Thousands of flight fans turned out in force for the first day of Clacton’s spectacular airshow.

More than 100,000 people packed the seafront and West Greensward for the high-flying event on Thursday afternoon.

The headline act was the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the world famous Red Arrows, who wowed the crowds with their breath-taking stunts.

The flying line-up also included the MiG-15, Strikemaster, P51-Mustang, Team Raven, the Vampire Pair and Gerald Cooper in the Xtreme, as well as the Tigers Parachute team and the Catalina.

Night flights returned to Clacton again for the second time after proving very popular last year.

Otto the helicopter and the Twister Duo Fireflies took to the skies before a firework display on Clacton Pier.

Gazette:

  • Flights fans packed the beaches in Clacton

Mick Skeels, Tendring Council's cabinet member for tourism, said: "It was a marvellous show and we had great weather. The beaches couldn't have been more packed.

"This event is such a boost for the town's economy, but it's also great to see so many people on the beach, enjoying the show."

It was feared that the iconic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight would not go ahead after a number of the Second World War aircraft were grounded by safety experts, who found a fault with the Merlin engine of one of its Hurricanes.

But a solo Griffon-powered Spitfire – flown by Flt Lt Antony ‘Parky’ Parkinson – was allowed to perform.

Former US Marine and helicopter pilot John Harris, 70, said: “My father used to fly the Lancaster, so I was disappointed that it was grounded.

“But it was a very good day – I spoked to RAF Cadets and I was pleased that I still managed to see the Spitfire.”

The highlight of the show for young and old alike were the awesome Red Arrows, who performed daring manoeuvres in the skies over Clacton.

Jeanette Foster, 64, and daughter Nikki Foster, 43, from Sudbury, visit the show ever year.

Nikki said: “We love the whole airshow, but most of all we love the Red Arrows – they are just brilliant.”

Jeanette added: “The display is always fabulous – it’s fast and furious. They’re always the highlight of the show, although the Tigers are brilliant too."

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  • Armed police ensured visitors remained safe following a massive security boost

Caitlin Canham, five, from Colchester, added: “The Red Arrows were my favourite – I loved how fast they went and the coloured smoke."

Nigel Brown, Tendring Council's communications manager, said even more visitors are expected for the second day of the show on Friday.

He said: "The first day of the show was a huge success. The sun shone and the skies were blue and all the expected aircraft flew. Everyone had a great time."