Thousands of people are set to flock to the Clacton Airshow today for the start of a two-day aerial extravaganza.

East Anglian Daily Times: Hayley Auld watches at a previous Clacton Air Show with her boys Dougie, four, and Eddi Auld, two.Hayley Auld watches at a previous Clacton Air Show with her boys Dougie, four, and Eddi Auld, two. (Image: Archant)

The event, which is in its 23rd year, will kick off today and promises delight for flight fans as the show boasts one of the strongest line-ups to date.

Clacton seafront and the West Greensward will be transformed into a viewing area to the skies with trade stands, food courts and on-site entertainment available on ground level.

Mark Platt, Tendring District Council’s cabinet member for tourism, culture, leisure and events, said: “Last year we had around 140,000 people watching the show over the two days and it would be great if we can top that this time.

“But, as is the case with most outside major events, a lot depends on the weather and we will be keeping our fingers crossed that it is kind to us.”

The world-famous Red Arrows will be joined by the Typhoon Eurofighter, the Avro Vulcan, Royal Canadian Lancaster and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The programme also includes contributions from a Sea King helicopter, a Tutor, an autogyro, the Essex Air Ambulance, an RAF Tucano, the Breitling Wingwalkers, the Trig Aerobatic Team, a Rolls Royce Spitfire, the Bulldog and Richard Goodwin and his modified Pitts S2S G-EWIZ.

One of the highlights on the ground will be the appearance of Titan the Robot who was at the show in 2010 and is making a welcome return. The main show car park will be in West Road (next to Clacton Airfield) and will be operated by the Rotary Club of Clacton and costs £6 per car. There will also be a park and ride service.

The Clacton Service, which costs £5, will pick up from Clacton Factory Outlet starting at 9am and will drop people off at Anglefield, just off Carnarvon Road. Last pick up from Anglefield back to Clacton Factory Outlet will be 6pm.

The action gets under way at around 12.30pm on both days.

Are you going to the Clacton Airshow? Send in your photos and views about the event to newsroom@archant.co.uk