This year’s Clacton Airshow came close to breaking even after cutting costs by £20,000, it has been revealed.

East Anglian Daily Times: Thousands of people were wowed by impressive aircraft displays at the 2017 Clacton Airshow this week. Picture: TDCThousands of people were wowed by impressive aircraft displays at the 2017 Clacton Airshow this week. Picture: TDC (Image: Archant)

The two-day event, which takes place annually over the seaside town, made £82,000 this year, only falling £35,000 short of the total cost of the event.

Six years ago the airshow faced being cancelled altogether after Tendring District Council was considering no longer funding the event due to the high costs involved.

A group called Save Clacton Air Show was set up by local residents to try to preserve the airshow. After a public meeting, the council eventually found the money to keep the event going.

Mick Skeels, Tendring District Council’s cabinet member for leisure and tourism, said that this year’s figures were a fantastic achievement by all those involved.

“Many other airshows have folded due to rising costs and the fact they have become financially unsustainable. We are proud to be going strong after 26 years and getting so close to breaking even,” he added.

“To put on one of the best events in Essex which brings more than £5million into the local economy and yet it almost wipes its face is truly amazing.”

The exact figures regarding the impact of this year’s event on the local economy have yet to be completed but previous events have been thought to have secured around £5.5m into the area’s economy.

Airshow director Mike Carran praised the teamwork and support shown by all those involved in this year’s event. In particular, Mr Carran praised the work of Essex Police in helping to secure the event amidst difficult global events.

“It is a real team effort which produces a world class event and showcases the Tendring district in the best possible way,” he added.

“There was a significant presence of armed officers but with their help we managed to strike the balance between putting on a high quality event whilst providing the necessary reassurance to those attending.”

Despite spending more on security and insurance this year, Mr Carran is optimistic about the event’s financial future and hopes to be able to bring a fan favourite back to the skies of Essex next summer.

He said: “We did not have to find the money for the Typhoon this year as it was not available on our dates but we will certainly be bidding for it to return for 2018.”