The Clacton Airshow, Essex’s biggest event, has been postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The decision to postpone this year’s event, due to be held on 27-28 August, was taken by organisers Tendring District Council (TDC) after much consideration around visitor safety and in line with the Government’s current recommendations.
However the Airshow will return in 2021, on 26-27 August.
Running for 28 years, Clacton Airshow attracts around 250,000 spectators over the two-day event. It has become the number one most-visited event in Essex, and brings a huge annual boost to the local economy.
Alex Porter, TDC Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Tourism, said the decision to postpone was a disappointing one to have to make, but the correct move.
“Although lockdown restrictions have recently started to be eased, there is no possible way to maintain social distancing with more than 200,000 visitors gathering along our seafront,” Cllr Porter said.
“We recognise that lockdown restrictions may change further in the coming months, but under the published recovery plan it does not look likely we would be able to go ahead. Furthermore, the Airshow takes a lot of planning, and though we have held off a decision for as long as possible we are now at the point where we either plunge headlong into organising, or postpone.
“The Clacton Airshow will return in 2021 and we look forward to welcoming visitors back to our beautiful district when it is safe to do so.
“We are now talking to local businesses and tourism providers about how we go back to business and the best ways to reignite the tourist economy – such as trying to extend the season into the Autumn to give businesses an opportunity to flourish.”