Battle of Britain treat for airshow fans

Some of the most iconic planes in British history will be participating in this summer’s Wales National Airshow.

Swansea Council has confirmed that the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be taking to the skies above the city as part of what will be the largest free event of the summer.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight consists of a Lancaster, a Spitfire and a Hurricane. The aircraft, flying out of RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, are regularly seen at British state occasions and events commemorating the Second World War.

This year’s Wales National Airshow, in association with Trade Centre Wales, is taking place on Saturday July 2 and Sunday July 3.

Also now confirmed are the Royal Navy Black Cats helicopter display team and the Sally B – the last remaining airworthy B-17 in Europe. The Sally B was used in the 1990 film Memphis Belle starring Matthew Modine, Eric Stoltz and Harry Connick Jr.

Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said: “The line-up for this summer’s Wales National Airshow means it will yet again be an event to remember.

“The combination of cutting-edge, modern aircraft with historical displays like the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Sally B are sure to thrill many thousands of spectators during what continues to be the best free event of its kind in Wales.

“The Wales National Airshow, which generates millions of pounds for the local economy, is great news for local people, local businesses and visitors to Swansea. It’s a great example of how we’re ensuring that we continue to make the most of Swansea’s world class, coastal setting by organising events of the very highest quality.”

All aircraft for the airshow have now been confirmed. Other displays taking to the sky include a MiG-15, the Breitling Wingwalkers, the Tigers parachute team, the Red Arrows, the Eurofighter Typhoon, the Bronco Demo Team, Team Yakovlevs, Gerald Cooper and Team Raven.

Details of ground-based entertainment will be unveiled next week.

The official WNAS16 App, available on iPhone, Android and Windows phones, is still available for the early bird price of £1.49 until 23:59 on June 19. It’s been launched to help keep Wales National Airshow fans up to speed with this summer’s free event.

Features include a dynamic timetable of displays that will be updated in real-time on the days of the airshow, live news, information on aircraft and ground displays, links to other events and hotels, as well as details of special offer discounts at Swansea restaurants and other events.

A special offers section contains several discount vouchers that can be redeemed at a number of hotels, restaurants and attractions around Swansea. By purchasing the app, spectators will also be helping to sustain the airshow on an annual basis.

Car parking spaces in the city centre fill up quickly due to the popularity of the event, so it’s also now possible to book premium parking at the Recreation Ground. All day parking is available at £16.50 per car, per day. The Recreation Ground car park, open from 9am to 7pm on both days of the airshow, is located right next to the main ground display area.

Visit www.walesnationalairshow.com for information on premium parking and the app.