One of the biggest seaside air shows in the UK had one of its busiest ever days as Clacton Airshow marked its 30th event.
A celebratory atmosphere filled the skies and seafront in Clacton over the past two days for the event, with Friday seeing crowds matching last year’s record-equalling numbers for day two.
A bumper programme of flights saw fast jets, historic aircraft, and the iconic Red Arrows, display in front of Clacton seafront on Thursday and Friday (24-25 August).
Today also saw a bonus flight from an American USF KC-135 tanker plane, which treated crowds to a special fly past.
Other highlights included the ever-popular Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the Tigers Army Parachute Display team dropping onto the beach, and new displays to Clacton Airshow such as the Beech D17 Staggerwing Pair.
Day one wrapped up with a glorious twilight display, kick-started with a light display from the Firebirds and rounded off by Otto the Helicopter – with both flights wowing the crowds with pyrotechnics – before fireworks from Clacton Pier.
On the ground a brilliant interactive Rolls Royce display and military village joined the traditional vendors, while people also took part in the town centre Clacton Airshow trail – which is running until Sunday, 3 September. Maps can be collected from the Visitors’ Information Centre at Clacton Town Hall and Clacton Library.
Ivan Henderson, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism at Tendring District Council, which runs the Clacton Airshow, said the event was spectacular; and he was already looking ahead to next year’s.
“We’re delighted that so many people came to celebrate the 30th Clacton Airshow with us, and what a terrific event it was,” Cllr Henderson said.
“There was such a joyous atmosphere as people of all ages enjoyed the flying displays, the fantastic ground activities too, and the beauty of this part of the Essex Sunshine Coast.
“We’ll take the huge level of support from this year’s anniversary event into our planning for the 2024 Clacton Airshow, which will take place on 22-23 August, and I’d urge people to plan their visit now for that, as well as a return to sample everything we have to offer here on the Essex Sunshine Coast.
“I would also like to add my thanks to everyone from TDC and all of our partners for their dedicated efforts in planning and staging this event, which is no mean feat.”
