Crowd-favourite replica Chinook helicopter returning to Clacton Airshow for ground event spectacular

Chinook-at-Clacton-Airshow-Aug-2024-TDC

Chinook at Clacton Airshow Aug 2024 TDC

An awe-inspiring replica Chinook helicopter will be returning to Clacton Airshow this summer, thrilling visitors as part of an exciting programme of ground events.

The Chinook, which drew huge crowds last year, will once again be stationed at the airshow site at West Greensward, offering aviation fans and families the rare chance to step aboard and experience the scale and atmosphere of this iconic military aircraft.

Brought by the RAF ground crew, the replica was one of the most talked-about attractions in 2024 – and its return is sure to be a highlight of the airshow site for 2025.

Taking place on 21 and 22 August, the 32nd Clacton Airshow – organised by Tendring District Council (TDC) – promises two days of high-flying excitement and ground-level entertainment.

The skies will be alive with the roar of engines from the likes of the mighty RAF Red Arrows and the iconic Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, while the ground will be buzzing with interactive exhibits, food stalls, and family-friendly fun.

Councillor Ivan Henderson, TDC Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said the Chinook’s return is a major draw.

“The replica Chinook was a real showstopper last year – people loved getting up close to such a legendary aircraft,” he said.

“It’s fantastic to have it back as part of an even bigger and better ground programme.

“With the Red Arrows dazzling in the skies and so much to see and do on the ground, this year’s Clacton Airshow is shaping up to be truly unforgettable.”

The RAF will have a strong presence on the ground, with RAF Careers, Red Arrows and Tutor display team exhibits, and a recruitment exhibition.

The Army and Royal Navy outreach teams will also be on hand, offering insight into life in the forces and showcasing their latest tech and opportunities, while Combat2Coffee‘s portable roastery will be serving up hot drinks to fund its veterans’ outreach services.

Visitors can also browse a wide range of trade stalls, including new additions like J&Bs Barkery with artisan dog treats, Rough Stuff Oak featuring handmade goods crafted at HMP The Mount, and Bright Eyes of Cambridge, offering stunning macro iris photography.

Also joining the flight line-up this year is the agile RAF Grob Tutor T1 – a favourite for training future pilots – and even more thrilling aerial displays set to be revealed in the coming months.

BBC Essex will once again be returning to present Radio Airshow during the two days of this summer’s Clacton Airshow.

Radio Airshow plays across the event site, bringing specialist commentary on the flight displays and updates on the event, as well as broadcasting on the airwaves.

For updates and more information on the 2025 Clacton Airshow people should visit www.clactonairshow.com, follow @clactonairshow on X, or go to the official Facebook event.

Craft & Gift Fair

Tendring District Scout Centre, Valley Road Clacton-on-Sea, CO15 6NA

Craft and Gift Fair. FREE entry and FREE car parking. Our regular stallholders will be there as well as some very interesting new stalls. We would love to see you there

Event date & time: 

Saturday, 3 February, 2024 – 10:00 to 14:00
Saturday, 2 March, 2024 – 10:00 to 14:00
Saturday, 6 April, 2024 – 10:00 to 14:00
Saturday, 6 July, 2024 – 10:00 to 14:00
Saturday, 5 October, 2024 – 10:00 to 14:00
Saturday, 2 November, 2024 – 10:00 to 14:00
Saturday, 7 December, 2024 – 10:00 to 14:00

Venue Name: 

Tendring District Scout Centre,

Venue address: 

Valley Road ,
Clacton-on-Sea
CO15 6NA

Contact Name: 

Val Robertson

Contact mobile: 

07535111083

Cost: 

Free

Induction loop: 

No

Wheelchair access: 

Yes

Schubert Mass in G

Anyone can attend

All welcome at Stour Choral Society’s Winter
Concert. Schubert Mass in G, followed by seasonal carols, readings, and audience
participation carols.
Music directed by Susanna Rose, Accompanist, Stephen Smith, Soloists Anna Maria Rose,
(Soprano) Nick Rayner, (Tenor) and Gary Griffiths (Bass)
Ample parking opposite church at Mistley Park Place. Interval drinks available.
Tickets on sale from Howell’s Hardware Store in Manningtree, by emailing
info@stourchoralsociety.co.uk or by telephone 07511908213, or cash on the door.

Event date & time: 

Saturday, 2 December, 2023 – 14:30 to 16:10
Saturday

Venue Name: 

St Mary & St Michael Church

Venue address: 

New Rd,
Mistley
CO11 1UF

Contact Name: 

Stour Choral Society

Contact email: 

Contact mobile: 

07511908213

Cost: 

Adults £15, under 18s free

Induction loop: 

No

Wheelchair access: 

Yes

Naze Santa’s Grotto Family Fun

Essex Wildlife Trust

Get excited for Christmas with a visit to Santa at
the Naze. Enjoy a story with Santa in our story tent and receive a gift to take home. You can
also visit our Christmas craft station and make your own wooden reindeer before setting off
on our Christmas trail around The Naze.

Event date & time: 

Saturday, 9 December, 2023 – 10:00 to Sunday, 10 December, 2023 – 16:00
Saturday
Sunday

Venue Name: 

Naze Nature Discovery Centre

Venue address: 

Old Hall Lane
Walton on the Naze
CO14 8LE

Contact Name: 

Helen Daw

Contact email: 

Contact landline: 

01255 679379

Cost: 

Families – booking online via eventbrite essential PRICE £12

Induction loop: 

No

Wheelchair access: 

Yes

A Christmas Carol

Clacton Arts Centre

A recital of the classic Christmas tale, at the historical; atmospheric and eerily unique Martello Tower – you don’t want to miss it! Colchester Arts Centre Director Anthony Roberts’ traditional rendition of the Dickens classic ‘A Christmas Carol’, with musical accompaniment by Jamie Cunliffe. Hear this wonderful timeless tale in the atmospheric surroundings of the grade II listed Martello Tower. Guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit.

A fundraising event for Clacton Arts Centre Door open at 18:30 for 19:00 start Running time approx 2hrs including 15min interval

Tickets available from UnSealed Eco Refill Store 2a The Grove Clacton CO15 1TJ or booking through Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/753433007407?aff=oddtdtcreator

Event date & time: 

Thursday, 7 December, 2023 – 19:00

Venue Name: 

Tea at the Tower

Venue address: 

Martello Tower F
Marine Parade West
Clacton on SEa
CO15 1LS

Contact Name: 

Zoe Tipple

Contact email: 

Cost: 

£6 + booking fee = £7.21 via Eventbrite or £6 booking in person at UnSealed Eco Refill Store CO15 1TJ

Induction loop: 

No

Wheelchair access: 

No

Frinton Christmas Fair Gift & Craft Indoor Market

EOE Fairs & Events

FREE ENTRY INDOOR EVENT

Come join us & support local makers & businesses. Charity bucket donations all in aid of Walton food bank. To book a stall please message via the website. Get Christmas all wrapped up at the East of England Events indoor Christmas market, taking place at the charming McGrigor Hall. With over 20 stalls featuring wonderful handcrafted items, unique gift ideas. Live music 

10am – 2pm

Event date & time: 

Saturday, 25 November, 2023 – 10:00

Venue Name: 

McGrigor Hall

Venue address: 

Frinton on Sea

Contact Name: 

EOE Fairs & Events

Contact email: 

Cost: 

Free but charity donations will be appreciated

Induction loop: 

No

Wheelchair access: 

Yes

1st Clacton Guides’ Christmas Float Christmas Collection 2023!

1st Clacton Guides

We Love Santa Claus and we hope you do too! Come and see the big red fella, his jolly little elves and their magical, musical sleigh as we come to a street near you.  Across ten nights in November and December!  As well as all our usual routes around Little Clacton, Great Clacton and Holland on Sea, this year we’re also going to be paying a special visit to our busy elves at Morrisons to spread some festive joy while you’re shopping for your turkey, cheeseboard and yule logs. Helping raise some funds for their charitable partner, Together for Short Lives.

We’re really looking forward to seeing all our amazing supporters again very soon, so don’t forget to save those pennies, dust off the Christmas pyjamas and enjoy.

27th Nov – 9th Dec. 

Event date & time: 

Monday, 27 November, 2023 – 00:00 to Saturday, 9 December, 2023 – 00:00

Venue Name: 

Around Little Clacton, Great Clacton and Holland on Sea

Venue address: 

Contact Name: 

1st Clacton Guides’ Christmas Float

Contact email: 

Cost: 

FREE

Induction loop: 

No

Wheelchair access: 

Yes

Dovercourt Town Christmas Switch on and Opening of Orwell Place

Harwich and Dovercourt Partnership

Switching on of Christmas Lights and opening of Orwell Place. Late night Shopping, Attractions, Rides, Live Performers, Singers and Dancers, Street Food and drink stalls, craft stalls and much more.

3.30pm – 8.30pm

 

Event date & time: 

Saturday, 2 December, 2023 – 15:30

Venue Name: 

Orwell Place and High Street Dovercourt

Venue address: 

Contact Name: 

SALLY GOFF

Contact mobile: 

07756490866

Cost: 

FREE

Induction loop: 

Yes

Wheelchair access: 

Yes

Supanova Santa The Rise of The Gingerbread

The Mad About Theatre Company

A Musical Theatre adventure from the fabulous Mad About Theatre Team. A Christmas adventure with fairies, gingerbread, a fiesty snow queen, mother Christmas, Prada the Christmas cat all with their own quirks and a truly modern Christmas Tale. Prepare to battle Eglantine Troll who is battling to bring down the spirit of Christmas and destroy the ecological balance of the universe, can The Snow Queen save the day, however she has over hibernated! Bring the entire family along to enjoy this modern Christmas show with something for everyone and some hilarious festive surprises! 

12 noon & 3pm

Everyone welcome –  A Family Theatre Event

Event date & time: 

Sunday, 3 December, 2023 – 12:00

Venue Name: 

Holland on Sea Public Hall at 12 noon and 3pm

Venue address: 

139 Frinton Road
Holland on Sea

Contact Name: 

Indi allen

Contact mobile: 

07709 315510

Cost: 

£6 Adults £3 Children

Induction loop: 

Yes

Wheelchair access: 

Yes

Essex Birds

Jaywick Martello Tower

This exhibition of work by all female, or female identifying Essex based artists, curated by Jane Stewart, looks at the idea of what an ‘Essex Bird’ actually is. Is it a rather derogatory and outdated term for a woman from Essex or does it have more to do with the abundance and variety of birdlife that lives in Essex? Using a vast array of media including print, paint, photography, digital media, sculpture, fabric and even old books, these women have created an eclectic mix of representations of the Essex Bird.

The Tower is currently only open weekends 10 til 4 in November and December. If you are driving to the tower access is currently via Seawick, whilst seawall improvement works take place.

Open to all

10am – 4pm  

Event date & time: 

Sunday, 12 November, 2023 – 10:00 to Sunday, 17 December, 2023 – 16:00

Venue Name: 

Jaywick Martello Tower

Venue address: 

Belsize Avenue
Jaywick
CO15 2LF

Contact Name: 

Jaywick Martello Tower

Contact email: 

Cost: 

Admission to the tower is £1 for Adults Under 14 Free

Induction loop: 

No

Wheelchair access: 

Yes