Clacton: Red Arrows Confirmed For Air Show

The Red Arrows are going to take to the skies at this summer's Clacton Air Show

The world famous display team will perform on 22nd and 23rd of August.

It will be the first time that the team has performed on both days for three years.

They were forced to pull out of the event completely in 2011 and last year were only able to return for one day.

Alan Goggin, Tendring District Councils Cabinet Member for Tourism said it is fantastic for the air show and its fans to have the Red Arrows back for a double performance.

"Everyone has their favourites but without doubt the Red Arrows are the highlight of any display and they have been coming to Clacton for more than 20 years," he said.

"Our team behind the scenes is working hard - as always - to attract the best possible line-up, depending on availability and costs.

"It is always our first task to get the Red Arrows on board and we are delighted that has been achieved."

Cllr Goggin said it will be a rare chance for spectators to see them at a seaside air show on the East Coast this year as both the Southend and Lowestoft shows have been cancelled.

"I am sure that people who may have gone to one of those two venues to see the Red Arrows will be heading to Clacton this summer and they will be most welcome to join us," he added.

The Clacton Air Show is the signature event on Tendring's tourism calendar and a vital boost to the District's economy - bringing in around £4 million more than would be generated over the two days without the event.

Last year it attracted around 130,000 people over the two days.

Cllr Goggin said that although it is free, the Council will be making a bucket collection in the hopes of raising funds to keep the show going for the future and hopes adults will contribute at least £1.

He added that due to hard work and careful budgeting the event is getting to a point where it is close to breaking even and is sustainable.

"We want the air show to continue year after year but we need to keep the pounds coming in so as not to go the way of Southend and Lowestoft who simply cannot afford to keep flying," added Cllr Goggin.

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