Airshow off as all tourist events in city cancelled until August

THE hugely popular Wales Airshow has been cancelled because of coronavirus. The annual two-day event is one of the biggest in Swansea’s calendar and attracts thousands of people to the seafront every year.

It usually features appearances from the RAF Red Arrows, the RAF Typhoon display team, Fireflies Aerobatic display team and RAF Chinook, among many more.

But this year the event, which was due to take place on Saturday, July 4, and Sunday, July 5, has been cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Swansea council has cancelled or postponed all cultural and tourism events it directly organises until the end of August.

A message on the event’s website reads: “In light of the current situation, events directly organised by Swansea Council have been cancelled or postponed until the end of August, 2020. We’re sorry to announce that cancelled events include the 2020 Wales Airshow, which was due to take place on 4-5 July this year.

“Our team will still be here to help, to keep you updated, and to share some great photos and videos from previous years to help brighten your timelines, but in the meantime please stay safe and follow the guidelines from Public Health Wales and the Government.

“We’ll see you soon!” Councillor Robert FrancisDavies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, explained that the council hadn’t taken the decision “lightly”.

He said: “We’ve made this decision to cancel or postpone council-organised events based on advice from Government and Public Health Wales. We’ll review the August end date on a regular basis.

“We haven’t taken this decision lightly, but the situation is compelling.

“Trying to curtail the spread of the virus along with maintaining the health and wellbeing of our staff, public, suppliers and the emergency services is paramount.

“We face possibly the most challenging situation that any of us has ever faced and we’re sure event businesses and supporters will understand this decision.

“We know the importance of public events organised by the council but, for now, it’s essential we do what we can to reduce the spread of the virus. This decision will reduce the risk of loss of life.”