Airshow bosses believe this year’s high-flying spectacle in Clacton will be the biggest show ever.

As many as 250,000 people are expected to flock to the coast for today and tomorrow’s Clacton Airshow in an expected £5million boost to the local economy.

Organisers at Tendring Council said there is a full programme of aerobatic displays and attractions – both on and off the ground - including the world famous RAF Red Arrows on both days.

There will also be the return of night flights following their successful debut last year.

Gazette:

  • The Twister Duo Fireflies at last year's event

Mick Skeels, cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said: "The airshow is a vital boost for the economy in Clacton and Tendring.

"I have lived here for many years and even when Butlins was here I don't remember the crowds that we have seen in recent years at the airshow.

"There's no reason this won't be the biggest and best show yet.

"Last year's night flights were very popular and I wouldn't be surprised if more people stay for them and also enjoy the fireworks afterwards from Clacton Pier."

He added: “Everything now seems to be in place and the final ingredient is the weather but there is nothing that we can do about that.

“The forecast looks promising and it would be great if we can have a warm dry couple for days for this exciting event which is expected to pull in more than 200,000 people.

“The Airshow provides a vital boost for the district’s economy and this year it will be followed up by the Ovo Energy Tour of Britain. It is going to be a fantastic couple of weeks.”

Gazette:

  • The Tigers Parachute Team

Tendring Council will once again be selling programmes at £5 and making bucket collections and Mr Skeels urged spectators to contribute.

“Other airshows have gone by the wayside due to the financial pressures of running such a large event and ever-increasing costs,” he added.

“We are managing to keep our heads above water, thanks in part to the generosity of our sponsors and supporters but every penny counts.

“If everyone who has a good time just puts £1 in the buckets it will ensure the airshow for another year. After all it is free to watch”

The flying line-up includes the world famous RAF Red Arrows, as well as the MiG-15, Strikemaster, P51-Mustang, Hurribomber, RAF Tutor, Team Raven and the Vampire Pair.

Also confirmed are the Tigers Parachute team and the Catalina.

The popular night flights – which were introduced for the first time last year – will be on Thursday and will involve Otto the helicopter, the Twister Duo Fireflies.

It will be followed by a firework display on Clacton Pier.

Gazette:

  • The Mig-15 will be at Clacton Airshow

Mr Skeels said the Clacton Airshow is the signature event on Tendring’s tourism calendar and a vital boost to the district’s economy – bringing in around £5 million for the local economy.

Last year it attracted about 250,000 people over the two days.

The main event car park in West Road is overseen by Clacton Rotary Club while park and ride services are available from Clacton Factory Outlet and Holland Haven in partnership with Talisman Coach Lines.

The Clacton park and ride service is £10 per vehicle and £5 at Holland Haven.

The free event runs at West Greensward, Clacton, on Thursday from 11am to 9pm and on Friday from 11am to 5pm.

Share your experience of the airshow by using the Twitter hashtag #ClactonAirshow: