Red Bull air racer Melanie Astles - Europe’s top female aerobatic pilot - will be making her dazzling Clacton Airshow debut next month.

A six-time French aerobatic champion and the first woman ever to compete in the prestigious Red Bull Air Race, Mélanie will bring her breathtaking aerial artistry to the Essex Sunshine Coast on Thursday 21 and Friday 22 August.

Mélanie will take to the skies in her Extra 330SC, a high-performance, single-seat aerobatic aircraft powered by the formidable Lycoming AEIO-580 engine - perfect for her dynamic, gravity-defying display, which is proudly sponsored by Matthew Homes Ltd.

Born in Rugby and raised in the south of France, Mélanie’s aviation career has soared from national titles to international acclaim. After leaving school at 18, she worked in petrol stations to fund her flying lessons, earning her private pilot’s licence at 21.

She entered aerobatics in 2006, became French Champion in the ‘Espoir’ category a year later, and by 2015 was competing at the elite ‘Unlimited’ level. In 2016, she made history as the first female pilot in the Red Bull Air Race World Series, with four podiums including a win at Indianapolis.

In 2024, she became British National Champion, earning an FAI medal on an international mixed podium.

Mélanie said that participating in Clacton Airshow 2025 aligns seamlessly with her passion for innovation. This year, thanks to a new partnership with AeroView TV, the event will be streamed online for the first time — bringing the excitement and spectacle to national and international audiences and showcasing the extraordinary champion far beyond the seafront.

“Participating in Clacton Airshow represents an extraordinary opportunity to be part of a revolution in aeronautical event presentation,” she said.

“The live streaming innovation aligns perfectly with my vision of making aviation accessible to the greatest number.

“Clacton’s seafront offers a magnificent setting for aerial demonstrations, and I’m enthusiastic about contributing to this pioneering event.”

Councillor Ivan Henderson, Deputy Leader of Tendring District Council and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said he was thrilled to welcome Mélanie to this year’s Clacton Airshow line-up.

“Mélanie Astles is an exceptional pilot whose skill and passion for aviation have earned her international acclaim,” he said.

“From championship titles to breaking barriers in the Red Bull Air Race, her achievements speak for themselves.

“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome her to Clacton for what promises to be a truly unforgettable debut.

“The airshow is the highlight of the summer here on the Essex Sunshine Coast – and with Mélanie’s high-energy display in the Extra 330SC, this year’s event is set to be one of the most exciting yet.”

Ben White, of Matthew Homes Ltd, added: “We’re proud to support Mélanie Astles’ debut at the Clacton Airshow – her incredible skill and energy are sure to captivate audiences.

“The airshow is a fantastic celebration of community and aviation, and sponsoring this flight is our way of helping bring something truly special to the Essex Sunshine Coast.”

The 2025 Clacton Airshow, organised by Tendring District Council, is one of the biggest events on the Essex calendar, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year.

Alongside Mélanie’s debut, this year’s programme features the world-famous RAF Red Arrows, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, as well as the return of the popular twilight display on Thursday 21 August.

For updates and more information on the 2025 Clacton Airshow people should visit www.clactonairshow.com, follow @clactonairshow on X, or go to the official Facebook event.

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