Readers have been sharing their memories of Clacton Airshow over the years, after a year when it sadly had to take a break due to coronavirus.
John Parish, of Braintree, has sent in some of his collection of photos taken during visits to the hugely popular event.
John said: “I have attended a few of the fantastic Clacton Airshows. There have always been friendly crowds and some breathtaking displays.
“I always loved the fast jets roaring across the Clacton seafront with awestruck crowds, and the wonderful displays from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, as my father was a fleet air Arm Navigator in the Second World War.
“One special memory was seeing the magnificent Vulcan giving an awe-inspiring display, a very special moment.”
MORE: Are you in our gallery of past Clacton Airshow photos?Graham Day of Stowmarket also shared his memories of the airshow, telling how he enjoyed all the heritage on show at the 2018 event.
Graham said: “I travelled to the first day of the 2108 Clacton Airshow by Ipswich Buses - very punctual and reliable. After a coffee and a Bakewell tart in the Jolly Roger Café on the pier, I found a place on the seafront promenade to watch the show. There were aerobatic displays, including wing walking. Other displays included a Mustang and vintage de Havilland Vampires owned by the Norwegian Air Force.
“The real highlight was the display by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Hurricane and Spitfires) and the Red Arrows weaving their patriotic geometric patterns across the sky.
MORE: Memories of Red Arrows, birds of prey and more at the Eye Show“I had a lovely conversation with a lady and her young family from Southend on Sea. I also listened to the live commentary broadcast on the local radio at the airshow.
“An excellent day out which I would hope to repeat in the future.”
While the event has often seen glorious sunshine over the years, this hasn’t always been the case. The rain poured down at the event in 2006, but spectators still enjoyed watching from the beach, despite getting soaked!
Do you have memories of airshows in East Anglia? Email judy.rimmer@archant.co.uk
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