Flight fans are set to turn out in force for the return of Clacton Classic Airshow this Thursday and Friday.
Organisers at Tendring District Council (TDC) have already unveiled a host of aircraft that will wow the crowds at this year’s high-flying spectacle on 22 and 23 August.
There’s also an exciting programme of ground events at the West Greensward Airshow site from 10am to 5pm – including an impressive replica of a Chinook helicopter – while on the Town Square on the Thursday there will be a community fair, run by Community Voluntary Service Tendring, and on the Friday, D-Days re-enactors dressed in Second World War uniform.
In conjunction with a number of High Street shops, there will also be a Clacton Airshow trail with the chance to win a family pantomime ticket for Snow White at the Princes Theatre. Look for the aeroplanes in the shop windows and grab entry forms from participating retailers.
Ivan Henderson, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “This year’s airshow is going to be one to remember – we haven’t quite had a line up like this before.
“Alongside the popular flight display, we have a range of activities on the ground – from joining in the Clacton Airshow High Street trail to climbing onboard a replica Chinook helicopter.”
Clacton Pier will once again be supporting the airshow with a spectacular free fireworks extravaganza which will follow on from the night flights on Thursday.
“We set the fireworks to music for the first time last year and it was so well-received that we have decided to repeat the idea this time around,” said Nigel Brown, the pier’s Communications Manager.
“The theme will be a musical journey through more than 100 years of Britain’s aviation history and it should be a fitting finale to the first day of the event. It will be our biggest fireworks display of the summer season.”
Our official Clacton Airshow programmes, which provide flight times, facts about the aircraft and teams, and everything you could possibly need to know to enjoy the airshow, is available at the West Greensward Airshow site and from the Visitors’ Information Centre at Clacton Town Hall, priced at £5.
Radio Airshow from BBC Essex will once again broadcast live from Clacton Airshow on 103.5FM and BBC Sounds for flight fans who cannot make it down to enjoy the event in person.
Those who are travelling to the event can make use of the Park and Ride service from Hedingham Buses or the event car park run by the Clacton-on-Sea Rotary Club at West Road, as well as additional rail services provided by Greater Anglia.
Visitors are strongly advised to keep an eye on the Clacton Airshow social media pages for up to date information on the event and any changes to the flying display.
For updates and more information on the 2024 Clacton Classic Airshow people should visit www.clactonairshow.com, follow @clactonairshow on Twitter, or go to the official Facebook event.
