Twilight flights to light up the sky at Clacton Airshow

09 Jul Twilight flights to light up the sky at Clacton Airshow

A sparkling display of night flights will return to the Clacton Airshow this year – including a twilight drop by the Tigers Army Parachute Display team.

Becoming a firm favourite with the crowds since they were introduced four years ago, the twilight display on the first day of the Clacton Airshow encourages people to stay in the town for longer – and offers an opportunity for those working to still see some of the action.

This year’s Clacton Airshow takes place on 22-23 August, with the twilight flights beginning at around 7.30pm on Thursday, the first day.

Freefalling into the action will be the Tigers, a world-class display team whose performance will include trailing smoke, flags and awesome formations both in the air and under the canopy, captivating the Airshow audience.

The Tigers will also be performing jumps during both days of the Clacton Airshow, alongside the dusk display.

Also returning to the night flight line-up is Otto the helicopter from O’Brien’s Flying Circus, where the rotors create a perfect spinning mechanism for brilliant pyrotechnics to light up the sky.

Completing the twilight flight display are the Fireflies, two lit-up light aircraft who give a swirling aerobatic display and who are also performing on both days of the Airshow, and possibly the most modified Piper Cub in the world, which is equipped with smoke, lights, lasers and pyrotechnics to wow the crowds.

Alex Porter, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism at Tendring District Council (TDC), which runs the Clacton Airshow, said the night flights offered something different for spectators.

“As the sun sets behind Clacton, the twilight skies make the perfect backdrop for the visual displays of the night flight programme at the Airshow,” Cllr Porter said.

“The sparkling performances have continued to entice crowds since they were introduced, and I am sure this year will be no exception.

“Not only do they add something extra to the Clacton Airshow for spectators to enjoy – boosting the local economy by encouraging visitors to stay longer – but they also mean even if you work and miss the daytime displays you can still get a piece of the action.”

Radio Airshow from BBC Essex will once again broadcast live from Clacton Airshow on 103.5FM and 729AM for flight fans who cannot make it down to enjoy the event in person.

Completing the Airshow on the first day will be a spectacular fireworks display from the end of Clacton Pier, one of TDC’s tourism partners.

Previously announced flights for the 2019 Clacton Airshow include The Blades, Pitts Special biplanes and Wildcats, all aerobatic displays, as well as RAF flights from the Typhoon, Tucano and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.