Special line up of heritage aircraft will take to skies as ‘Classic’ Clacton Airshow pays tribute to D Day heroes

Heritage aircraft will take to the skies as this year's 'Classic' Clacton Airshow pays a special tribute to the heroes of D-Day.

Organisers at Tendring District Council (TDC) are thrilled to unveil a whole host of historic aircraft that will wow the crowds at this year's high-flying spectacle on 22 and 23 August.

The 'Classic Clacton Airshow' will include a specially commissioned Heritage War Flight - featuring the Dakota, the Rolls Royce Supermarine Spitfire and the P-51 Mustang - to mark this year's 80th anniversary commemorations of D-Day, the launch of Allied operations to liberate Europe during the Second World War.

The line-up will also include the return of the mighty Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress, the 'Sally B' - the last remaining airworthy B-17 in Europe and a firm favourite with airshow crowds.

The Navy Wings Heritage Flight will be bringing three aircraft that were members of the Fleet Air Arm, including the Fairey Swordfish torpedo bomber biplane, the Westland Wasp anti-submarine helicopter and the Reliant.

Heritage aircraft from the First World War will also be on show as part of the Great War Display Team and will include exhibitions by the Hawker Fury biplane, which served as front-line fighter for the Royal Air Force in the 1930s, and barnstorming 1930s and 40s aviation from the Stampe formation display team.

In addition, flights will include air combat fighter the Tempest, the Corsair, which saw service in the Korean War, and the impressive OV-10B Bronco, an agile and aerobatic turbojet counter-insurgency aircraft used throughout the Cold War.

The Norwegian Air Force Historical Squadron will be returning to the airshow with its popular de Havilland Vampire and the fast jet line-up will also include a pair of thunderous BAC 167 Strikemasters.

Councillor Ivan Henderson, TDC Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said: "We've not had a line up quite like this before - it really will be one for the airshow enthusiasts.

"They'll be something for flight fans of all ages - from classic flight from a bygone era to super-fast jets.

"The historical significance of these aircraft is a fitting way to support the commemoration of the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

"This year's show will include even more twilight flights on the Thursday evening and further fantastic flights and displays will be unveiled in the coming weeks."

Clacton Airshow is the biggest event in Essex and regularly attracts 250,000 over the two-days.

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, as well as additional rail services provided by Greater Anglia.

For updates and more information on the 2024 Clacton Airshow people should visit www.clactonairshow.com, follow @clactonairshow on Twitter, or go to the official Facebook event.

Anyone looking to exhibit at or sponsor the Clacton Airshow 2024 should contact [email protected] - while donations to support the event can be made at www.clactonairshow.com.

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