AN iconic British bomber aircraft will be taking to the skies above Swansea to make one of its last ever flights this summer.
It’s now been confirmed the Vulcan XH558 is taking part in the Wales National Airshow (on Saturday only) which is being held in the city on Saturday July 11 and Sunday July 12. The aircraft, which was operational from the 1950s to 1985, played a vital role in the knife-edge tension of the Cold War.
Swansea Council is behind the Wales National Airshow with over 200,000 people expected to watch the spectacle unfold from the promenade over the course of the event weekend. Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Regeneration, said:
“The addition of the Vulcan XH558 to the Wales National Airshow line-up is terrific news. The Vulcan is a huge favourite of aircraft enthusiasts across the country, but this summer will be the first time it’s flown in the skies above Swansea Bay. The aircraft will also be retired from public displays of this nature later this year, so the people of Swansea and visitors to the city over the weekend of the event will be among the last to see this iconic bomber take to the skies.
“The combination of the Vulcan and all the other aircraft and ground-based entertainment to have been confirmed will be a memorable highlight of our Enjoy Swansea Bay summer events programme. The Wales National Airshow is a major event that puts Swansea on the map, attracts and thrills hundreds of thousands of visitors and greatly benefits local businesses as a result.’
Also confirmed are the Royal Jordanian Falcons aerobatic team and a Eurofighter Typhoon, as well as Chinook, RAF Sea King and Royal Navy Wildcat helicopters. Other aircraft taking part include two Spitfires and a Lancaster from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. The Red Arrows will also return on both days of the event thanks to sponsorship and support from Swansea University.
Visit www.walesnationalairshow.com to prebook an event timetable or premium parking.
This post is also available in: Welsh