Clacton Airshow 2025 – Dates & Key Information
Join us for two unforgettable days of aviation excitement on Thursday 21st and Friday 22nd August! In addition to the thrilling daytime displays, Thursday evening will feature a spectacular Twilight Display—a dazzling festival in the sky with illuminated aircraft, lasers, and pyrotechnics lighting up the coastline as dusk falls.
Event Opening Times:
Thursday 21 August: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday 22 August: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Flight Display Times:
Displays will commence around 1:00 PM both days and 7:30 PM (Twilight Display – Thursday only) however, display times are subject to change due to operational requirements or weather conditions.
Where is the event located?
Along Clacton’s glorious seafront.
Best viewing spots?
Whether you’re looking for a lively atmosphere or a more relaxed spot to take in the action, there’s plenty of space to enjoy the show! Enjoy fantastic views of the Clacton Airshow all along the seafront! Prime viewing areas stretch from the east side of Clacton Pier (towards Holland-on-Sea) to Martello Beach, including the upper and lower promenades and the spacious West Greensward.
Where can I get the full flight line up?
Although flights will be announced in the lead up to the event, the official show programme is available to buy over the event priced at £6. Copies are also available from the Visitor Information Centre Clacton, Clacton Train Station, Clacton Beach Patrol Office or from one of the mobile Ground Crew who will be walking the site.
Keep the skies alive & support the Clacton Airshow
By purchasing an official programme or making a donation, you are directly contributing to the continued success of the Clacton Airshow. Your support helps us raise essential funds to keep this spectacular event free and accessible for everyone to enjoy.
While the event is proudly organised by the Council, it is the generous contributions from visitors—through programme sales and bucket collections—that make it possible to keep the show in the skies.
Thanks to your ongoing support, we’ve not only sustained the event while others along the East Coast have been cancelled, but we’ve also been able to grow and enhance the experience year after year.
Every donation, no matter the size, helps reduce operational costs and secures the future of this much-loved event.
Thank you for helping us keep the Clacton Airshow flying high.
Can I make a donation?
Yes, thank you for your support! Donations can be made at https://clactonairshow.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/products/donation
Where can I get up to date information?
Follow our socials
Facebook @TheSunshineCoastOfficial
X (formally Twitter) @ClactonAirshow
Listen or watch live
Whether you’re near or far, you can now experience every breath-taking moment of this iconic seaside event from the comfort of your home. Simply tune in online and enjoy high-quality coverage of the aerial displays, atmosphere, and more.
Enjoy live coverage of the Clacton Airshow with Radio Airshow, brought to you by BBC Essex. Tune in on 103.5 FM or listen online via BBC Sounds.
If you are unable to make it in person, you can still be part of the experience! Clacton Airshow will be streamed live and free across the UK and beyond, thanks to an exciting new partnership with AeroView TV. Log on in real time on event days!
Park & Ride
Why not avoid the hassle of parking and enjoy a stress-free journey to the Clacton Airshow with our convenient Park & Ride service. Simply park at our designated site and hop on a shuttle.
Managed by KonectBuses – Buses run up to every 10 minutes from Clacton Shopping Village (CO15 4TL) to Marine Parade East
First bus leaves at 10am, last bus at 18.30, with later buses on Thursday until 22.00. Find out more www.konectbuses.co.uk/airshow
🎟️Tickets
Group £15.00 ( up to any 5 people (any age travelling together).
Adults £5.00.
5 – 19’s £4.00.
**Please check with provider for opening & closing times**
Parking
Public parking is available at various locations throughout the town, with clear signage to guide you on arrival. Please allow extra time for travel, as the area can get busy during the event.
Please ensure you:
🚗 Follow event signage
🅿️ Use designated car parks
📍 Arrive early for the best spots
🕒 Check with the provider for opening & closing times
West Road car park is managed by the Rotary Club of Clacton-on-Sea. Nearest SatNav postcode is CO15 1AG. Visit www.facebook.com/clactonjubilee
Thursday Gates open – 08.00 and will be locked at 21.00hrs
Friday Gates open – 08.00 and locked at 19.00hrs.
🎟️Tickets
£10 per car. Tickets can be purchased in advance by visiting Buy tickets – The Rotary Clubs of Clacton
Local Car Parks – A list of local Council run car parks can be viewed by clicking the following link local car parks. Please check for opening & closing times and for electric vehicle charge points.
📢Notice📢 The car parks adjacent to the main event site – Hasting’s seafront & grass car parks and main Martello coach park are unavailable for public parking for the duration of the event. Tendring District Council apologise for any inconvenience caused. However, alternate parking is provided via the park & ride service from Clacton Shopping Village, West Road car park or other local TDC car parks.
Is there disabled parking?
Yes at West Road Car Park who also run an accessible shuttle service to and from site. In addition, the KonectBuses park & ride service from Clacton Shopping Village is an accessible service as well as parking within the local Council run car parks.
Motorcycle parking information www.tendringdc.gov.uk/content/motorcycle-parking
Where can I find a coach drop off point?
The main coach drop off point is Anglefield. More information is available from the Council’s Parking Services team.
🟢Consider alternative travel modes such as public transport or car sharing to the event site🟢
Are there any road closures I need to be aware of?
Yes, located at Marine Parade West and Pier Gap for the duration of the event.
Collingwood Road, St Vincent Road, Nelson Road and Trafalgar Road are subject to residents only parking orders which will be monitored and enforced by Civil Enforcement Officers.
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!
Top tips for planning your visit
To make the most of your visit, we recommend you:
📱 Check the weather forecast before you arrive
🗺️ Plan your journey in advance and check travel updates
🛣️ Check live travel reports for road closures, delays, or disruptions
🚆 If you’re using public transport, check timetables and service alerts to avoid delays
📲 Follow our social media or tune in to the radio for the latest updates and announcements
🕒 Arrive early – beat the crowds and enjoy everything on offer
💧 Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated
🧴 Apply sunscreen regularly
👕 Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy footwear
🌧️ Pack wet weather gear just in case it rains
🧺 Pack light – bring only what you need
📍 Agree on a meeting point – just in case you get separated from your group
Come prepared and enjoy your visit!
Are the displays suitable for young children?
This is a fun 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?
Yes, they will follow after the twilight flights at Clacton Pier.
Watching the flights from your boat?
A designated Maritime Safety Zone has been established to ensure a clear, obstruction-free area for aerial displays. All boat owners and operators are required to adhere to the published restrictions.
📢Notice📢 Viewing the display from the sea carries increased risk. Private and commercial vessel operators are reminded of their duty of care and legal responsibilities toward their crew and passengers. A Local Navigation Warning will be issued. Further information can be obtained from TDCs Seafronts Team.
Will the beaches still be open?
Yes! For information on our local beaches and beach safety visit www.tendringdc.gov.uk For local bye-law information visit www.tendringdc.gov.uk/leisure/seafront-and-beaches
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 for 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 and around the main Town Centre.
Are there are cash points located on site?
No however, the nearest cash machines which are a short stroll are located at:
🎡Clacton Pier
🛍️Clacton Town Centre
Is there public Wi-Fi available?
No, however, please be aware that due to the high demand of usage, internet and phone signal is limited.
Accessibility
We are committed to making our event as inclusive and accessible as possible. However, we acknowledge that certain aspects of the venue or program may present challenges for some attendees.
Click the links shown below to find out more information on:
🌊Seafronts & promenades
🚻Toilets
🅿️Parking – please see above section on parking & park and ride services
♿Changing Places
🦽Marks Mobility Centre – Wheelchair, Powerchair and Mobility Scooter Hire
🤝Wheelchair Loan Charity
Accessible Accommodation Options
There are a number of accessible accommodation options within the Tendring District. Please advise the provider If you have specific accessibility needs to help ensure a comfortable stay.
Important information
Public Safety at the Clacton Airshow
We are committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of both our local community and visitors throughout this family-friendly event. In partnership with Essex Police and the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO), we are implementing Project Servator to provide a highly visible and reassuring security presence throughout the event.
Our professional security personnel and friendly ground crew will be walking the event site regularly and are available to assist with any enquiries or concerns.
To maintain a secure environment, the Clacton Airshow is supported by a comprehensive range of safety measures. including but not limited to, CCTV surveillance, facial recognition technology, and regular patrols by both foot and canine units as well as Marine Police presence on the water. An enhanced police presence, along with trained security dogs and experienced handlers, will be presence to support public safety. Designated road closures will be in effect. Enhanced vehicle checks and police searches will be a condition of entry.
Drones at the event?
Unauthorised drones are not permitted at the event. It is the policy of this event not to permit any unmanned aircraft or drones of any sort to fly over, be launched or land at this event and any other land under the control of this event operator. Unmanned Aircraft System(UAS) devices are on the official prohibited item list for this event. 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. However, Police drones are used to enhance security and provide aerial surveillance.
Drones can not fly within a Restricted Airspace (Temporary) zone or RAT, without the express permission of the Flying Display Director. A RAT will be set up exclusively for the Clacton Airshow.
Injunctions
To ensure the safety, enjoyment, and smooth running of this year’s Clacton Airshow, an injunction has been granted by the High Court in designated areas during the event period.
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. 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.
The Herbert Protocol is a national scheme that encourages carers, family and friends to provide useful information, which can then be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing. Find out more: www.essex.police.uk/notices/af/herbert-protocol/
Beach Patrol & First Aid Points:
🌊Located to the West of the Pier. (///: pays.conquests.postcard).
🌊Located at Palace Beach. (///: ordeals.hunk.grit).
🌊Located at Martello Beach. (///: starlight.repeated.protests).
First Aid:
🩺Located at Seafront Car Park, Hastings Avenue (///icicles.youths.focus).
🩺Located at Pier Gap (///invoices.revisit.winded).
🩺Located centrally on the main event site (///booster.tutorial.shadowed).
///what3words is a service that provides a simple way to share and find locations, each with a unique three-word address.
CCTV, filming and photography
CCTV, film cameras and photographers may be present at the event, this includes filming by the police or security team carried out for the security of visitors, and filming and/or photography authorised by Event Organisers (Tendring District Council). By attending the Venue you give your express consent to all such filming and photography and to your actual or simulated likeness being included within any film, photograph, audio and/or audio visual recording (“Footage”), all rights in which will be owned by Tendring District Council (or by any party authorised by Tendring District Council from time to time).
You also agree that any such Footage may be used by Tendring District Council (and by any third party authorised by Tendring District Council from time to time) in any and all media for any purpose at any time throughout the world, including (with the exception of CCTV or security Footage) for commercial purposes, such as merchandising and promotion, without payment or compensation to you. If you wish to withdraw such consent please contact the Tendring District Council Data Protection Officer DPAOfficer@tendringdc.gov.uk. Tendring District Council’s Data Protection Policy can be viewed at www.tendringdc.gov.uk/privacy
Environmental footprint
BADA Environmental Sustainability Charter
Why Air Displays Matter – Air displays are more than just thrilling entertainment—they play a vital role in the UK’s events industry. Each year, air shows across the country attract over 5 million visitors and contribute more than £120 million to the UK economy.
Beyond the excitement, these events help preserve our national heritage by keeping historic aircraft flying and inspiring future generations of pilots, engineers, and aerospace professionals.
Caring for the Environment – When it comes to environmental impact, air displays represent only a small fraction of the UK’s total carbon emissions. In fact, in 2011, the entire UK aviation sector accounted for just 6% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions most of which came from commercial flights.
The air display industry is committed to improving sustainability and reducing its environmental footprint, helping to ensure these events remain socially responsible and environmentally conscious for years to come.
The full charter can be viewed by clicking the following link: BADA Environmental Sustainability Charter
RAF mission to reduce carbon emission information can be viewed by clicking the following link: A Net Zero RAF by 2040
Tendring District Council climate change action plan can be viewed by clicking the following link: TDC climate change action plan
STEM
STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—four interconnected disciplines that drive innovation, solve real-world problems, and shape the future. STEM education encourages curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, helping learners of all ages develop the skills needed for tomorrow’s careers.
At our event, we celebrate the power of STEM to inspire, educate, and connect communities. STEM engage with young people to explore careers in STEM, aviation and aerospace to support and encourage their future career choices.
Aviation and aerospace needs to be ready for the future and STEM are committed to supporting the ambitions and interests of everyone to create opportunities which are inclusive and engaging for all. www.stem.caa.co.uk