FLIGHT fans were treated to a twilight spectacle as aircraft took to the skies for the first ever night flights at Clacton Airshow.

Large crowds remained in the town for three additional flights starting at 7.55pm on Thursday.

Twisters Aerobatic Team, Fireflies and Otto the Helicopter amazed the crowds with their bright lights and firework displays.

The first day of the airshow was rounded off with a massive firework display on Clacton Pier.

Between the daytime programme and the evening, people were entertained by Titan the Robot, as well as performances from Funky Voices, Stevi Ritchie and cast members from Sleeping Beauty, this year’s pantomime at the Princes Theatre.

Mike Carran, Clacton Airshow Director, said: “The night flights were amazing to see – it was quite moving.

“It’s the first time this has been done in Essex and it was spectacular.

“What pleased me the most is that so many people stayed until well after dark.

“The start of the first night flight took my breath away. It’s just completely different to anything we have had before.

“It was simply amazing to see fireworks coming from the wings of the aircraft and lighting up the sea below.

“There was a great family carnival atmosphere.”

Mr Carran added that following the success of the event it is hoped the night flights can be repeated next year.

“Businesses in the town centre have told us they have had a great day and the town centre shops and restaurants were packed between the flight programmes,” he added.

Young flight fan Ellis Richardson, 4, of Colchester, was wowed by the pyrotechnics.

He said: “I loved the fireworks and all the colours.

“I like the Red Arrows in the day, but the fireworks were the best.”

Although the first day was blessed with high temperatures, low cloud and haze restricted the programme with the Tigers Parachute Team, the Typhoon and Red Arrows the only aircraft to perform for safety reasons.

Tanya Ferguson, Tendring Council’s cabinet member for tourism, said it was a great 25th anniversary for the air show.

“The night flights proved a huge hit and there were still people on the beach at 8pm,” she said.

“What with the attendance during the day plus the evening – we had record crowds for a first day and if the weather is good again we will smash our two day record of 220,000.

“Clacton was really buzzing and it was fantastic to see. Of course we were disappointed about the programme being curtailed but there was so much else to do there were no long faces. What followed after dark certainly made up for it.”

Mr Carran added: “No pun but it was a bit of a pilot for us and we are certainly going to have to think about it being a regular part of the event.

“I am not sure any of us knew exactly what to expect but it was truly spectacular and something totally different it truly captured the imagination.

“The fireworks on the Pier was just the perfect finish to a successful day all round.”

The second day of the event gets underway at West Greensward, Clacton, from 11am.