Llandudno Air Show – latest information (Updated 2020)

The Llandudno Air Show was a key and very popular event in Llandudno, drawing crowds from the local area and far beyond. Last held in 2015, the show featured many superb airplanes, including the PBY Catalina, a famous flying boat that took its first flight in 1935.

Who organises the air show?

The show was organised and put together by Mostyn Estates Limited. This is a private company with interests in commercial and residential activities in the Llandudno area. It also has a presence in the agricultural industry.

Does the air show still take place?

Not at present – the last show that was organised was in 2015. While the show was intended to continue in 2016, the organisers cancelled it. This was due to the implementation of new safety regulations after the Shoreham Air Show disaster the year before.

The Civil Aviation Authority took steps to make sure the accident at that show could never happen again. Given the limited time to put these new rules in place prior to the 2016 show, the organisers had no choice but to cancel it.

At the time, they hoped to bring back the show for 2017, but this did not happen. No further news or statements have been made about future shows either, so it could well be that the Llandudno Air Show has been consigned to the past.

Could the Llandudno Air Show return in future?

It’s possible, but it would require adherence to all the new safety rules, which can be prohibitive in some cases. These air shows are often free to the public to come and enjoy, although the local area does welcome many visitors, seeing an increase in revenue while the show goes on.

Visitors to the air show would visit cafes and shops while in the area, and some would stay overnight in hotels too. Llandudno has plenty more attractions as well, so the air show would often be the focus of a weekend away but would not be the only thing to enjoy there.

Is there an alternative to the Llandudno Air Show?

There are two:

• The Wales National Air Show
• The Rhyl Air Show

The Wales National Air Show is free and takes place in Swansea Bay on the south coast of Wales, typically in July. The Rhyl Air Show is also free to attend and is much closer to Llandudno. It is located between Prestatyn and Colwyn Bay.