First day of Clacton 150 anniversary flights proves huge success
All eyes were to the skies today in Clacton as the town marked its 150th anniversary with a flying event above the seafront.
The Clacton 150 Anniversary Flight programme kicked off with a fly-past by a pair of F-15E Strike Eagles from the US Air Force based at RAF Lakenheath, followed by displays from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) – made up of a Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster bomber – and the RAF Red Arrows.
An estimated 75,000 people came along to watch the displays.
Alex Porter, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism at Tendring District Council (TDC) – which organised the event – said day one had gone well.
“It was a real delight to watch these incredible aircraft grace the skies above our town,” Cllr Porter said.
“The speed and sound of the F-15s matched with the slow majesty of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the incredible manoeuvrability of the Red Arrows’ display made for a thrilling spectacle which was enjoyed by all those who came to watch.
“This is a fitting way to mark Clacton’s 150th birthday and I hope people will come back tomorrow for day two. My thanks go to everyone who came along for spreading right out along our seafront and creating such an enjoyable atmosphere today.”
Clacton 150 Anniversary Flights continue tomorrow (Friday, 27 August) with the Red Arrows at 12.45pm followed by the BBMF at 1.30pm.
As well as plenty of parking in the area there will be a Rotary Club car park next to Clacton Airfield (£5 cash for all day parking), cyclists can use the national cycle network 150, and there will also be a Park and Ride services from Hedingham Buses at Clacton Shopping Village.
People planning to watch the Clacton 150 Anniversary Flights are advised to plan their trip and download the free Love Tendring app which shows how busy beaches are, so they can spread out across the seafront. BBC Essex has live coverage from midday tomorrow Friday for exclusive commentary from the seafront.
Clacton Airshow will return on 25-26 August 2022.