Welcome to Clacton Airshow information page!
What are the dates for the 2023 event?
The proposed dates are Thursday 24th & Friday 25th August. In addition to the day flying, Twilight flights will take place Thursday evening only. Official 2023 details to be announced.
The official show site opening time each day is 11am.
Where is the event site located?
The main ground event site site is located on Marine Parade West (///: choppy.smiled.gazes) However, there is adequate viewing available along the seafront from the East side of Clacton Pier (///:forgiven.verdict.succumbs – towards Holland-on-Sea) to Clacton Martello Beach (///: starlight.repeated.protests) including our upper and lower promenades and West Greensward.
Where can I get up to date information now and on the day?
Via our Twitter page @ClactonAirshow
Via our Facebook page @TheSunshineCoastOffcial
Download the Love Tendring app – where you can find information on nearby car parks, toilets and other facilities. It also tells you how busy beaches are based on hourly data from TDC’s Beach Patrol.
LoveTendring for Android
LoveTendring for Apple
Tune in to Radio Airshow – details to follow!
Does it get busy?
Yes, very! The site is very open and it can get hot, we advise you to check the weather, bring plenty of water, put on sunscreen, wear comfortable clothing and footwear and bring wet weather protection in case it rains.
Are the displays suitable for young children?
This is a family event. The louder, faster jets can be very noisy! If you have ear defenders it’s advisable to bring them.
Are there any fireworks?
Usually, they will follow after the twilight flights at Clacton Pier.
Getting Here…
By Car
From London and the M25, take the A12 signed Chelmsford and Colchester, pass the exits to Colchester West and Colchester Central, and then join the A120 signposted Harwich and Clacton.From the Midlands and North, follow the A14 (signposted Felixstowe/Harwich) until you are south of Ipswich. Join the A12 signposted London, then take the A120 signposted Harwich. From the A120 join the A133 for Clacton, Frinton, Walton, St Osyth, Brightlingsea etc.
By Ferry
Harwich International Port is one of the UK’s leading freight and passenger ports with
excellent links to the Midlands, London and the South East. The passenger ferry terminal is run by Stena Line.
Harwich International Port
Web: www.harwich.co.uk
By Air
London Stansted airport is within easy reach by road (approximately 60 miles.)
By Rail
Regular trains run to the Essex Sunshine Coast with daily direct services from both Clacton and Harwich International to London Liverpool Street. Average journey time from London is 1 hour 45 minutes. Find out about offers available on the Essex Sunshine Coast line at Greater Anglia.
Web: www.nationalrail.co.uk
By Bus
For local Bus Service contact Essex Traveline
By Coach
National Express operates regular coach services to Clacton-on-Sea, Frinton-on-Sea, Harwich and Walton-on-the-Naze.
There are daily services with connections to London, the Midlands and the North West. For timetable information contact National Express on:
Web: www.nationalexpress.com
On arrival..
Where’s the best place to park?
A park & ride service and event car park will be available. Details to follow shortly.
Is here disabled parking?
Yes, but these are limited and fill up very quickly in the local car parks. Please check car park closing times.
Where can I find a coach drop off point?
The main drop off point is Martello Coach Park.
Are there any road closures I need to be aware of?
Yes located at Marine Parade (from 6am Wednesday) and Pier Gap (from 6am Thursday) for the duration of the event until show close Friday.
Can I cycle?
Yes, however you will need to dismount at either Clacton Pier or at Clacton Lifeboat Station (dependant on where you arrive) Click here for more information about cycling on our proms!
Other info..
Is there any live coverage of the event?
Yes, Radio Airshow , further details available shortly!
Where can I find details of local Accommodation?
By calling Clacton Tourist Information Centre on: 01255 686633 or visit to Essex Sunshine Coast for further details.
Watching the flights from your boat?
A Maritime Safety Zone is in place and a Local Navigation Warning will be issued. Further information can be obtained from our Seafronts Team for more details.
Drones at the event?
Unauthorised drones are not permitted at the event. Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are strictly not allowed to be flown at the event site. Please be aware that unauthorised drone operators will be prosecuted and is against the law for any of these craft to be flown within the Restricted Airspace to protect participating aircraft and display teams. Flying displays will be cancelled if unauthorised drones are flown during this time.
Lost persons:
If you are lost or need to ask for assistance, look out for one of our ground crew or TDCs Beach Patrol team who will be able to assist you. Lost persons points can be found at any of the TDC Beach Patrol offices (as shown below).
A free wrist band scheme operates along the seafront with each section of the beach colour coded. Children are given a corresponding wrist band which makes the task of re-uniting lost children with their family a lot easier. Wrist bands can be obtained from the TDC Beach Patrol Office and stewards.
Beach Patrol & First Aid Points:
TDC Beach Patrol office located to the West of the Pier. (///: pays.conquest.postcard).
TDC Beach Patrol office located at Palace Beach. (///: ordeals.hunk.grit).
TDC Beach Patrol located at Martello Beach. (///: starlight.repeated.protests).
Download what3words to find, share and save precise location information!
Web: www.what3words.com
App: www.what3words.com/products/what3words-app/
Will the beaches still be open?
Yes! For information on our local beaches and beach safety visit www.tendringdc.gov.uk
The beach is a fantastic place to go, but it can be dangerous. If you’re heading to the seaside, take a look at www.rnli.org for beach safety advice to help you and your family stay safe whilst visiting.
Can I bring my dog/guide dogs to the event?
Yes, but they must be on a lead and are not allowed on the beach except guide dogs. Please check the Tendring District Council website for more information regarding dog friendly beaches. Please be aware that it could be too scary, noisy and busy for our furry friends and they may prefer to stay at home.
Can I bring my own food and drink?
Yes, but please use the bins provided for rubbish! Please help us to be more environmentally friendly by cutting out single use plastics, use alternatives such as cans and wooden cutlery and please recycle where you can.
Various food and drink concessions will be available on site on site as well as an array of vendors in the local area selling an assortment of food and refreshments at reasonable prices. Local shops are located in the main Town Centre.
Are there are cash points located on site?
No however, the nearest cash machines are located at:
Clacton Pier
Main Town Centre
Which are all a short walk!
Coronavirus: how to stay safe and help prevent the spread.
COVID-19 will be a feature of our lives for the foreseeable future, so we need to learn to live with it and manage the risk to ourselves and others.
It is important that we all use personal judgement to manage our own risk. While no situation is risk free, there are actions we can take to protect ourselves and others around us.
Following the Government guidance will help you stay safe and protect others by controlling the spread. For further information on how to stay safe and help prevent the spread visit www.gov.uk/coronavirus
