Everything you need to know about this weekend's Weston Air Festival

The popular Air Festival returns to Weston-super-Mare this weekend (June 22-23).

Thousands of people are expected to flock to the seaside to watch all kinds of planes perform in the skies above the town.

Spectators at this year's event are also set for a special treat as more than 30 hot air balloons ascend at dusk both days, with the Armed Forces celebrations something else not worth missing.

The two-day show can get very busy, so it's important to plan accordingly.

Aerosuperbatic Wingwalkers above the sea in 2018 (Image: Artur Lesniak/Reach Plc)

If you are heading there, check out the below list of everything you need to know:

Schedule for Saturday, June 22:

11:00 – 12:00

STATIC HELICOPTERS ARRIVE

1:00 – 2:00

RICH GOODWIN- MUSCLE BI-PLANE / AEROSUPERBATICS WINGWALKERS / CHINOOK DISPLAY TEAM / RAF TUTOR

2:00 – 3:00

CALIDUS AUTOGYRO / SEA FURY / T-67 FIREFLY / STRIKEMASTER

3:00 – 4:00

BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL FLIGHT

4:00 – 5:00

GREAT WAR TEAM / TWIRLYBATICS / GAZELLE SQUADRON / TEAM RAVEN

Schedule for Sunday, June 23:

11:00 – 12:00

STATIC HELICOPTERS ARRIVE

1:00 – 2:00

BATTLE OF BRITAIN MEMORIAL FLIGHT / CALIDUS AUTOGYRO / RICH GOODWIN / GAZELLE SQUADRON

2:00 – 3:00

T-67 FIREFLY / RAF CHINOOK DISPLAY TEAM

RAF RED ARROWS – IN PARTNERSHIP WITH GINSTERS

3:00 – 4:00

AEROSUPERBATICS WINGWALKERS / RAF TUTOR / STRIKEMASTER / PITTS SPECIAL

4:00 – 5:00

GREAT WAR TEAM / TEAM RAVEN

Armed Forces

With parades, theatrical performances, and competitions such as tug of war to watch, there's plenty to celebrate the Armed Forces across the weekend.

From noon on Saturday the Royal Marines Band and parade will march along the promenade, setting off from the Grand Pier, and there will be a formal opening of the air show and flag raising ceremony before the aerial spectacle begins.

Cadet groups, display teams, and military and civilian bands will be present throughout the festivities to entertain crowds on the grounds with competitions and demonstrations as aircraft perform overhead.

For a full programme of events, visit the website here.

You can watch the Battle of Britain display on Saturday (Image: Artur Lesniak/Reach Plc)

Travel by car

Southbound: follow the M5 to junction 21, then take the A370 exit to Weston-super-Mare.

Northbound: follow the M5 to junction 22, then take the A38 exit to Weston-super-Mare/Burnham-on-Sea/Bristol (South)/Airport.

Follow the signage to the seafront.

Satnav users should type in Marine Parade, Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1BE.

Parking

Parking will be available on the beach at Royal Sands, located to the south of the seafront.

Directions will be posted on signage. The cost is £10 per vehicle per day - but only cash will be accepted.

There will not be disabled parking on the beach.

This can be located along Marine Parade, though those who need it are advised to arrive early.

Alternative pay and display parking is available in the town centre but is expected to fill up quickly.

Public transport

You can hop onto a number of buses run by First to Weston-super-Mare, the timetables for which can be found here.

These are the services you can get:

X1 for travel to Bristol
126 for travel to Cheddar and Wells
X5 for travel to Clevedon and Portishead
X7 from Nailsea and Clevedon
20 for travel to Brean and Burnham-on-Sea

Trains run regularly from Bristol Temple Meads, Taunton and other surrounding areas to Weston-super-Mare.

The station is about a 15-minute walk from the seafront.

Thousands are expected to attend again (Image: Artur Lesniak/Reach Plc)

Other information

A first aid post, run by St John Ambulance and South Western Ambulance NHS Trust, can be found at the Tropicana.

The nearest cashpoints can be found in Severn Road/Whitecross Road, Richmond Street, Regent Street, Princess Royal Square and the High Street.

Toilet facilities will be open at the Royal Sands, Tropicana, Atlantic, and Oxford Street blocks. These can all be found along the Promenade. There is a 20p charge to use the toilets.

Deckchairs are available to hire from our seafront concessionaire. Stacks can be regularly found along the promenade.

Dogs are not allowed on the beach between Royal Sands and the Grand Pier. Dogs are allowed on the Beach Lawns but it is recommend you keep them on a leash because of the large crowds and noise from the displays.

Weather

Unfortunately, thunderstorms are now forecast for Sunday afternoon.

While Saturday is set to be clear and dry with highs of 22 degrees, June 23 could see torrential rain, lightning, possible flooding and disruption to travel.

This could affect displays.

However, a spokeswoman for the event said: "Obviously as with any other Airshow we closely monitor weather conditions but currently the forecasts do not give us cause for concern and we’re looking forward to a brilliant weekend of world class air displays and free entertainment for all the family.

“We will of course keep visitors updated and please follow our social media channels @WestonAirFest on Twitter and Instagram and @WestonAirFestival on Facebook for the latest news and updates.”

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