Brand new flights and crowd favourites join exciting line-up for Clacton Airshow 2026

Brand new displays and returning crowd favourites have been added to this year’s Clacton Airshow, completing an exciting flying line-up over the Essex Sunshine Coast.

The 33rd Clacton Airshow, staged by Tendring District Council (TDC), takes place on Thursday 27th and Friday 28th August, with the latest announcement bringing together new aerobatic displays, much-loved heritage aircraft, classic jet noise and firm seafront favourites.

Making their Clacton debut will be The Starlings, a two-aircraft aerobatic team flown by former British Aerobatic Champions Tom Cassells and Michael Pickin, and the Turbulent ‘Turb’ Team, who bring colourful, close-in formation flying in tiny Druine D.31 Turbulent aircraft.

They will be joined by the return of the Bronco Demo Team, an airshow favourite whose distinctive OV-10 Bronco is known for its unusual shape, strong manoeuvrability and short take-off and landing performance.

The iconic Second World War-era P-51D Mustang ‘Moonbeam McSwine’ will also return to Clacton on the Friday following its twilight debut last year, as well as the Strikemaster Pair, adding more classic jet noise to the seafront programme.

The Starlings’ fast-paced routine combines close formation work, opposition manoeuvres, rolls, loops, stall turns and dramatic solo figures, giving spectators plenty to follow and photographers some striking moments over the coastline.

Tom flies the modern Extra 300NG, while Michael flies the classic CAP 232, creating a contrasting pairing of next-generation carbon-fibre aerobatic design and world championship-level display pedigree.

The Turbulent Team offers a very different style of entertainment, with its small, single-seat aircraft bringing charm, character and playful low-level theatre to the display alongside neat formation work and the barnstorming spirit of vintage sport aviation.

The Bronco Demo Team’s OV-10 Bronco, developed in the 1960s as a light attack and observation aircraft, remains one of the most recognisable aircraft on the display circuit, with its twin-boom layout, greenhouse-style cockpit and rugged design.

The Strikemaster Pair will add another burst of jet energy to the programme, with the classic BAC 167 Strikemaster expected to bring speed, sound and fast-jet theatre to the seafront.

The latest flights are supported by airshow sponsors, with Fisher Jones Greenwood sponsoring The Starlings, The Lifehouse Spa & Hotel sponsoring the Turbulent ‘Turb’ Team, Black Jacket sponsoring the Bronco, and LocaliQ sponsoring the Strikemaster Pair.

Councillor Mark Stephenson, Leader of TDC, said: “This final round of flight announcements captures what makes Clacton Airshow so special and a true Celebration of Aviation. There is great contrast in this line-up, from tight aerobatics and playful formation flying to heritage aircraft, distinctive display favourites and the unmistakable sound of classic jets. It is the kind of mix that keeps people looking up throughout the day, whether they are lifelong aviation fans or families enjoying the airshow from the beach for the first time. With the flying programme now coming together in full, excitement is building for what promises to be a fantastic two days on the Essex Sunshine Coast.”

The new additions join an already impressive flying line-up, including the world-famous RAF Red Arrows, the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the Flying Comrades, the MiG-17F ‘Fresco’ and a refreshed twilight programme.

Clacton Airshow is the biggest event on the Essex Sunshine Coast calendar, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year, with flying displays, ground attractions, food stalls and family-friendly entertainment along the seafront.

For updates and more information about the 2026 Clacton Airshow, visit Clacton Airshow website, follow essexsunshinecoast on Instagram, or go to the official Facebook event.