As the roar of engines and shimmer of thrilling aerobatics prepare to return to the Essex Sunshine Coast, one man is poised to help bring the skies above Clacton to life.
Taking place on Thursday 21 and Friday 22 August, and organised by Tendring District Council (TDC), Clacton Airshow 2025 show embraces the theme ‘Legends of the Sky’ and promises two days of breathtaking aerial displays and family-friendly fun on the ground.
At the heart of the programme is Flying Display Director Dave Walton, whose job is to turn a complex mix of aircraft, airspace, and logistics into a show-stopping aerial display.
Dave’s aviation journey began early, as the son of an RAF pilot and airshow volunteer. From attending the International Air Tattoo at Greenham Common in his youth to managing aircraft participation at the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), he’s spent decades immersed in the world of flight.
His experience spans everything from Cold War jets to VVIP royal flights — and now, to the skies above Clacton.
“Clacton Airshow is a firm favourite on the airshow calendar,” said Dave, who has directed the show for 7 years, although the team behind TSA Consulting have been there since the start.
“It’s a great location for running a flying display — we’re sat there looking out to sea, with all the land behind us and no terrain issues. And we usually get fantastic weather here on the Essex Sunshine Coast.”
Since Dave first became involved, the show has grown significantly — “probably double what it was,” he notes — and has evolved alongside the wider airshow industry, adapting to new regulations and safety standards.
“There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes,” he explains. “We start booking airspace and planning the show a year in advance.“
“One of the biggest challenges is that we don’t have a nearby airfield suitable for all the aircraft, so we end up operating from four or five bases across the East of England.
“There are a lot of moving parts — and weather, timings, and logistics all have to come together perfectly.”
This year’s flying programme is one of the most diverse yet, showcasing aircraft from across the decades.
“We’re trying to look at the whole range of aircraft available to us on the display circuit,” Dave says.
“We’ve got lower-powered aircraft, training planes, vintage warbirds from the Second World War — including Mustangs to pay tribute to Little Zippie — and right up to the modern day with military jets and, of course, the Red Arrows.”
The story of ‘Little Zippie’ is a poignant one. On 13 January 1945, a P-51D Mustang ditched off the coast of Clacton, claiming the life of Flying Officer Raymond E. King.
The aircraft was later recovered and now forms a centrepiece of the East Essex Aviation Museum in Point Clear, St Osyth. This year, two P-51D Mustangs — sponsored by Ørsted and Red Nova Solutions respectively — will fly in tribute.
“I’m really pleased we can tell that story,” added Dave. “It’s a meaningful part of the show.”
And of course, the impressive RAF Red Arrows return as crowd favourites — appearing on both days of the event.
“Everyone will be excited to see the Red Arrows — that is always a fan favourite,” Dave adds. “And we’ve got fantastic support from the Royal Air Force this year.”
Despite the intensity of the planning and coordination, there are moments of calm — and joy.
“Thursday evening, with the twilight show, is when we get to calm down a bit,” Dave says with a smile.
“We can sit back and enjoy the illuminated aerobatics, smoke and pyrotechnic displays, watching fireworks coming off the aircraft and lighting up the evening sky — that’s a real relaxing highlight.”
And if he had to pick a favourite aircraft?
“I always enjoy watching the Red Arrows, but I love the warbirds — especially a Spitfire. In any setting, it’s a fantastic thing to watch and listen to.”
Councillor Ivan Henderson, TDC Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, thanked Dave and his colleagues at TSA Consulting for helping to put on the spellbinding airshow, which is one of the biggest annual events in the East of England, attracting up to 250,000 people over two days.
“Dave’s experience and passion are key to making the Clacton Airshow such a standout event,” he said.
“His leadership, alongside the incredible Tendring District Council airshow team and our dedicated volunteers, ensures we deliver a world-class spectacle that honours our heritage and thrills audiences of all ages.”
The 2025 Clacton Airshow will feature a whole host of historic and aerobatic aircraft while on the ground, visitors can enjoy a vibrant mix of attractions, including a full-sized replica of a Chinook helicopter.
The Army and Royal Navy outreach teams will also be on hand, offering insight into life in the forces and showcasing their latest tech and opportunities, while Combat2Coffee‘s portable roastery will be serving up hot drinks to fund its veterans’ outreach services.
Visitors can also browse a wide range of trade stalls, including new additions like J&Bs Barkery with artisan dog treats, Rough Stuff Oak featuring handmade goods crafted at HMP The Mount, and Bright Eyes of Cambridge, offering stunning macro iris photography.
For updates and more information on the 2025 Clacton Airshow people should visit www.clactonairshow.com, follow @clactonairshow on X, or go to the official Facebook event.
