The countdown is on the biggest date in the Essex Sunshine Coast calendar, as Clacton Airshow prepares to return with two days of thrilling flying displays, ground attractions and family entertainment.

Staged by Tendring District Council (TDC), the 33rd Clacton Airshow takes place on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 August, bringing together new aerobatic displays, much-loved heritage aircraft, classic jet noise, hands-on attractions and firm seafront favourites.

This year’s theme, A Celebration of Aviation, will be reflected across the programme, from iconic RAF displays and historic aircraft to modern aerobatics, STEM activities and live event coverage for visitors on the ground and those following from further afield.

A bonus flight has been unveiled today (Monday, 24 August) coming from G-Force Aerobatics, with pilot Chris Burkett really demonstrating that Celebration of Aviation.

Among the headline acts on the Clacton Airshow line-up will be the world-famous RAF Red Arrows, who will perform on both days, while the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will also return to the skies in the year marking the 90th anniversary of the Spitfire’s first flight.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight display is currently expected to feature a combination of the Spitfire, Hurricane and C-47 Dakota, subject to operational availability, offering visitors a powerful living tribute to British aviation history.

A classic Cold War-era jet will also bring speed, sound and spectacle to the seafront, with the MiG-17F ‘Fresco’ joining the flying programme. The aircraft is due to appear in both the Thursday evening twilight display and Friday’s daytime display.

Fresh displays for 2026 include The Starlings, a two-aircraft aerobatic team flown by former British Aerobatic Champions Tom Cassells and Michael Pickin.

They will be joined by the Flying Comrades, a Duxford-based three-ship Yak display team making its Clacton debut, combining disciplined close-formation work with smoke-filled aerobatic manoeuvres.

Returning favourites include the Bronco Demo Team’s distinctive OV-10 Bronco, Friday-only appearance P-51D Mustang ‘Moonbeam McSwine’, Spitfire MH434 and the Strikemaster Pair, adding further variety, heritage and classic jet noise to the flying line-up.

The RAF Grob Tutor T1 will also return, highlighting the training aircraft used to teach the next generation of RAF pilots, while the RAF Careers Engagement team will be on the West Greensward event site with a replica Typhoon cockpit and Batak reaction challenge.

Visitors will be able to step aboard the replica cockpit for a pilot’s-eye view of one of the RAF’s most advanced fighter jets, while the Batak reaction game will offer a fast-paced test of the reflexes used in high-pressure aviation environments.

On Thursday evening, the popular twilight display will return with a refreshed programme sponsored by Red Nova IT Solutions, blending heritage aircraft, high-energy aerobatics and pyrotechnics against the backdrop of Clacton seafront.

This year’s twilight line-up, sponsored by RedNova IT Solutions, will include Otto the Helicopter, the Firebirds Aerobatic Team, the Desert Spitfire and the MiG-17, bringing a spectacular mix of pyrotechnics, aerobatics and classic aircraft to the evening slot.

Actual Radio has been named as the official radio broadcast partner for Clacton Airshow 2026, with dedicated programming across both days from the Essex Sunshine Coast.

Radio Airshow will be available across multiple platforms for the first time, with listeners able to ask their smart speaker to “Play Radio Airshow”, stream through the free Actual Radio app, or listen online through the Actual Radio website by clicking the Radio Airshow button.

Other display sponsors include Actual Radio for the Flying Comrades’ three Yak aircraft, LocaliQ for the Strikemaster Pair, Black Jacket for the Bronco, Fisher Jones Greenwood LLP for The Starlings, and MRL Productions for Spitfire MH434.

Councillor Ivan Henderson, TDC Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “Clacton Airshow is always one of the real highlights of the summer, and this year’s programme brings together everything people love about the event.

“There is a fantastic mix of aircraft and attractions, from the Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to brand new aerobatic teams, historic jets, twilight pyrotechnics and hands-on activities on the ground.

“It is not just a brilliant spectacle in the sky. It is a celebration of aviation, our seafront, our local economy and the thousands of residents, visitors, businesses, volunteers, sponsors and partners who help make the event such a success each year.

“Whether people are coming for the first time or have been enjoying Clacton Airshow for years, I would encourage everyone to plan their journey, support the event where they can and make the most of what promises to be another memorable two days on the Essex Sunshine Coast.”

The official Clacton Airshow programme, which includes flight times, aircraft information and visitor details, will be available to buy at the West Greensward Airshow site.

The Greensward Airshow Village opens at 11am on both days, giving visitors plenty of time to explore the attractions, exhibitors and traders before the flying gets underway. Flying displays take place across both afternoons, with the popular twilight display returning on Thursday evening. Display times are subject to change due to operational requirements or weather conditions.

Visitors are being reminded that some displays are particularly noisy and may cause distress to people who are sensitive to noise. Unauthorised drones are not permitted at the event.

Those travelling to the event can make use of the Park and Ride service from Clacton Shopping Village, in Stephenson Road West, provided by Central Connect, as well as the event car park at West Road run by Clacton-on-Sea Rotary Club, and additional rail services provided by Greater Anglia. Coaches should use the postcode CO15 6PH and follow signs to the drop-off zone at Angle Field.

Visitors are encouraged to think about their journey in advance and allow extra time, particularly at busy periods, as road closures and temporary traffic measures will be in place around the seafront during the event.

A High Court injunction will also be in place to prevent unauthorised camping in designated seafront areas during the airshow period, helping to keep the event site, key routes and public spaces clear.

The injunction runs from 00.01am on Thursday 20 August through to 11.59pm on Saturday 5 September and covers specified areas in Clacton. Full details are available on TDC’s website.

Giving to Clacton Airshow through online donations, bucket collections or by purchasing the official £6 souvenir programme helps support the future of the event. Visitors are encouraged to bring cash on the day, while those wishing to donate ahead of the event can do so online. With continued support from residents, visitors, sponsors and partners, this spectacular free show can remain in Clacton's skies for years to come.

For updates and more information about the 2026 Clacton Airshow, visit Clacton Airshow website, follow essexsunshinecoast on Instagram, or go to the official Facebook event.

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