Image © Paul Johnson/Flightline UK
More than 250,000 visitors are expected to gather on Swansea’s promenade and waterfront for the action-packed weekend of June 30 and July 1.
This year’s show takes on extra significance celebrating both the RAF’s 100th anniversary and the Army commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One.
The RAF will be bringing in extra displays, personnel and equipment and a comprehensive range of air displays which includes the world famous Red Arrows, The Battle of Britain Memorial Flights the Typhoon and a host of other exciting displays.
The Airshow has grown in popularity from 75,000 visitors in 2009 to an audience of 250,000 last year and even more people are expected this year.
Robert Francis-Davies, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Investment, Regeneration and Tourism, said Swansea is braced for its biggest-ever show.
To cater for the increase in displays and visitors a section of Oystermouth Road will be closed for the weekend to create a visitor area where families can roam safely without the risk of nearby traffic.
After discussions with South Wales Police, diversions, parking and park and ride facilities have been arranged to ensure visitors can reach the event whilst keeping traffic moving around the city.
Cllr Francis-Davies said: “The Airshow is such a popular event we’ve out-grown the space available on the promenade.
“We need to create extra space for the bigger RAF presence and for visitors by utilising Oystermouth Road, but we can only do that safely by closing it to traffic along a short section.
“This means we can also utilise that extra space for more stands and exhibitions to make the Airshow even bigger and better.”
A South Wales Police spokesman added: “South Wales Police is accustomed to policing major events and it is important that visitors to an event as large as the Wales Airshow feel safe.
“As always, our priority will be to maintain a visible and reassuring presence in and around the airshow and to provide the response the public would expect in order to keep them safe.”
Oystermouth Road will be closed in both directions from the Civic Centre to Sketty Lane from 10am on Friday June 29 to 6am on Monday, July 2. The road will however re-open west-bound only between 3pm and 7pm on Friday, June 29 with traffic travelling west but on the east bound carriage whilst trade stands are set up on the westbound carriageway.
“We’re promoting the closure and diversions as widely as possible to enable motorists to plan their journeys in advance. This will hopefully help to reduce disruption for those not attending the event and improve the experience for those that are.”
Russell Greenslade, Chief Executive of Swansea BID (Business Improvement District), said the annual event is a major attraction for Swansea and for city centre businesses who will be throwing open their doors to event-goers and shoppers alike.
He said: “The Airshow is a jewel of an event for Swansea Bay and we are pleased to see it return. The show is the traditional curtain-raiser to the summer in Swansea and businesses will be preparing for a positive turnout.
“Events like these and BBC Music’s The Biggest Weekend help put Swansea on the map, drawing people’s attention to the city, encouraging them to make return visits and setting the stage for a brilliant summer.”
Full details about the event, road closures and other information is available at walesairshow.co.uk
