Everything you need to know about Clacton Airshow

Thousands of people are expected to visit this year's Clacton Airshow, pictured here in 2023

An Essex seaside town is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors for its annual air display over the next two days. Described by organisers as "one of the biggest and most anticipated events in the East of England", Clacton Airshow aims to celebrate aviation, heritage and community.

What do you need to know if you're heading to Clacton this year - and where can you follow the action if you're staying at home?

Which aircraft will be flying this year?

It's the 32nd time the coastal resort of Clacton-on-Sea will host the event, which sees aircraft flying over the town's renowned beaches and seafront area.

This year, the RAF Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – featuring the Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster – will be taking to the skies.

There will also be a twilight display on Thursday evening, featuring Otto the helicopter, the Firebirds, and the P-51D Mustang "Moonbeam McSwine".

Other aircraft set to take part include the Rolls-Royce Heritage Flight's Spitfire PRXIX, the Fairey Swordfish Mk1, P-51D Mustang "Jersey Jerk", Republic P-47D Thunderbolt, F-86 Sabre, BAC Strikemaster Pair, de Havilland Vampire, Westland Lynx AH7, OV-10B Bronco, RAF Grob Tutor T1, and Team RaVen.

There will also be a replica Chinook on the ground at West Greensward, which visitors can board to see the scale of the iconic military aircraft.

What time will it all be happening?

The Red Arrows are due to appear on both days of the Clacton Airshow

Organisers say displays will commence at about 13:45 BST on Thursday, with the twilight display at 20:00, and starting again at 13:00 on Friday.

The Red Arrows are due to close the day display on Thursday at about 17:00 and open the event on Friday at about 13:00.

However, organisers say that display times are subject to change due to operational requirements or weather conditions.

Programmes including flight times, aircraft facts and other information will be available to buy at the West Greensward Airshow site.

How can I get to the event?

In previous years, thousands of visitors have come to Clacton to watch the displays

If you're travelling by public transport, there is a park and ride service operation from Clacton Shopping Village in Stephenson Road.

The KonectBuses services will operate from there every 10 minutes from 10:00 BST and will take visitors to the seafront.

The last buses back are at 22:00 on Thursday and 18:30 on Friday.

On the trains, Greater Anglia will be laying on extra rail services on both days.

Parking is available at various locations, but drivers are advised to leave extra time as surrounding roads will be busier than normal. Hastings seafront car park and the main Martello coach park are unavailable for public parking.

The West Road car park is being managed by the Rotary Club of Clacton-on-Sea, which is selling tickets for £10 per car, and also has disabled parking spaces with an accessible shuttle service to and from the site.

Tendring District Council says Marine Parade West and Pier Gap will be closed for the duration of the event.

Collingwood Road, St Vincent Road, Nelson Road and Trafalgar Road are subject to resident-only parking orders, the authority says, which will be monitored and enforced by enforcement officers.

What else do I need to know?

The Battle of Britain memorial flight will be taking part in a display on Thursday

Organisers recommend checking the weather forecast before arriving, planning your journey in advance, bringing plenty of water and sun cream, and wearing comfortable, light clothing.

They say it's a fun family event which is suitable for children - but the louder, faster jets can be very noisy and may cause distress to those that are sensitive to noise.

"If you have ear defenders it's advisable to bring them," organisers added.

They also said no public Wi-Fi was available and internet and phone signal could be patchy because of high demand, so advised agreeing a meeting point with your group in case someone got lost.

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 West Greensward.

There will also be a fireworks display after the twilight flights on Thursday.

Where can I listen along or watch the action?

BBC Essex will broadcast coverage of the event on BBC Sounds and its 103.5FM frequency on the radio.

Presenters Ian Wyatt and Steve Scruton will team up with pilot Sam Williams to provide commentary on the displays as well as behind-the-scenes action.

The airshow will also be live streamed on AeroView TV.

BBC Essex's coverage starts at 12:00 BST on Thursday.