In 2018 I posted an item about the annual air show in Swansea. The pandemic caused a three year gap, but over the weekend of 2nd/3rd July 2022 it took place again. The format has not changed: the show is staged over Swansea bay (with spectators spread over the beaches and promenades), the programme (apart from the timings) is essentially repeated on the two days – and admission is free.
It was a very enjoyable event. The shot at the top shows the six planes of Team Raven, a local aerobatic display team with a fast developing national and international reputation.
The next three photos depict the famous Red Arrows, the Air Force’s aerobatic team.
The Red Arrows, not surprisingly, always get top billing and their displays never disappoint. However, there was plenty more to see. The shot below is of a Catalina, an amphibian aircraft (or ‘flying boat’). This one was built in 1943 and originally saw service with the Canadian Air Force. It has had many different roles since then and was repainted in US colours in 2005.
Altogether there were about a dozen different displays. My favourite, as always, were the ‘Wingwalkers’—or the AeroSuperBatics Team, to give them their full official title.
Note that the lady is hanging upside down as the plane flips over …
… and she is getting onto the wing here:
On the first day of the show, they had two planes in their display. We went on the second day—the weather forecast was a bit better—and unfortunately they only had one available. Nevertheless, it would have been worth going just to see them.
The show attracts people from a wide area – and, as I said, it is completely free. The 2023 dates have been set for 1st and 2nd of July.
