Plan your trip to watch the Clacton 150 anniversary flights
Visitors and residents coming to watch the Clacton 150 Anniversary Flights later this month are being urged to plan their trip.
The Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) will grace the skies over Clacton on 26 and 27 August as the town celebrates its 150th anniversary.
Alex Porter, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism at Tendring District Council (TDC), which is organising the flights, encouraged those intending to come to plan their trip to make the most of the experience.
“To get the best from your visit it always helps to think about how you’re going to travel down, and there’s plenty of information available to help you do that,” Cllr Porter said.
“For the two days of flights we have extra parking, travel and first aid provision in place to hopefully make the day as smooth as possible for those coming along.”
To boost car park capacity over the two days the Rotary Club of Clacton-on-Sea will run an official car park off of West Road, next to Clacton Airfield.
Open from 8am until 6pm, admission costs £5 for the whole day and is cash only. There is no bus transfer service to the seafront, and spaces cannot be booked in advance.
Hedingham Buses will also be operating a Park and Ride service from Clacton Shopping Village, while visitors can also use rail and coach services.
People can download the free LoveTendring app to their smartphones to find out how busy beaches are and where to find local amenities, while the latest information on the day will be shared on the TDC, Essex Sunshine Coast and Clacton Airshow social media channels.
Flights start at 2.45pm on Thursday, 26 August, with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, followed by the Red Arrows between 3.15-3.45pm. On Friday, 27 August, the displays are reversed with the Red Arrows at 12.45pm and the BBMF between 1.30-1.45pm.
BBC Essex is the only way to hear live coverage of the Clacton 150 Anniversary Flights. Tune in from 2pm on Thursday and 12noon on Friday for exclusive commentary from the seafront, using your smartphone or radio.
Those coming to watch the flights are encouraged to spread right along Clacton’s coastline, including the beaches, promenades and greenswards, and also reminded to prepare for the weather – including sun cream and plenty of soft drinks if it is hot.
The existing first aid provision from TDC’s Beach Patrol will be boosted on the two days of flights with coverage from St John Ambulance, while TDC stewards will also be on-hand to provide information and help with issues such as missing children.
Cllr Porter added:
“While the flying action will last about an hour, there is so much to see, do and enjoy in Clacton to make it a full day out – or two if you stay overnight in one of the many excellent hotels and B&Bs in the area.
“From the Octopus Ahoy! trail and Street Tag, to attractions such as Clacton Pier and Clacton Pavilion, and the Clacton 150 Heritage Trail, come and explore the Essex Sunshine Coast.”
The Anniversary Flights are subject to the latest Government guidance on Covid-19 events.