Organisers are delighted to announce that the iconic Avro Lancaster Bomber will be joining the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight at this month’s Clacton Airshow.

The unmistakable roar of the Lancaster will echo over the Essex Sunshine Coast as part of the high-flying spectacle, taking place on Thursday 21 and Friday 22 August.

Organised by Tendring District Council (TDC), this year’s event embraces the theme ‘Legends of the Sky’, celebrating the legacy of British and Allied aviation with two days of thrilling displays and family-friendly fun.

The Lancaster’s appearance is a major highlight for aviation fans and newcomers alike.

Stirring, powerful, and deeply symbolic, the aircraft is one of only two airworthy Lancasters in the world — and its presence at Clacton is expected to draw big crowds.

Councillor Ivan Henderson, TDC Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “The Lancaster is one of the most iconic aircraft in the world, and we’re absolutely thrilled to confirm it will be flying at Clacton Airshow 2025.

“It’s a powerful tribute to the past and a real crowd favourite — this is the kind of moment that makes the airshow so special.”

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which is also set to includes a Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire, will perform a moving aerial tribute to those who served and sacrificed during the Second World War.

Also joining the line-up at the airshow is the historic Rolls-Royce Spitfire PRXIX, sponsored by LocaliQ — a sleek, high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft powered by the formidable Griffon engine, delivering a graceful solo display.

From the Royal Navy’s aviation heritage comes the Fairey Swordfish torpedo bomber biplane, operated by the Navy Wings Heritage Flight, which played a pivotal role in naval operations during the Second World War.

Jet-age history will be represented by the de Havilland Vampire, flown by the Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron and sponsored by MRL Productions. As one of Britain’s first jet fighters, the Vampire offers a glimpse into the dawn of modern air combat.

The skies will also echo with the sound of American power, as a rare formation of P-51D Mustangs and a P-47 Thunderbolt takes flight — sponsored by Ørsted, which runs the Gunfleet Sands Windfarm.

Other classic aircraft include the F-86 Sabre, a Cold War icon of speed and style; the rugged OV-10B Bronco, a counter-insurgency aircraft known for its agility and distinctive silhouette; and a thunderous pair of BAC 167 Strikemasters, sponsored by the Black Jacket Group, bringing fast jet flair to the heritage line-up.

Councillor Dan Casey, TDC’s Armed Forces Champion and President of the Clacton branch of the Royal British Legion, added: “We honour our veterans’ service with these memorial flights and heritage programme. It’s a privilege to welcome them to the show.”

A Veterans Table, jointly organised by Councillor Casey and proudly sponsored by the Black Jacket Group, will be hosted in the hospitality area, offering a space for reflection and recognition.

The 2025 show will also feature iconic appearances from the RAF Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, as well as the return of the popular twilight display on Thursday evening.

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

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