ADVENTUROUS local pilots will take to the skies above Swansea Bay to entertain many thousands of people this summer.
Swansea Council has now confirmed that Team Raven will be participating at the free Wales National Airshow being held on the weekend of Saturday July 2 and Sunday July 3.
Team Raven is a formation aerobatic display team that formed in May 2014 after the disbandment of Team Osprey and Team Viper.
Their confirmation for this year’s free Airshow follows news that the Red Arrows and a Eurofighter Typhoon will also be taking part.
More aircraft and entertainment will be confirmed over coming weeks and months, as Swansea Council strives to make the Airshow an annual event.
Last summer’s Airshow attracted more than 170,000 spectators, generating over £7.6 million for the Swansea economy.
Frances Jenkins, Swansea Council’s Strategic Manager for Culture, Tou
rism, Marketing and Events, said: “It’s great news that Team Raven has now confirmed their participation in this summer’s Airshow. They were extremely popular when they took part in last year’s Airshow, and their participation means the event will once again showcase local talent, as well as pilots and aircraft from across the UK and overseas.
“The Wales National Airshow is an important event for a number of reasons. Not only does it give local people a world class spectacle on their doorstep, but it also attracts many thousands of visitors, helping to generate more spending in our hotels, shops, pubs, restaurants and other businesses. These are among the reasons why we’re looking to make it an annual event in Swansea to help continue meeting the expectations of residents and visitors.
“Airshow fans can rest assured that we’re continuing to work hard on the event’s final line-up, with details of other aircraft and entertainment to be confirmed once they’re finalised.”
The Red Arrows, formed in 1964, have performed more than 4,700 displays in 56 countries across the world. The Eurofighter Typhoon, a cutting-edge fighter jet, is capable of cruising at a speed of about 1,000mph without afterburners.