RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to join Clacton Airshow 2025 in poignant commemoration of the end of Second World War

Spitfire_P7350_-3__PhotographerDarren_Harbar


The iconic RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be joining this summer’s Clacton Airshow – as we commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.

Staged by Tendring District Council (TDC), the 32nd Clacton Airshow promises to be an exhilarating event, with a thrilling programme of flights – including the RAF Red Arrows on both days – and a whole host of activities on the ground.
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight is set to take to the skies in Clacton with the celebrated Supermarine Spitfire – which was critical in defeating Luftwaffe air attacks during the battle in 1940 – as well as the famous Hawker Hurricane and the Douglas C47 Dakota.

The mission of the flight, which is operated by regular RAF aircrew, is to maintain the priceless artefacts in an airworthy condition in commemoration those who have fallen in the service of the country – as well as promoting the RAF and inspiring future generations.

Councillor Ivan Henderson, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economic Growth, Regeneration and Tourism at TDC, expressed his excitement about the return of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight to Clacton.

“This historic flight continues to captivate audiences and is a real crowd favourite,” he said.
“The powerful roar of the engines is a signature sound of the Clacton Airshow, providing spectators along the seafront with an unparalleled close-up view of these legendary aircraft.

“Experiencing these majestic and iconic planes – symbols of the Battle of Britain and numerous other Second World War missions – is truly unforgettable.

“This year, marking the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, will be especially poignant.
“With the dazzling RAF Red Arrows also set to perform, this year’s Clacton Airshow promises to be an extraordinary event – with even more flights to be revealed in the coming months.”

Also announced for the flight line-up is the return of the RAF Grob Tutor T1, which is used by the RAF to provide flying instruction – being easy to handle and fully aerobatic, the aircraft is excellent for teaching the basics of flight.

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.