A host of historic aircraft took to the skies at this year’s spectacular Clacton Classic Airshow.
The 31st airshow returned on Thursday and Friday, 22 and 23 August, with a variety of heritage planes, including barnstorming aviation from 1930s biplanes as part of the Stampe Formation and the mighty Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress, the 'Sally B' – the last remaining airworthy B-17 in Europe.
Despite a disruption to the flight programme on Thursday due to the blustery conditions caused by Storm Lilian, flight fans were treated to an array of famous aircraft.
This year’s high-flying spectacle, organised by Tendring District Council (TDC), got underway with the Navywings Wasp helicopter and was followed by succession of fantastic flights, including the agile RAF Tutor, the aerobatic Firebirds, the historic Rolls-Royce Spitfire, the de Havilland Vampire Formation, a pair of thunderous BAC 167 Strikemasters and the impressive OV-10B Bronco.
Crowds stayed on for the popular twilight flights on Thursday evening, which saw the return of the Firebirds and Otto the helicopter for a remarkable pyrotechnic display, followed by fireworks from Clacton Pier.
The second day of the show on Friday saw glorious sunshine and improved wind conditions, which allowed for an expanded flight programme – which included the addition of the popular Second World War heavy bomber, the Avro Lancaster, to bring the event to a close.
The programme also included the Grumman Wildcat, the Tranto Formation – comprising of the Swordfish, Reliant and the Wasp – as well as the Hawker Fury and P-47 Thunderbolt and a special formation, which included the Blenheim and two Spitfires.
On the ground, people had the chance to climb onboard a stunning replica Chinook helicopter and take part in the town centre Clacton Airshow trail – which is running until Tuesday, 3 September. Maps can be collected from the Visitors’ Information Centre at Clacton Town Hall and Clacton Library.
Ivan Henderson, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “Despite a blustery start to the first day of the event, we still had a great turn out and our fantastic team managed to put on an impressive display.
“We were treated to glorious sunshine on Friday, which brought out larger crowds alongside an expanded schedule.
“This year’s airshow gave flight fans something a little bit different, with a host of heritage aircraft from the post-First World War, Second World War and post-war period – there was something for everyone.
“It was a shame that some of the historic aircraft couldn’t take to the skies as planned due to adverse weather conditions on Thursday, but flight fans were still treated to a stunning show.
“The atmosphere at the West Greensward Airshow Site was electric with plenty to do on the ground, including people being able to climb onboard the amazing replica of a Chinook helicopter, which proved incredibly popular.
“Earlier this year, the council committed to putting on Clacton Airshow for at least the next three years, so we look forward to welcoming flight fans back to town on August 21 and 22, 2025.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to everyone from TDC and all of our partners and sponsors for their dedicated efforts in planning and staging this wonderful show – the biggest free family event in Essex.”
The airshow was also delighted to welcome retired RAF Air Marshal Philip Osborn, who served as Chief of Defence Intelligence from 2015 to 2018, as a special guest on Friday.
Mr Osborn said: “Airshows are tremendously important in helping us to celebrate what my predecessors and the nation have done – D-Day was an incredible feat.
“Airshows like Clacton help us to connect with what many men and women in the Royal Air Force do on a day-to-day basis to defend our nation.”
