What is in store at the 33rd Clacton Airshow?

Since 1991, thousands have been coming from far and wide to the Essex coast for the annual Clacton Airshow to witness World War Two aircraft, the RAF Red Arrows and much more.

Some 200,000 people gathered on Clacton's seafront and beyond in 2025 — an event described as "one of the highlights" of the summer.

What can we expect in 2026?

The event is on Thursday and Friday with aircraft taking off in the afternoons.

Daily timings will be announced on the official website, but schedules could vary with weather and operational factors.

The 2026 theme is A Celebration of Aviation.

The RAF's Red Arrows will return along with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the Spitfire's first flight.

It should feature the Spitfire and Hurricane subject to availability.

The council confirmed on Thursday the Dakota will not be part of the event.

Other regulars include:

• The Bronco Demo Team's OV-10 Bronco
• P-51D Mustang "Moonbeam McSwine"
• Spitfire MH434
• The Strikemaster Pair

Newcomers include:

• Last-minute addition G-Force Acrobatics, with Chris Burkett in the cockpit
• The Starlings, an acrobatic duo
• The Flying Comrades, featuring three planes from the Cold War era
• MiG-17F Fresco - another Cold War addition to feature at night

There will also be a number of interactive events:

The RAF Grob Tutor T1 will be used to teach the next generation of RAF pilots, and its careers engagement team will be on the West Greensward event site.

Visitors can step aboard a replica Typhoon cockpit to see the pilot's view of a fighter jet.

Alternatively, the Batak reaction game tests reflexes as it recreates high-pressure aviation scenarios.

On Thursday evening, the Twilight display will once again illuminate the skies with pyrotechnics and aerobatics and Otto the Helicopter returns.

After this, the fireworks display draws the first day to a close.

Before the flights, the Greensward Airshow Village serves as the main hub and opens from 11:00 BST on both days.

Visitors can explore the attractions, exhibitors and traders before the main event starts.

Tendring District Council organises the event and a blog on the airshow website tells you "Everything you need to know".

Those driving to the seafront are advised to allow more time to get there due to road closures and traffic measures that are in place for everyone's safety.

Regular seafront parking and the Martello car park will be unavailable for the duration of the airshow.

Event parking is provided by the Rotary Club at Orange Main Car Park and also at West Road opposite Clacton Golf Club.

Disabled parking is available, but limited.

Those making use of public transport have multiple options:

Park and ride bus services start leaving frequently from Clacton Shopping Village on Stephenson Road West from 10:00.

Return journeys begin at midday and end at 18:30 on Friday.

Thursday's service will run later to allow for the fireworks, ending at 22:00.

Check the Central Connect website for a full timetable.

Additional trains will be provided by Greater Anglia, on top of their usual hourly service.

Independent coach operators will be running day-trip services.

A High Court injunction will be in place to prevent unauthorised camping on the seafront between Thursday and Saturday.

The authority reminded visitors that displays are "particularly noisy" and could cause distress to those with noise sensitivity.

It added that unauthorised drones were not permitted at the event.

Visitors were encouraged to bring cash on the day.

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