Clacton Airshow 2026 takes over the Essex seafront today, Thursday, August 27, with the Red Arrows scheduled to display at around 5pm BST. The 33rd edition continues on Friday, August 28, bringing historic warbirds, aerobatics, military aircraft and family attractions to Clacton-on-Sea.
This year’s theme is “A Celebration of Aviation”. Anyone travelling for a particular display should remember that flying times can change because of weather, aircraft availability or operational requirements.
What time are the Red Arrows at Clacton today?
The Red Arrows are scheduled over Clacton at approximately 5pm Thursday. The team is due to leave RAF Mildenhall at 4:48pm and return at about 5:31pm after its appearance.
The transit could make the aircraft visible from parts of Suffolk, potentially including areas around Framlingham, Ipswich and Sudbury, although the precise route can change. The Red Arrows are performing at Clacton on both Thursday and Friday.
The team is currently flying a seven-aircraft display rather than its traditional nine-aircraft formation as the RAF manages the remaining engines used by the Hawk T1 fleet.
Clacton Airshow 2026 flying hours
The Greensward Airshow Village opens at 11am on both days. Air displays have permission to operate between 12:30pm and 9pm Thursday and 12:30pm and 5pm Friday.
Those are overall flying windows rather than guaranteed individual display times. Visitors should check the official Clacton Airshow daily flight list for the latest running order before travelling.
Which aircraft are appearing?
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight returns as the event celebrates the 90th anniversary of the Spitfire’s first flight. The Spitfire and Hurricane are expected, subject to availability. The council has confirmed that the Dakota will not participate.
Other attractions include the OV-10 Bronco, P-51D Mustang “Moonbeam McSwine,” Spitfire MH434 and Strikemaster Pair.
Newcomers include G-Force Aerobatics with Chris Burkett, aerobatic duo The Starlings, three-aircraft Flying Comrades and the Cold War-era MiG-17F Fresco.
Aviation fans can also compare the programme with the Blackpool Air Show 2026 schedule and display times.
Twilight display and fireworks
Thursday is the longer day, with the Twilight display bringing aerobatics and pyrotechnics to the seafront as daylight fades. Otto the Helicopter returns, followed by a fireworks display to close the first night.
Friday has no equivalent late programme and its permitted flying window ends at 5pm.
What can families do on the ground?
The Airshow Village provides attractions, exhibitors and traders before and between displays. The RAF careers engagement team will be present alongside the Grob Tutor T1.
Visitors can experience a replica Typhoon cockpit and test their reflexes with the Batak reaction game, adding interactive activities for families beyond the flying programme.
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Parking, park and ride and trains
Around 200,000 spectators attended in 2025, so visitors should allow extra time for congestion and road restrictions.
Regular seafront parking and Martello car park are unavailable. Event parking is provided at the Orange Main Car Park and West Road opposite Clacton Golf Club. Disabled parking is available but limited.
Park-and-ride buses start from Clacton Shopping Village at 10am. Return services run until 10pm Thursday for the fireworks and until 6:30pm Friday. Greater Anglia is providing additional trains alongside its normal services, while independent coaches are also operating day trips.
Anyone travelling to another major event this weekend can also check the Creamfields 2026 line-up and set times when planning journeys.
Noise, drones and camping restrictions
Visitors are warned that aircraft displays can be particularly noisy and may affect people with noise sensitivity. Appropriate hearing protection may be useful, especially for young children.
Unauthorised drones are prohibited around the event. A High Court injunction also prevents unauthorised camping in designated seafront areas, so overnight visitors should use authorised accommodation.
Organisers have encouraged visitors to bring some cash. Above all, anyone attending specifically for the Red Arrows should recheck the official schedule shortly before the display: 5pm is today’s planned Clacton appearance, but airshow timings remain subject to change.
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