A quarter of a million people are expected to descend on Clacton this week as the return of the town’s renowned airshow gets underway.

East Anglian Daily Times: The Red Arrows perform manoeuvres at a previous Clacton Airshow. Picture: SU ANDERSONThe Red Arrows perform manoeuvres at a previous Clacton Airshow. Picture: SU ANDERSON

The two-day spectacular - which starts tomorrow - promises jaw-dropping displays and attractions, both on and off ground, including a performance by the MiG-15 and the world-famous RAF Red Arrows.

Mike Carran, event director, said: “It’s been 12 months in the planning, so this is an exciting time of year for the team.

“Having all those people descend on Clacton is a huge undertaking to manage the infrastructure, but it’s really exciting.”

Getting to the show by car, visitors are directed to the main event car park in West Road – a short walk from the site and priced at £6 in advance.

A shuttle bus will then be on hand on both days to help get people to the showground.

Thursday parking tickets will only be valid from 7.30am to 10pm, while Friday tickets are valid from 7.30am to 7pm.

For those preferring to take the bus, the Clacton service will be provided by Talisman Coachlines starting at 9.30am from Clacton Factory Outlet.

This costs £10 and will drop passengers off at Angelfield, off Carnarvon Road, with the last collection from there at 6pm.

The Holland-on-Sea service will run from Holland Haven at 9.30am, also dropping off at Angelfield with the last collection at 6pm.

This service is £5.

Also confirmed for the event are the Tigers Parachute team, the Catalina, and other aircraft including the P51-Mustang and Strikemaster.

Mr Carran added that security this year will be tighter at the event, but that there will be no security queues because it is an open site.

He said: “We have been working very closely with Essex Police and other emergency services to make sure the event is safe. Security is going to be enhanced.

“People will see a greater police presence and this will hopefully reassure them.”

Entry to the show is free.

To book a main event car park space in advance for £6, visit clactonrotary.org/air-show.

For more, go to clactonairshow.com.

Following the success from last year, the popular night flights will be making a return to the Clacton Airshow this week.

The performances will take place tonight and will involve OTTO the helicopter, the Twister Duo Fireflies as well as a fireworks display.

Mike Carran, event director, said: “We have amazing flight displays and a nice mixture of modern and vintage aircraft, but I am really looking forward to the night flights.

“They were spectacular last year and will be even more so this year. If people cannot make the day, I recommend the evening. There is nothing quite like it.”

For all of the displays, Mr Carran also let in on the best places to catch the action.

He added: “The displays will be between the pier and Martello beach, and they will take place over the water which is really dramatic.

“Some people like the pier and others the beach, but I would say to get along that line.”