Heading down to the Wales Airshow and have some questions? Maybe you live locally and need to know what’s happening? Our FAQ section is here to help.
General FAQs
The Wales Airshow is one of the most scenic Airshows in the UK, and the largest free event in Wales. Over two days every year, spectators view breath-taking aerobatic displays, state-of-the-art aircraft, amazing ground displays and much more!
The Wales Airshow always takes to the skies at its home above Swansea Bay. The sweep of Swansea Bay provides a natural amphitheatre for the displays, making it a firm favourite location amongst fans and pilots alike.
The 2023 Wales Airshow takes place on Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 July 2023.
No tickets are needed – the Wales Airshow is completely free!
If you lose anything during the event, you can either contact us on the Facebook page, or contact the Council’s Special Events team at special.events@swansea.gov.uk.
Please bear in mind that the council’s Special Events team will be extremely busy over the weekend building, coordinating and de-rigging the event, and will be back in the office on the Tuesday (4th July) following the event.
Saturday July 2nd – LW 02:47 HW 09:10 LW 15:00 HW 21:19
Sunday July 3rd – LW 03:20 HW 09:44 LW 15:32 HW 21:54
Yes, 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.
Yes, a full range of food is available in the ground display area around the Cenotaph, near Ground displays and also around the Civic Centre. The food range will include jacket potatoes, curry, burgers, fish and chips and crepes. Ice-cream, doughnuts, sweets stalls will also be open.
Tea, coffee and soft drinks and alcohol will be available for purchase.
There will be two information points, one located on the promenade near the Cenotaph and one at the Civic Centre. The information teams will also have site maps.
Lost children / parents can also report to the information points. If in doubt there will also be stewards on site to help you.
Yes, there are two main First Aid points, manned by St Johns Ambulance personnel. There is one point at the Civic Centre plus one on the promenade near the Cenotaph.
Members of St Johns Ambulance will also be patrolling around the site throughout both days. If in doubt there will also be stewards on site to help you.
The Wales Airshow site opens at 10am and closes at 6pm.
Security staff and South Wales Police will be visible and patrolling both at the event site and in the surrounding area. If you witness something suspicious, report it to security staff or a steward immediately.
You safety and security are our main concern, and it is taken extremely seriously. Swansea Council, and South Wales Police have been planning this event for some time, and if you’re coming to the Wales Airshow we want you to enjoy and have fun, so please read the following information and advice on security at the event.
• Security staff will be visible and on patrol around the site.
• Specialist dogs will also be on patrol.
• A network of CCTV cameras has been installed throughout the event, these will be monitored from our event control room.
• We’ve worked closely with the Police and other emergency services to plan a safe event for everyone.
• There will be police patrols around the event and local area.
• You may see armed police patrolling the area as is now normal practice at events of this size.
• There will be many other security measures that you can’t see.
There will be ample toilets and accessible toilets in the event area near the Cenotaph, the Civic Centre, in the event car parks and along Swansea Prom.
There will be a dedicated water stations where you can refill bottles.
Please dress and plan accordingly for the weather. The past few years have been very hot and sunny, so please pack plenty of water, sunscreen and appropriate clothing. Members of St John’s Ambulance will be on hand to offer advice and help during the hot weather.
The Event
We’re committed to making our events as sustainable and environmentally friendly as possible.
For more detail on all the sustainability practices in place across the Wales Airshow weekend, take a look at our dedicated sustainability page.
If you lose anything during the event, you can either contact us on the Facebook page, or contact the Council’s Special Events team at special.events@swansea.gov.uk.
Please bear in mind that the council’s Special Events team will be extremely busy over the weekend building, coordinating and de-rigging the event, and will be back in the office on the Tuesday (5th July) following the event.
Saturday July 2nd – LW 02:47 HW 09:10 LW 15:00 HW 21:19
Sunday July 3rd – LW 03:20 HW 09:44 LW 15:32 HW 21:54
A maritime exclusion zone will be in effect for the duration of Wales Airshow in the area 200m to the south of a line formed by the marker buoys. The Maritime Volunteer Service (MVS) will be patrolling the exclusion zone. All vessels are requested to heed any instructions given by the MVS.
For full information please check out our sailing restrictions page.
Yes, 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.
We recommend anywhere along Swansea Promenade, from the Civic Centre to the Cenotaph, although some displays may be viewed as far as Mumbles. The displays will be centred on the ground display area by the Cenotaph. Keen photographers among you may like to note that the sun will be in front of you from the ground display and will move towards Mumbles Head (where the lighthouse is).
There’s also plenty to see and do at the event plus the main ground displays/activities near St Helen's Ground, The Civic Centre and on the Promenade near the Cenotaph.
Spectators must stay behind the warning flag display line, which is demarked by white posts with red flags along the bay – this is to allow the aircraft to display as close as possible to the crowd line.
Yes, a full range of food is available in the ground display area around the Cenotaph, near Ground displays and also around the Civic Centre. The food range will include jacket potatoes, curry, burgers, fish and chips and crepes. Ice-cream, doughnuts, sweets stalls will also be open.
Tea, coffee and soft drinks and alcohol will be available for purchase.
Yes you can! Thousands enjoy the Airshow from the comfort of the beach with friends, families and bring picnics. We do ask however that you be considerate to residents, other beach users and the environment and take away / recycle all of your rubbish, and leave the beach as clean as possible.
Yes, there will be high noise levels at certain times, especially during the jet aircraft displays like the Red Arrows. There may be noise from practice sessions on the Friday before the Airshow weekend as well as both afternoons of Wales Airshow.
You may want to consider bringing earplugs or ear defenders for young children.
We would suggest you leave your pets at home. The air displays will be very noisy and we are expecting thousands of people at the event. Please do not leave pets in your car.
There are also certain stretches of beach where dogs are not permitted during the summer, you can find out more here. Note: these restrictions do not apply to Guide Dogs.
You can pick up free Child Safety identification wristbands. On entering the event a wristband can be collected from our Enjoy Swansea Bay Information points, the Park and Ride drop off location or our car parks staff, and South Wales Police Officers. Write the parents mobile number on the back of the wristband before putting on the child’s wrist. These wristbands are bright and waterproof. The 2019 wristbands for were kindly sponsored by Dawson Estate Agents.
Lost children and their parents can report to the information points located on the promenade near the Cenotaph and one at the Civic Centre, or any steward / police officer. There will also be stewards along the site to help you.
There will be two information points, one located on the promenade near the Cenotaph and one at the Civic Centre. The information teams will also have site maps.
Lost children / parents can also report to the information points. If in doubt there will also be stewards on site to help you.
Yes, there are two main First Aid points, manned by St Johns Ambulance personnel. There is one point at the Civic Centre plus one on the promenade near the Cenotaph.
Members of St Johns Ambulance will also be patrolling around the site throughout both days. If in doubt there will also be stewards on site to help you.
Check out our dedicated accessibility page. If you still have any questions or need further information, contact the team at special.events@swansea.gov.uk
There are no cloakroom or storage facilities on site.
The Wales Airshow site opens at 10am and closes at 6.30pm.
Security staff and South Wales Police will be visible and patrolling both at the event site and in the surrounding area. If you witness something suspicious, report it to security staff or a steward immediately.
You safety and security are our main concern, and it is taken extremely seriously. Swansea Council, and South Wales Police have been planning this event for some time, and if you’re coming to the Wales Airshow we want you to enjoy and have fun, so please read the following information and advice on security at the event.
- Security staff will be visible and on patrol around the site.
- Specialist dogs will also be on patrol.
- A network of CCTV cameras has been installed throughout the event, these will be monitored from our event control room.
- We’ve worked closely with the Police and other emergency services to plan a safe event for everyone.
- There will be Police patrols around the event and local area.
- You may see armed police patrolling the area as is now normal practice at events of this size.
- There will be many other security measures that you can’t see.
There will be ample toilets and accessible toilets in the event area near the Cenotaph, the Civic Centre, in the event car parks and along Swansea Prom.
The Wales Airshow will go ahead rain or shine. In the event of poor weather, some of the air displays may have reduced performances due to low cloud level. Download the official App to get the latest live updates during the event!
The Wales Airshow always has different displays over both days, meaning the two days are never the same, and always exciting!
There will be a dedicated water stations where you can refill bottles.
Please dress and plan accordingly for the weather. The past few years have been very hot and sunny, so please pack plenty of water, sunscreen and appropriate clothing. Members of St John’s Ambulance will be on hand to offer advice and help during the hot weather.
There is no age limit – the Wales Airshow is the perfect family day out!
No – the use of drones is STRICTLY PROHIBITED as the event takes place within restricted airspace. The use of drones is against the law, and if you are found to be using one you will be stopped, have your equipment confiscated, and will be investigated and prosecuted by South Wales Police and the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority).
Every year Armed Forces Day celebrates the contributions made to our country by those who serve and have served in Her Majesty’s Armed Forces. This year Armed Forces week falls during the Wales Airshow, so a special celebration is planned on Saturday 2nd July to include lots of interactive displays from the Military, performances from the Band of the Prince of Wales and the Military Wives Choir plus lots more.
Travel and Parking
A number of parking options are available nearby. We also have two Park & Ride sites operating exclusively for Wales Airshow visitors. The service will run from the Swansea Bay Studios Car Park on Fabian Way on the entrance to Swansea, dropping off and picking up at The Civic Centre. Plus the Landore Park and Ride site, dropping off and picking up at the Civic Centre.
You can head to the Parking page, which has more details, maps and links to pre book online.
We suggest people chain their bikes to the railings to the fence in the Lacrosse Field or at Civic Centre – staff will be able to advise.
Cycle routes are open apart from the cycle path on Swansea Prom between the Mariott and Sketty Lane which is closed. This is closed as the Prom will be very crowded around the ground display area at St Helen's and each afternoon during the air display's, so please use the cycle track on the other side of the road.
Take a look at our Travel page for more information
All event car parks are accessible, with dedicated accessible parking spaces in each of the designated event car parks, but please check as car park surfaces vary (e.g. some are on grass etc.). Check our Parking page for more information on parking
All event car parks open from 8.00am.
E-Tickets are fine and accepted at all of our pre-bookable car parks. For more information on parking, check out our Parking page.
For all information relating to regular bus services, please refer to the First Cymru website.
Yes – but please park responsibly. All surrounding roads will be subject to normal parking regulations, and parking enforcement officers will be patrolling the area and enforcing parking restrictions.
For more information on where to park, check out our dedicated Parking page.
Swansea has a wide range of accommodation available throughout the city. You can find out more and plan your stay with our sister site, visitswanseabay.com
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, please allow plenty of time to park your car and catch the bus to make sure you don’t miss any of the action.
Our operators First Cymru will be supply sufficient buses to transport visitors to and from the event. However customers should allow plenty of time to arrive in time, there may be short queues at peak times.
Swansea Civic Centre.
The Park & Ride shuttle buses will operate from 8.30am until approximately 7.30pm, according to demand.
You can – by pre-booking online, you are guaranteeing your space. Please be aware however that with road closures and high levels of visitors expected, traffic may be busy. Please factor this into your journey. Buses will operate on a reduced frequency between 12:30pm and 4:00pm
Yes, please keep an eye out for temporary VMS (Vehicle Messaging Signs) and road signage directing you to the Wales Airshow and to the Bay Studios Park & Ride site.
For timetables and other services visit the First Cymru website.
Great Western Railway were also the Official Rail Travel Partner of the Wales Airshow 2019. Book ahead for the best fares and save on train tickets now at GWR.com.
Yes you can, despite the road closures you will still be able to access all event car parks.
Have a look at our Parking page for information on which car parks to use, depending which direction you are travelling in from
Road Closures
Our number one priority is to keep the public safe. The closure will help us do that. The Airshow continues to grow and attract more visitors each year. It is outgrowing the available space on the promenade for ground events and the number of visitors.
By allowing ground event organisers to build their stands and attractions on the roadway there will be more space for more attractions and more room for people to move around. In order to build the stands and attractions on the road safely we need to close the road on Friday. To reduce the impact, we’ve only closed the Westbound lanes.
Emergency services will be on the event site throughout the weekend to provide support if and when required. Despite road closures being in place, all road closures will allow access for emergency services vehicles at all times.
Singleton Hospital will not be affected by road closures or the event site, and access to Singleton Hospital will be available as usual although via alternative access routes.
Yes – head for Sketty then turn down Sketty Lane and turn left at the bottom.
Yes – head for Sketty then turn down Sketty Lane and turn left at the bottom.
As you would expect for an event of this size there will be a considerable amount of traffic in the area throughout the weekend. We are working hard to ensure any disruption is kept to a minimum, but please plan accordingly.
Due to the road closure in place along Oystermouth Road, you may have to take alternative routes to access Mumbles / Gower.
Due to the road closure in place along Oystermouth Road, you may have to take alternative routes to access the M4.
The airshow weekend is one of the busiest of the year for people heading to Swansea, with over 200,000 attending in the previous few years. The increased safety and new security measures are being implemented due to the anticipated crowd size.
A number of bus routes including the 4, 4A, 8 and 14 will be affected, but First Cymru are running alternative routes. You can find full information on these changes on the First Cymru website
Customer Services: 01792 572 255, 8am - 8pm Daily
Traveline: 0800 4640000 (FREE) 7am - 8pm Daily
During the road closure you will still be able to gain access to the Marina via Dunvant Place. Roads to the East of Dunvant place will not be closed.
We would suggest you leave the M4 motorway at Junction 47 and follow the A483 towards Swansea. Directional signs will take you to the event.
We would suggest you leave the M4 motorway at Junction 42 and follow the A483 towards Swansea. Directional signs will take you to the event.
As with other major sporting events or music festivals, at the end of the air displays a large amount of traffic can be expected, as everyone tries to leave at the same time. However, our ground displays will remain open until 6pm providing family entertainment. Or why not head into the City Centre and enjoy a meal while you wait for traffic to ease off?
There are a number of ways to keep up to date on the day. For live traffic and parking updates, you can follow us on twitter at;
@swanseacouncil, @WalesAirshow and @EnjoySwansea
And also on Facebook at;
@WalesAirshow, @EnjoySwansea and @swanseacitycouncil
You can also download the official Wales Airshow App, your digital programme for the show!
If your question has not been answered above, please e-mail special.events@swansea.gov.uk.
