The final flights on the Clacton Airshow display programme have been revealed – as visitors to Essex’s largest free event are urged to plan their trip.
Completing the line-up for the event, which takes place on 25-26 August, is the Autogyro and the North American Rockwell OV-10 Bronco.
The Bronco is a turboprop light attack and observation aircraft, developed in the 1960s for counter insurgency combat with its primary mission Forward Air Control. Designed for the Vietnam War it was deployed during the Cold War and the first Gulf War, while a variant was also used as a target tug.
Autogyros, predecessors to helicopters, were developed in an attempt to invent an aircraft that could not stall and are incredibly agile and stable – capable of speeds as low as 20mph and handling winds of up to 40 knots.
Meanwhile ground entertainment will be provided by the Grand Theatre of Lemmings, including hula-hoop star Harley Fox, stilt walkers and comedians, as well as the Art Box interactive workshop.
Alex Porter, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism at Tendring District Council (TDC), which runs the Clacton Airshow, said this year had a stellar line-up.
“These two final flights complete a bumper line-up at the 2022 Clacton Airshow, which brings everything from the nimble and steady Autogyro, to fast jets like the MiG, and the aerobatic displays of the RAF Red Arrows – not to mention the sparkle of the twilight flights,” Cllr Porter said.
“All of this, along with things to do on the ground around the event site, make this year’s Airshow really one not to be missed.”
Visitors to the Airshow are being encouraged to plan their trip in advance to get the most from the event – and to arrive in plenty of time.
The official event car park, run by the Clacton-on-Sea Rotary Club, is in West Road; entry is £8 and can be paid by cash or card. There is also a shuttle service for disabled people between the car park and the event site. There is limited parking available in Clacton seafront car parks.
People driving to the event can also make use of the Park and Ride service from Hedingham Buses, with services running every 15 minutes from Clacton Shopping Village. Tickets cost £4.30 (child £3, 16-19-year-olds £3.50, group £6.40).
Visitors are also encouraged to come by train, with Clacton-on-Sea Railway Station a 10-minute walk away from the main event site.
Cllr Porter added: “As well as thinking about your travel plans, we’d like to remind everybody to stay safe when they visit.
“Sadly big events like this are a target for pickpockets and other criminals so if you see something suspicious please report it.
“If you decide to enjoy the sea during your visit please remember to Respect the Water; stay away from piers and breakwaters, keep off the rocks, be aware of tides and potential currents, and stay within your depth.
“As well as our usual Tendring Beach Patrol first aid provision on the sea front we also have St John’s Ambulance across the event area; and if you have children you can also get a wristband from Beach Patrol to help reunite you should you get separated.
“It would also be great to buy a programme – which not only contains lots of useful information and interesting details about the flights, but also acts as a great souvenir and helps to support the next year’s Airshow.”
Programmes will be on sale soon from the Clacton Tourist Information Centre, TDC leisure centres, and on the day from mobile programme sellers.
Previously announced flights for the 2022 Clacton Airshow include the RAF Red Arrows (sponsored by LightSpeed Broadband), the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (sponsored by BeFibre), and a twilight display on the Thursday evening.
Radio Airshow from BBC Essex will once again broadcast live from Clacton Airshow on 103.5FM and BBC Sounds for flight fans who cannot make it down to enjoy the event in person.
For updates and more information people should visit www.clactonairshow.com, follow @clactonairshow on Twitter, or go to the official Facebook event.