Crowd favourite Otto the helicopter is returning to this year’s Clacton Airshow, joining a stellar twilight display line-up.
Taking place on the first day of the event, the twilight display has proved a crowd-pleaser since it was introduced in 2015 – lighting up the evening sky and providing an opportunity for those working to enjoy the Airshow atmosphere.
This year’s Clacton Airshow takes place on 25-26 August, with the twilight flights taking place on Thursday evening, the first day.
Returning to the night flight line-up is Otto the helicopter from O’Brien’s Flying Circus, where the rotors create a perfect spinning mechanism for brilliant pyrotechnics to light up the sky.
Also jumping into the action will be the world-class Tigers Army Parachute Display Team, freefalling with trailing smoke and flags, who will perform a day-time jump as well as their dusk performance. The Tigers, whose attendance at the Clacton Airshow is sponsored by Fisher Jones Greenwood Solicitors.
Completing the twilight flight display are the Firebirds, two lit-up light aircraft who give a swirling aerobatic display and who are also performing on both days of the Airshow. Made up of possibly the most modified Piper Cub aircraft in the world, the Firebirds are equipped with smoke, lights, lasers and pyrotechnics to wow the crowds in the evening – while also putting on a strong display during the day time flying too.
Alex Porter, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Tourism at Tendring District Council (TDC), which runs the Clacton Airshow, said the twilight display added a new perspective for spectators.
“With the sun setting behind Clacton, the dusky sky is the perfect backdrop for these displays which are really visual,” Cllr Porter said.
“Otto’s ‘chopperbatic’ antics, complete with fireworks, are truly something to behold, while the skill of the Firebirds and the Tigers team is just incredible”.
“The twilight flights re a bonus extra to the Clacton Airshow for spectators, and I would encourage people to make use of the excellent restaurants in the town or even stay overnight to enjoy day two; and can also be great for local residents who have to work in the day and miss the main displays.”
The evening will round off with a fireworks display from Clacton Pier.
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. Those who are travelling to the event can make use of the Park and Ride service from Hedingham Buses or the event car park run by the Clacton-on-Sea Rotary Club at West Road.
Previously announced flights for the 2022 Clacton Airshow include the RAF Red Arrows, sponsored by LightSpeed Broadband, the Pitts Special muscle biplanes, and the Slingsby T67 Firefly. Also joining the line-up are three fast jets: a MiG-15, a De Havilland Vampire, and a Strikemaster.
