Clacton Airshow returns to the Essex coast on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 August 2026, with two days of flying displays, family entertainment and one of the biggest free events of the summer.
If you have children who love planes, helicopters, anything that makes a lot of noise, or simply a good day out at the seaside, the Clacton Airshow is one to put on the calendar.
The 33rd Clacton Airshow will take over the seafront for two days, with the RAF Red Arrows, historic aircraft, aerobatic displays, food stalls and plenty happening at ground level. And this year there is an extra reason to stay late on Thursday, with the return of the spectacular Twilight Display.
Here’s what families need to know before heading to Clacton.
When is Clacton Airshow 2026?
The airshow takes place on:
Thursday 27 August 2026
11am to 10pm, including the evening Twilight Display
Flying starts from around 1:45pm.
Friday 28 August 2026
11am to 5pm
Flying starts around 1:00pm.
The event is held along Clacton seafront and admission to the main airshow is free.
Exact flying times can change and the organisers say the final flight schedule will be published closer to the event, so it is worth checking the official Clacton Airshow channels before setting off.
The Red Arrows are back
One of the biggest draws for families will be the return of the RAF Red Arrows.
The famous aerobatic team will perform on both days, making their return to Clacton part of an already impressive flying programme.
There will also be a chance to see some of Britain’s most famous historic aircraft as the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight returns for both days.
2026 is particularly special for the Spitfire, marking 90 years since the aircraft first flew. The BBMF line-up is set to include a Spitfire, Hurricane and Dakota.
For children, it is a nice opportunity to turn the day into more than just watching planes. Older kids might enjoy finding out which aircraft they can spot, while younger ones can simply enjoy the noise, colours and spectacle.
Current information indicates for The Red Arrows that although no set time has been given, the main daytime flying times for The Red Arrows are expected to start towards the end of the main daytime flying programme.
There’s a new historic jet to look out for
One of the latest additions to the 2026 line-up is a MiG-17F ‘Fresco’, a Cold War-era fighter aircraft.
The aircraft was built in Poland in 1958 and has recently returned to flying following a major restoration. It will appear during Thursday’s Twilight Display as well as Friday’s daytime programme.
It is expected to be a particularly noisy addition to the show, so if you have younger children who aren’t keen on loud noises, ear defenders are a very good idea.
Don’t miss Thursday evening’s twilight display
If you’re able to stay into the evening, Thursday’s Twilight Display is likely to be one of the highlights of the whole event.
The programme has been refreshed for 2026 and will feature the Desert Spitfire, Otto the Helicopter and the Firebirds Aerobatic Team, with pyrotechnics adding a little extra drama as the light fades.
There will also be fireworks following the twilight flights at Clacton Pier.
For families, this could make Thursday a much longer day out, so it is worth planning around naps, food and tired legs if you’re bringing younger children.
Where is the best place to watch?
There isn’t one single viewing spot that you have to reach. The airshow takes place along the seafront, giving families plenty of options.
The official organisers suggest several different areas:
West Greensward is a particularly good option for families, with space to sit down and have a picnic while watching the displays.
Marine Parade West gives panoramic views of the main display area and is close to food stalls.
Clacton Pier is another popular viewpoint, particularly if you want the classic seaside backdrop for your photos.
If you’d rather avoid the biggest crowds, the higher ground around Holland-on-Sea can offer a quieter alternative.
For families with younger children, we’d be tempted to arrive early, find a comfortable spot and make the day about the whole seaside experience rather than trying to move around once the crowds arrive.
Is the Clacton Airshow suitable for young children?
Yes. The organisers describe it as a family event, and there is plenty happening beyond the aircraft themselves.
However, the aircraft can be extremely loud, particularly the faster jets.
If you’re taking a baby or toddler, pack ear defenders if you have them. They’re useful for children who are sensitive to sudden noises and can make the experience much more enjoyable.
It is also worth remembering that the seafront can become very busy, so a simple meeting point is a good idea if you’re visiting with older children who may wander off.
The organisers also offer free wristbands along the seafront, with colour-coded sections of the beach. These can help reunite children with their families if they become separated.
Can you take your own picnic?
Yes. Families can bring their own food and drink, although the organisers ask visitors to use the bins provided and reduce single-use plastics where possible.
There will also be food and drink concessions around the event, alongside the usual choice of cafés, shops and seaside food in Clacton.
This means you don’t necessarily need to carry food for the entire day, although we’d recommend taking plenty of water, particularly if the weather is warm.
What should we take?
Our airshow family essentials list
- Ear defenders for babies and younger children
- Water bottles
- Sunscreen and sun hats
- A picnic or snacks
- Something to sit on, event a picnic blanket will do
- Comfortable shoes
- Waterproofs, just in case!
- A small bag rather than lots of bulky belongings
- A child wristband with your contact details, especially if your children tend to wander off
- Pushchair rain cover if you’re bringing a buggy
And don’t forget that the weather can change quickly on the Great British coast!
The official advice is to check the forecast, travel updates and public transport information before travelling.
What about parking?
This is one area where it pays to plan ahead.
Official airshow parking for £10
If you’d rather book your parking in advance, the Rotary Club of Clacton-on-Sea is running the official Orange Main Car Park on West Road, opposite Clacton Golf Club. Parking costs £10 per car, and spaces can be booked online ahead of the airshow. The gates open from 8am, making this a useful option for families who want to arrive early, get parked and find a good spot along the seafront before the crowds build. The Rotary Club runs the car park as a fundraiser for local community causes, so your parking fee also helps support its charitable work in the area.
Book £10 airshow parking with Clacton Rotary
Public parking is available around Clacton, but the organisers warn that the town gets busy during the airshow and recommend arriving early and following event signage.
Importantly, the car parks immediately next to the main event site, including Hastings seafront and grass car parks and the main Martello coach park, are not available for public parking during the event. Alternative parking arrangements are being put in place.
The main airshow car parking arrangements are separate from the seafront facilities. If you need accessible parking, it is worth checking the latest event traffic and parking information before travelling rather than assuming you will be able to park immediately beside your chosen viewing spot.
If you’re travelling with young children, we’d strongly recommend avoiding the temptation to turn up at the last minute and hoping to find a space close to the seafront.
Can you get there by train?
Yes. Clacton-on-Sea has its own railway station, making the airshow an option for families who would rather leave the car at home.
The downside is that trains and the town itself can be particularly busy around the event, so check services before travelling and expect a slower journey back after the displays.
If you’re travelling with a buggy, changing bag and tired children, a little extra planning will make the day much easier.
Can you take a dog?
Dogs are allowed at the event as long as they are kept on a lead, but they are not permitted on the beach, apart from guide dogs.
The organisers also point out that the noise, crowds and aircraft could be frightening for dogs. If your dog is nervous around loud noises, leaving them at home may be the kinder option.
Accessibility
The organisers have accessibility information covering seafront access, The Clacton Airshow takes place along the public seafront, so there are several options for visitors with additional access needs rather than one designated viewing area.
There are accessible toilets around the seafront, including facilities at Clacton Pier. Clacton Pier also has a Changing Places facility on the lower promenade below Marine Parade East. Another Changing Places facility is available on the lower promenade below Marine Parade West, close to the West Greensward and Beaches Café. These facilities include equipment such as a hoist and height-adjustable changing table, making them suitable for people who cannot use a standard accessible toilet.
Accessible parking
Blue Badge holders can use designated accessible parking spaces around Clacton. Clacton Pier advises that there are accessible bays on Pier Gap and Marine Parade, with additional accessible spaces in nearby public car parks. Blue Badge holders should display their badge clearly and set their parking clock when required.
Getting around the seafront
Much of Clacton’s seafront is accessible, with promenades and hard-surfaced areas providing easier access for wheelchairs and mobility scooters. However, if you want to sit directly on the beach, the sand obviously presents a different challenge for wheelchair and mobility scooter users.
For a more straightforward viewing experience, Marine Parade, the promenades and the Greensward areas are likely to be easier options than trying to get onto the beach itself.
Taking a mobility scooter
If you need mobility equipment for the day, there are mobility businesses in Clacton that may be able to help with equipment hire or other requirements. It is best to arrange this in advance, particularly for the two airshow days when demand is likely to be higher.
The event’s busy nature is also worth considering. With thousands of people expected along the seafront, allowing extra time and choosing your viewing position before the crowds build can make a big difference.
For children with additional needs
The airshow can be a brilliant experience for children, but it is also very loud and can get extremely busy.
If your child is sensitive to noise or crowds, consider bringing ear defenders, choosing a position with a little more space around you and having a plan for somewhere quieter to retreat to if they become overwhelmed.
The organisers also provide free wristbands around the seafront, which parents can use to add their contact details. This is particularly useful at a large event where children can easily become separated from their family.
For families who need toilets, changing or parking facilities close to the action, planning your location before arriving is probably the most useful thing you can do. The West Greensward and Marine Parade areas put you close to accessible facilities while still giving you good views of the displays.
One of the best things about the Clacton Airshow? It’s free
Unlike many large events, you don’t need to buy a ticket to stand on the seafront and watch the flying displays.
The airshow is organised by Tendring District Council and remains free to attend, with the organisers relying on sponsorship, programme sales and donations to help keep it that way.
You can buy an official souvenir programme for £6, which is a useful option if you have children who want to know what they’re watching. The programme also helps support the future of the event.
Clacton Airshow 2026 at a glance
📅 Dates: Thursday 27 and Friday 28 August 2026
📍 Location: Clacton seafront, Essex
🎟️ Admission: Free
✈️ Red Arrows: Both days
🛩️ Battle of Britain Memorial Flight: Both days
🌅 Twilight Display: Thursday evening
🎆 Fireworks: Thursday evening following the twilight flights
👨👩👧👦 Family friendly: Yes
🐕 Dogs: Allowed on leads, but not on the beach except guide dogs
🥪 Picnics: Yes
🔊 Ear defenders: Strongly recommended for young children or those sensitive to loud sound
Our tip for families
If you’re taking younger children, don’t feel you have to spend the entire day right underneath the flight line.
The beauty of the Clacton Airshow is that you can combine it with a normal seaside day. Have breakfast or lunch in town, find a spot along the seafront, watch the displays, head for the beach or Clacton Pier, and make your way home when everyone’s had enough.
And if your children are old enough to stay up a little later, Thursday’s Twilight Display is the one we’d make a special effort to see. The combination of aircraft, the changing light and fireworks makes it quite different from the daytime show.
With the Red Arrows, the BBMF, the restored MiG-17F and a refreshed twilight programme, Clacton Airshow 2026 looks set to be another big one for the Essex summer calendar.
Clacton Airshow 2026 takes place on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 August.
For the latest flight times, parking information and updates before you travel, check the official Clacton Airshow website.
Information correct at the time of writing. Flight schedules, travel arrangements and other event details can change, so check with the organisers before travelling.
To add this event to your calendar, visit our event calendar.
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