Flight fans get ready to soar as hospitality tickets go on sale for Clacton Airshow 2025

Flight fans can make this summer’s Clacton Airshow even more spectacular by snapping up tickets to the high-flying events popular hospitality area.

Operated by the Black Jacket, the hospitality area offers a delightful two-course meal, canapés, and refreshments, all while enjoying an elevated viewing area for the breathtaking flight displays.

And there’s also shelter – just in case the weather on the Essex Sunshine Coast doesn’t play ball on 21-22 August.

Staged by Tendring District Council (TDC), Clacton Airshow 2025 promises to be a thrilling event, with a great programme of flights in the sky – including the RAF Red Arrows on both days – and a whole host of activities on the ground.

Credit: RAF Red Arrows two Hawk formation.
Credit: RAF Red Arrows two Hawk formation.

Nicola Denny, Operations Director at Thorrington-based Black Jacket Group, said she was looking forward to welcoming both new and returning guests the hospitality area.

“We’re absolutely buzzing to host the hospitality marquee at Clacton Airshow again,” she said.

“Hospitality tickets give you exclusive access to the show, away from the hustle and bustle.

“Centrally located, the hospitality area is perfectly set against the stunning backdrop of Clacton seafront.

“We can’t wait to team up with Tendring District Council to make this event a soaring success.”

Councillor Ivan Henderson, TDC Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism, said an exciting flight programme is currently being developed by the airshow team.

“Clacton Airshow is the East Coast’s premier airshow and one of the biggest events in Essex, regularly attracting 250,000 visitors over the two days,” he said.

“We invite people to make this wonderful occasion even more special by joining the festivities in the hospitality area.

“We’re thrilled to welcome back the Black Jacket Group, a Tendring-based firm, to run the hospitality area again this year.

“Clacton Airshow is important to the district’s economy – and it’s the support of the people that keeps this fantastic event flying high.”

Hospitality tickets include parking, a souvenir programme, welcome drinks, a selection of canapés, a main course and dessert, half a bottle of wine per person, and complimentary tea, coffee, and squash for children throughout the day. There will also be a full bar selection available, private toilet facilities, and the chance to meet the flight teams.

Hospitality tickets are available to purchase at www.blackjacket.uk/clacton-airshow, with prices at £65 for Thursday and £58 for Friday.

For all hospitality enquiries, including dietary requirements or area access information and facilities, contact the Black Jacket team at events@blackjacketgroup.co.uk or call 01206 827883.

RAF Red Arrows to headline both days of Clacton Airshow 2025

The magnificent Red Arrows will be making a thrilling return to the Essex Sunshine Coast to headline this summer’s Clacton Airshow.

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, one of the world’s premier aerobatic display team, will perform on both days of the 32nd Clacton Airshow, taking place on 21-22 August.

Representing the speed, agility, and precision of the Royal Air Force, the team serves as the public face of the service and act as ambassadors for the United Kingdom at home and overseas.

The distinctive Hawk fast-jet team is the first flight announcement for what is shaping up to be a breath-taking airshow.

Ivan Henderson, Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration, and Tourism at Tendring District Council (TDC), which organises the Clacton Airshow, said he was excited to welcome the Red Arrows back to the event.

“The Red Arrows are the stars of the airshow circuit, and I am thrilled to announce their breathtaking aerial displays will captivate the crowds at this year’s Clacton Airshow,” he said.

“They are a massive attraction for both the general public and aviation enthusiasts.”

Last year’s Clacton Airshow. Image: Roam Creative

“It will be wonderful to be able to welcome them back to Clacton following a break last year while they represented the UK in Canada.

“If you haven’t marked this year’s Clacton Airshow on your calendar yet, do it now and start planning your trip to the beautiful Essex Sunshine Coast.

“We’re working closely with our flight director to craft a spectacular flight lineup for the 2025 Clacton Airshow on 21 and 22 August.

“This year’s event promises to be an extraordinary spectacle with exhilarating aerial performances and plenty of excitement on the ground.

“We can’t wait to unveil more of our lineup in the coming months.”

Councillor Henderson revealed that the Red Arrows will also bring an exciting ground display to Clacton’s West Greensward showground.

The Red Arrows, based at RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire, have flown almost 5,000 displays in 57 countries.

Often showcasing their trademark Diamond Nine shape, and a combination of close formations and precision flying, the Red Arrows have been displaying since 1965.

The Red Arrows. Image: RAF Red Arrows

All Red Arrows display pilots have flown operationally in frontline aircraft such as the advanced Typhoon, helping the Royal Air Force secure the skies every day of the year.

Other flights scheduled for this year’s Clacton Airshow will be revealed in the coming months. For updates and more information, visit www.clactonairshow.com.

Students plant trees to help boost local biodiversity in Thorpe-le-Soken

Young environmentalists have rolled up their sleeves to plant trees in Thorpe-le-Soken.

Students from Tendring Technology College’s Thorpe Campus joined forces with teachers and Tendring District Council’s (TDC) tree officer Tom Opperman to plant the ‘whips’ on public open space in The Spenndells.

The initiative saw students from the school’s Eco-Council plant a variety of species, including flower, fruit and nut trees, on Thursday, 27 March.

Pupils planting trees at The Spenndells, Thorpe le Soken. Image: TDC

These young trees, which were provided by the Tree Council, will grow into a diverse wooded area, enhancing the local ecosystem.

To give the trees the best start, the project also included the application of wood chip mulch, recycled from trees felled by TDC tree surgeons, and the council also supplied tree guards.

Councillor Mick Barry, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Leisure and Public Realm, praised the students’ efforts.

Pupils planting trees at The Spenndells, Thorpe le Soken. Image: TDC

“It’s wonderful to see the pupils from Tendring Technology College getting involved in planting these trees,” he said.

“This initiative not only supports local wildlife by enhancing biodiversity with a variety of flower, fruit, and nut trees, but also educates young people about the importance of environmental stewardship.

“Championing our environment runs through everything that we do and it’s heartening to see students take pride in their local open spaces.”

The newly planted trees will provide food and shelter for many species on the TDC-owned site, contributing to the area’s natural beauty and ecological health.

Get ready for English Tourism Week 2025

English Tourism Week (ETW) takes place from 14-23 March 2025 and sees the industry come together to highlight tourism’s importance to local communities and economies, and promote the innovation, quality and range of products and services on offer to boost domestic breaks.

This year’s campaign celebrates the people, places, businesses, attractions, experiences and destinations who are at the heart of England’s Tourism Sector using the strapline ‘Supporting people and places to drive growth’.

Destinations, tourism businesses and visitor attractions can join in and download the English Tourism Week toolkit at www.visitbritain.org/working-us/english-tourism-week. Show your support on social media by using #EnglishTourismWeek25.

TV stars Katie Price and Bobby Davro to join Easter pantomime at Clacton’s Princes Theatre

Pinocchio Easter Pantomime at the Princes Theatre Clacton
Pinocchio Easter Pantomime at the Princes Theatre Clacton

A hilarious new star-studded Easter pantomime will be taking to the stage at Clacton’s Princes Theatre… with no strings attached.

Anton Benson Productions is back at the Tendring District Council-run (TDC) theatre for its magical new panto Pinocchio, starring Katie Price as the enchanting fairy, on Sunday, 6 April.

Multi-talented media personality and author Katie, who appeared in I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! and Celebrity Big Brother, will bring her vibrant energy and charm to the stage in this year’s family-friendly show.

She will be joined by comedian, 80s TV regular and EastEnders star Bobby Davro, who will play the delightfully wicked Stromboli.

Pinocchio follows the whimsical journey of our wooden hero as he sets off to Fantasy Island, dreaming of becoming a real boy.

Along the way, he must learn to navigate the challenges of right and wrong, guided by his conscience and the magical fairy.

In addition to Katie and Bobby, the cast includes Ryan Greaves as Pinocchio, Kate Salmon as Princess Tik Tok and Phyl Harries as Mama Gepetto.

Gary Scott, TDC’s Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture and Heritage, said: “This hilarious and heartwarming production promises to be a delightful experience for audiences of all ages.

“With no strings attached, it’s the perfect way to celebrate Easter with family and friends.”

There will be two performances of the enchanting show, at 2.30pm and 7pm.

Tickets are available now, with prices set at £50 for a family of four, £14 for adults, and £13 for concessions.

For more information and to purchase tickets, go to princestheatre.co.uk or call the Box Office on 01255 686633 (Option 1).

Images Speak a Thousand Words!

In a time where we are social distancing and encouraging people to #stayathome, there are still ways we can appreciate the beauty of the Essex Sunshine Coast.

Take a look at our Instagram pictures to remind you all just how wonderful Tendring is and to put a much needed smile on our faces.

Please feel free to use our hashtag #EssexSunshineCoast to share your memories with us and even be featured on our page.

Follow us on: @essexsunshinecoast

 

Harwich Illuminate 2020

Home of the award winning Clacton Airshow, the Essex Sunshine Coast has a lot of exciting events happening near you.

We are currently planning this year’s Harwich Illuminate Event which will take place on the 27th & 28th November 2020. 2020 is a year of celebration of the 400th anniversary of the sailing of The Mayflower to the New World, carrying the Pilgrims, a year which will be book-ended by Illuminate Festivals in November around Thanksgiving.

Historic Harwich has a strong link to The Mayflower as home to the ship, its master Captain Christopher Jones – whose house still stands in Kings Head Street – and some of its crew. For this reason Harwich is part of the Mayflower 400 Compact, an international group of destinations linked to the story.