Wales Airshow

Taking to the skies over Swansea Bay on 25 and 26 July 2026

Announcing Wales Airshow Afterburn!

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Experience the Wales Airshow like never before as it returns this year with an exciting new format. 

For the first time visitors to the country’s biggest free spectator event will be treated to a spectacular new evening programme alongside the daytime displays.  

Wales Airshow: Afterburn is an exciting new addition that promises an electrifying series of sunset air displays.  

Spectators will see dramatic pyrotechnic performances from the Otto Helicopter, thrilling aerial manoeuvres from the Firebirds complete with fireworks.  

And, with thanks to Bassetts Motor Group, the unmistakable roar and glow of the Typhoon’s afterburners lighting up the bay will also be part of the show. 

It’s all taking place on the first weekend of the school summer holidays, July 25 and 26, so everyone will get the chance to enjoy it.  

Wales Airshow: Afterburn will build to a grand finale featuring a choreographed 200-drone display and fireworks.  

Daytime displays will feature an outstanding mix of military precision and civilian aerobatic excellence, celebrating both the heritage and innovation of aviation.  

Fan favourite aircraft like the RAF Tutor are set to return alongside displays not seen above Swansea Bay before, including the close-formation aerobatics civilian duo the Strikemaster Pair.  

Aviation history will also come to life with the iconic Spitfire and Hurricane, both central to Britain’s air defence during the Second World War, alongside the Dakota, a legendary transport aircraft known for its role in major wartime operations, including D-Day.  

Away from the skies, the Wales Airshow will once again offer a full family day out, with military ground displays, live music, a fun fair, market stalls, and a wide selection of food and drink creating a lively atmosphere along the seafront.  

For those looking for a premium experience, Flight Deck, brought to you by Cardiff Wales Airport, will offer a dedicated viewing area and comfortable seating. New for this year, the Sky Lounge will provide a fully catered hospitality package.  

Available for both daytime and evening sessions, booking will be essential with tickets going on sale in the coming weeks.  

Tracey McNulty, Head of Cultural Services, Parks and Cleansing, said: “The Wales Airshow is a fantastic annual event and if you’ve never seen a night-flying show then you have to come because it’s going to be a real treat for all the family.  

“The annual Wales Airshow has been a fixture of the Swansea skyscape for more than a decade and the extra time in the air is yet another reason to visit.”  

Full details about ground attractions and flight times will be published closer to the date. This year the Red Arrows will not be attending because the team is flying in the United States as part of its 250th anniversary celebrations.  

Tracey McNulty said: “It’s a shame the Red Arrows won’t be with us this time as their overseas commitments mean they won’t be in the UK for the whole of July.  

“But we’re optimistic they’ll be back in Swansea next year because they’ve always told us they love the crowds here and the warmth of the city’s welcome.”  

With free entry and something for all ages, the event continues to be a cornerstone of Swansea’s summer calendar.  

Wales Airshow returns July 25 & 26, 2026

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Swansea Council’s Wales Airshow is set to be the best yet with a new date and new attractions for the 2026 show.

The biggest free event of the year in Wales is to move from its traditional early-July date to July 25 and 26 to become the curtain-raiser to the school summer holidays.

The move’s been agreed so that there isn’t a successive weekend-clash between the show and the Ironman 70.3 event taking place on July 11 and 12.

On top of that the council is working with its partners on a range of new and improved attractions in the air and on the ground to add an even greater wow-factor for returning crowds.

Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said: “We want the Wales Airshow to be bigger, better and more exciting than ever. We’re in the planning stages for this year’s events and we’ve got lots of great new ideas to keep the crowds entertained over the two-day event.

“We’ll be announcing more changes over the coming months as we develop our plans. But we want to give businesses, residents and our communities six months’ notice so they can start planning their summer now.

“Over the years we’ve welcomed millions of visitors to the show and we want this year’s event to be one of the most memorable ever. That’s why our team is working on a range of surprises we’ll be unveiling closer to the date that will make it an extra special occasion for families.”

The first Wales Airshow took off in Swansea in 2007 before becoming a much-loved annual occasion in 2015. The event now regularly attracts 250,000 visitors over the weekend with its array of stars like the Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and much more besides.

There are also scores of ground attractions to keep families entertained between the airborne shows.

To keep visitors safe and to create space for ground attractions, this year’s event will take the same approach on road closures as before with Oystermouth Road being closed for the weekend, as usual.

Wales Airshow Takes Flight: A Weekend of Family Fun and Aerial Spectacles

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The Wales Airshow had a fantastic weekend with hundreds of thousands of people enjoying the country’s biggest free outdoor event.

Two days of flying featuring The Red Arrows, RAF Typhoon and many other displays delighted visitors from across the UK.

The Swansea Council-organised event 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.

Among the features and new for 2025, was The Royal Navy’s Fleet Squadron Area Diving Group, with their exciting Dive Tank display, offering visitors a rare glimpse into the daring world of Mine Clearance Divers.

Councillor Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration, Events and Tourism, at the council, said: “As one of the highlights of the annual Swansea events calendar, the airshow was a huge success, continuing to support the city’s reputation as a top-class destination for major events. 

“The stars of the free-entry show included the hundreds of thousands of visitors who enjoyed a day out or a weekend in Swansea. The family atmosphere resulted in a great weekend, and Saturday’s rain didn’t dampen the mood.

“The airshow contributes millions of pounds to the local economy, and we thank local businesses and residents for their patience with the road closures, and to all traders for their contribution to the latest show’s success.

“We also appreciate the understanding of those whose daily routines were affected by the road changes implemented for everyone’s safety.” 

The council thanked everyone who attended the airshow, as well council staff, emergency services, show sponsors and other council partners who helped make the event a top-quality showcase for the city. 

Swansea has a wide range of top-quality events this year and is welcoming the return of IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea on July 13.

Find more information on the summer’s events in Swansea go to www.visitswanseabay.com 

Accessibility Viewing Areas at the Wales Airshow with NAS

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Swansea is gearing up for an exhilarating weekend as the Wales Airshow returns to Swansea Bay on 5 and 6 July. Event organisers, Swansea Council, continue to ensure accessibility for all attendees, particularly for individuals with accessibility needs. A dedicated viewing area and facilities will once again be available, to enhance the experience of everyone attending the Wales Airshow.

The National Autistic Society Swansea branch is proudly supporting the Wales Airshow again this year by providing volunteers to support users of the accessible viewing areas. Whilst these areas are open to anyone with additional needs, several families linked with the National Autistic Society use the accessible viewing area and praise its inclusion.

A member of the National Autistic Society said: “Without the accessibility areas we wouldn’t be able to come and watch the Airshow – knowing there is a dedicated space for anyone with any sort of accessibility need is a real comfort, and means we can enjoy the show together as a family. Knowing there are understanding volunteers there takes a huge weight off our shoulders, should we need their help.”

Councillor Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration, Events, and Tourism at Swansea Council, said: “We are committed to making the Wales Airshow an enjoyable experience for all. The designated viewing area and support services from organisations like the National Autistic Society will go a long way in ensuring that everyone can join in the excitement of this event.”

In addition to dedicated viewing areas, located at the cenotaph and civic site, the Wales Airshow will feature accessible facilities, including accessible toilets, and assistance from trained volunteers throughout the event. 

The Wales Airshow promises to be an unforgettable event, full of spectacular performances by top aerial teams. 

Thousands enjoy great Wales Airshow weekend

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SWANSEA’S Wales Airshow had a fantastic weekend with hundreds of thousands of people enjoying the country’s biggest free outdoor event.

Two days of flying featuring The Red Arrows, the RAF Typhoon and many other displays delighted visitors from across the UK.

The Swansea Council-organised event 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.

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.

Cabinet member Robert Francis-Davies said: “Swansea does more than ever to salute those who serve in the forces; our airshow activity helped visitors acknowledge the contribution of our veterans, reservists, cadet forces and volunteers.

“As one of the highlights of the annual Swansea events calendar, the airshow was a huge success, continuing to support the city’s reputation as a top-class venue for major events. 

“The stars of the free-entry show included the hundreds of thousands who enjoyed a day out or a weekend in Swansea. The family atmosphere resulted in a great weekend.

“The airshow contributes millions of pounds to the local economy and we thank local businesses and residents for their patience with the road closures, and to all traders for their contribution to the latest show’s success.

“We also appreciate the understanding of those whose daily routines were affected by the road changes implemented for everyone’s safety.” 

He 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. 

Swansea has a wide range of top-class events this year, including the World Triathlon Para Series Swansea on June 22, IRONMAN 70.3 Swansea on July 14, and three days of music in Singleton Park from July 18-20. More info: www.enjoyswanseabay.com   

This year’s sponsors included 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 and Travel House.

Next year’s Wales Airshow is due to take place on July 5 and 6. 

Returning to the skies above Swansea Bay 25 and 26 July 2026!

Featuring breathtaking aerobatic displays, state-of-the-art military aircraft and vintage planes from the past, tens of thousands of visitors enjoy the Wales Airshow in Swansea Bay every year. Expect to see exciting air displays, incredible ground displays, entertainment and much more. For updates, sign up to our mailing list and be sure to follow us on social media.

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