Airshow boost for Swansea economy

Figures show the Wales National Airshow was a major success in Swansea.

Swansea Council has confirmed the two-day event attracted 75,000 people and generated just over £2million for the local economy.

A third of the visitors came from outside the Swansea Bay area to see the airborne acrobatics and take in the atmosphere.

The airshow was held in July and crowds were treated to spectacular displays from the Red Arrows, the locally-based Team Osprey, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Helicopter shows also wowed the crowds as well as the Team Guinot Wingwalkers- the world's only formation wing walking team.

Spectators were able to get up close to military vehicles, have a go on the Brush Boarding surf simulator, take part in sporting activities with Active Swansea, sample the wares from a range of food and drink concessions or get an adrenalin rush at the funfair.

The Wales National Airshow was organised by Swansea Council and supported by the RAF, the British Army and the Royal Navy.

Cllr Graham Thomas, Swansea Council's Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: "The Wales National Airshow was not only the best event of the summer for all who attended but it also generated over £2million for the local economy in terms of leisure spend and hotel occupancy.

"This is a fantastic result for an inaugural event in Swansea and has helped to raise the profile of the city as a terrific host for attractions of this magnitude."

The Wales National Airshow was part of the Swansea Bay Summer Festival that runs from May to September.