Thousands of spectators descended on the Essex coast today to witness one of the highlights of the aviation calendar.

Organisers of the Clacton Airshow said the crowds attending day one had been treated to some “spectacular” displays – with more in store for tomorrow.

Event director Mike Carran said the first day had gone “as well as we could have possibly expected”.

East Anglian Daily Times: A young girl tries on a pilot's helmet at the Clacton Airshow. Picture: RACHEL EDGEA young girl tries on a pilot's helmet at the Clacton Airshow. Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

“The show is 12 months in planning and so it’s fantastic to see how everything has come together today,” he added.

“There was a bit of cloud at the start of the day but by the time the flying started the sun was shining, just as you would expect on the Essex Sunshine Coast.

East Anglian Daily Times: Families enjoyed the spectacle from the beach. Picture: RACHEL EDGEFamilies enjoyed the spectacle from the beach. Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

“There have been some amazing displays today and, as for highlights, it’s hard not to mention the Red Arrows who were absolutely spectacular.

“The Typhoon display was also stunning and the Tigers parachute team are always a huge crowd pleaser.”

East Anglian Daily Times: The official flight programme for the Clacton Airshow. Picture: RACHEL EDGEThe official flight programme for the Clacton Airshow. Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

The free to attend airshow, now in its 27th year, is expected to attract around 250,000 visitors over the course of the two days.

Mr Carran said visitors to tomorrow’s show could expect highlights including the Chinooks and Vampires as well as a “few surprises”.

East Anglian Daily Times: As many as 250,000 people are expected to attend over the two days Picture: RACHEL EDGEAs many as 250,000 people are expected to attend over the two days Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

As well as the flights, there will also be on-site entertainment including exhibition stands and appearances by Titan the Robot.

Visit the official website for more details.

East Anglian Daily Times: A young spectator with his grandfather Picture: RACHEL EDGEA young spectator with his grandfather Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: This year's event is the 27th airshow Picture: RACHEL EDGEThis year's event is the 27th airshow Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Clacton Air Show 2018. Picture: RACHEL EDGEClacton Air Show 2018. Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Spectators are set to return for more action on Friday Picture: RACHEL EDGESpectators are set to return for more action on Friday Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Despite a cloudy start the sun shone during much of the airshow Picture: RACHEL EDGEDespite a cloudy start the sun shone during much of the airshow Picture: RACHEL EDGE (Image: Archant)

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