The roar of fast jets, historic warbirds and evening pyrotechnics filled the skies above the Essex Sunshine Coast as Clacton Airshow 2026 brought two thrilling days of aviation, entertainment and seafront celebration to a close.

Now in its 33rd year, the show returned on Thursday and Friday (27–28 August) with the theme A Celebration of Aviation, mixing modern aerobatics, much-loved heritage aircraft, classic jet noise and family entertainment along Clacton’s seafront.

Organised by Tendring District Council (TDC), the free event once again saw Clacton’s seafront safely welcome huge crowds, with around 215,000 residents, visitors and aviation fans attending across the two days of the district’s biggest and best-loved summer event.

From the unmistakable precision of the RAF Red Arrows to the sight and sound of the Sally B, Spitfire MH434 and the MiG-17F ‘Fresco’, this year’s flying programme offered something for every generation of airshow fan.

Sally B, the UK’s last remaining airworthy B-17 Flying Fortress, provided one of the standout moments of the programme, adding a powerful piece of living aviation history to the skies above Clacton.

The RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight also brought a poignant heritage display to the seafront in the year marking the 90th anniversary of the Spitfire’s first flight.

As the sun set on Thursday, the popular twilight display gave visitors a dramatic finale to the first day, with Otto the Helicopter and the Firebirds Aerobatic Team combining aerobatics and pyrotechnics over the North Sea.

Away from the flying displays, the West Greensward Airshow Village added to the festival feel, with exhibitors, traders, hands-on activities and the RAF Careers Engagement team giving visitors the chance to climb into a replica Typhoon cockpit.

Actual Radio helped bring the sound and excitement of the airshow to audiences beyond the seafront as the official radio broadcast partner, with Radio Airshow available through smart speakers, the Actual Radio app and online.

Councillor Ivan Henderson, TDC Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said: “Clacton Airshow has once again delivered a fantastic showcase for our seafront, our district and the Essex Sunshine Coast.

“There were some truly memorable sights over Clacton this year, from the Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to the arrival of Sally B and the atmosphere of the twilight display.

“What makes the airshow so special is not just what happens in the sky, but the way it brings people together along the seafront, supports local businesses and creates memories for families, residents and visitors.

“I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s event happen, including the airshow team, council staff, emergency services, volunteers, sponsors, partners, traders and everyone who supported the show.”

Jessica Bryan, Clacton Airshow Event Director, added: “Airshow week has a rhythm all of its own, and it has been brilliant to see the seafront come to life as the site took shape, the aircraft arrived and the whole operation came together safely.

“Behind the scenes, it is fast-paced, detailed and exciting, with teams making constant adjustments so the programme, ground site and broadcast all work together.

“This year’s show has been a real team effort, and we are already full of ideas for making Clacton Airshow 2027 feel even bigger, brighter and more exciting.”

This year’s display sponsors included RedNova IT Solutions for the twilight flights, Actual Radio for the Flying Comrades, LocaliQ for the Strikemaster Pair, Fisher Jones Greenwood for The Starlings, MRL Productions for Spitfire MH434, as well as The Lifehouse Spa & Hotel and Black Jacket.

We value your support – to keep Clacton Airshow in the skies, please donate here.

For more images from the event, see our social media pages.