhatsApp news community here to keep up to date with all the latest:
What a view!
Look at the view from inside on of The Black Cats.
They are the Royal Navy Helicopter Display Team and made a flim as they headed towards the show.
A flying start to the day
The Gazelle Squadron Display Team are the latest team to take to the skies over Swansea.
They were established in 2014 and are run by volunteers who supply their time and skills throughout the year to "ensure that the aircraft are displayed in prime condition and operated safely at all times."
It's the Gazelle Squadron up next! Look at the 4 of them go pic.twitter.com/zukEEhZ9k7
— Wales Airshow (@walesairshow) July 7, 2024
They are a fleet of former military Westland Gazelle helicopters from the Army Air Corps, Royal Navy, Royal Air Force and Royal Marines.
The Red Devils make the perfect landing look easy!
The displays have begun and The Red Devils looked incredible as they came down from the sky.
They made the perfect landing look easy, and were more than happy to pose with fans after the display.
Update to the timetable
There has been a slight update to the timetable for today.
This is the latest update from the organisers.
The sun has finally appeared
The sun is shining down on the crowds who are visiting on day two.
The first display will be at 1.30pm this afternoon.
Watch Red Arrows wow the crowds
The Red Arrows are not taking part today but they did put on an amazing show yesterday evening.
WATCH: Red Arrows wow the crowds at the 2024 Wales Airshow pic.twitter.com/omTOTJxMQU
— WalesOnline (@WalesOnline) July 7, 2024
Park and ride facilities
If you are heading to Swansea for this afternoon's displays there are park and ride facilities.
There are two dedicated Park & Ride sites that will operate during the weekend catering exclusively for Wales Airshow visitors. The services will run from
1. Swansea Bay Studios Car Park on Fabian Way on the entrance to Swansea ( jcn 42)
2.Landore Park and Ride near the Liberty Stadium (jcn 45) both will be dropping off and picking up at The Civic Centre.
The travel time from the Park and Ride site to the event is approximately 20-30 minutes but this will depend on local traffic.
They advice to allow plenty of time to park your car and catch the bus to make sure you don’t miss any of the action.
What to expect
The weekend will also see the return of the RAF Typhoon on both days and a Royal Navy Black Cats Wildcat.
Aerobatics specialists Team Raven, the Norwegian Vampire and the Army’s world-famous Red Devils Parachute Team are also due to appear – plus a Fairey Swordfish bi-plane, the Westland Wasp helicopter, a Rolls Royce Spitfire (Sunday only), a Yak50, the Starlings Aerobatic Team, the Gazelle Squadron helicopter display team, a Sea King helicopter and the Firebirds Aerobatic Team.
There’ll be ground displays today for all the family including a replica Hurricane and Typhoon, military displays, food and drink, live entertainment, a funfair, vintage military vehicles, a D-Day mobile museum, trade stands, the Motor Zone for fans of cars – and a new family fun area.
Red Arrows leave Wales
The Red Arrows aren't performing today as they are at the British Grand Prix, but some have been lucky enough to see them leaving Wales today.
This is the moment they flew over runners taking part in the Porthcawl 10K.
Great to see @rafredarrows flypast our RNLI station this morning during the @Porthcawl10K pic.twitter.com/1YNlGIsYyT
— Porthcawl RNLI Lifeboat (@PorthcawlRNLI) July 7, 2024
Best pictures from day one
We have got some brilliant pictures from day one.
Our photographer Mark Lewis was there throughout the day capturing all the fun. You can take a look here.
Forecast for Swansea this afternoon
It has been a wet start across much of Wales, but the forecast for Swansea this afternoon is looking more positive.
The Met Office forecast is showing signs the sun will try to get out this afternoon.
Timetable for day two
It is day two of the show and thousands more people are expected to head to Swansea today for more acrobatics in the air.
Here is the timetable for today;
- Red Devils Parachute Team – 1:30pm
- Gazelles – 1:50pm
- Vampire – 2:08pm
- Starlings Aerobatic Display Team – 2:19pm
- Spitfire – 2:36pm
- Swordfish and Wasp – 2:47pm
- Wasp – 2:52pm
- Swordfish – 3pm
- Black Cats – 3:08pm
- RAF Tutor – 3:21pm
- Sea King – 3:33pm
- Firebirds – 3:49pm
- Yak50 – 4:07pm
- Hawker Fury – 4:18pm
- Team Raven – 4:31pm
- Typhoon – 4:48pm
Thanks for following and goodbye
We are ending the live blog for today, thanks for following along with our updates. We hope you had a great time if you did go to the airshow, goodbye.
Pictures of the Red Arrows
What a show!
There might delays getting home with long delays on the M4
There are long delays on the M4 eastbound around Newport. You can see the live updates in our live blog here.
The Red Arrows have performed
The Red Arrows put on a great display at the Airshow.
Five minutes until the Red Arrows
The Red Arrows are expected to perform in five minutes time.
Team Raven have taken to the skies
In the final air display before the Red Arrows fly overhead in about 25 minutes Team Raven have taken to the skies.
15 minutes until the next performance
In just under 15 minutes time the Firebirds will take to the skies.
There is a break coming up
From 3.20pm to 4pm, there will be a break of the displays at the airshow. The next performance is set to be the Firebirds at 4pm.
The Sea King helicopter has arrived
Before the Red Arrows perform at the airshow there is still plenty to enjoy, including the Sea King helicopter which has just arrived at the airshow.
Exact timings for the event
While the airshow takes place across both Saturday and Sunday, the Red Arrows performance will take place above Swansea on Saturday, July 6, at 5.15pm. On Sunday the historic team will be heading for the Grand Prix at Silverstone and so while you may be able to catch a glimpse of them en route, there wont be a specific Swansea performance.
Here is their route to the airshow:
Look what is all prepared and ready to go
The Red Arrows have arrived in Wales are all set and ready to go at Cardiff Airport. You can find their timings here.
We have been sent these excellent pictures of them in preparation at Rhoose.
They will be taking to the skies later today and will be at the air show at 6pm.
Commentary throughout the day
There will be a commentary during the air displays and public announcements will also be made throughout the day.
A public address system will run from the Civic Centre to the main ground display site and on the promenade as far as Brynmill Lane.
Good news for all the people who are ready and waiting this afternoon.
Warning from police
It is not just the air show on in south Wales today. South Wales Police are warning it is a busy one.
A statement from the force said: "It’s looking set to be a busy one across south Wales today, with a number of great events scheduled across the area.
"If you’re heading to Cardiff for either #MonserJam at the Principality Stadium or the #Manics at Cardiff Castle, or to Swansea for the #WalesAirshow, be sure to plan ahead, leave extra time for your journeys and check out the event organisers’ and travel company websites for the most up to date info."
The sun has come out just in time
The sun has made an appearance and people are already packing out the beach and promenade waiting for the displays to start.
It will start today will be the Starlings Aerobatic Display Team at 1.30pm.
The forecast is better for this afternoon but it looks set to stay blustery.
Where to see the Red Arrows
The highlight for many today will be the sight of the Red Arrows who are celebrating their 60th anniversary this year, having flown almost 5,000 miles in displays across 57 countries.
You can find out their timings and where in Wales you might be able to spot them if the clouds shift here.
The road closures that are in place
There have been a number of closures since Friday afternoon.
If you are heading to Swansea today then these are the closures that are now in place until 5am on 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
There are parking restrictions and a tow away zone on:
- Both sides of Oystermouth Road / Mumbles Road
- Both sides of Bryn Road
Swansea Promenade, from the Civic Centre to Sketty Lane, will be prohibited to cyclists until 11pm on Tuesday, July 9..
Access for emergency access will be maintained at all times.
Armed Forces Day also being celebrated
Armed Forces Day is also being celebrated at the event today.
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.
