MILITARY aircraft and helicopters are set to fly over Colchester to celebrate the Coronation of the new monarch.
The Coronation of King Charles III today promises a grand spectacle in the sky with a meticulously planned Flypast over Buckingham Palace.
Along with multiple events in Colchester to celebrate the occasion, the large formation flypast, to be staged by a fleet of over 60 military aircraft, has undergone rigorous rehearsals.
A map by the website Military Airshows reveals Colchester, Maldon, Billericay, Wickford, Brentwood and parts of Basildon will be part of the restricted airspace for the flypast between 2pm and 2.45pm.
The Red Arrows will also form part of the flypast and are expected to be in the vicinity of Colchester at 2.27pm before heading on to London.
Timings may change depending on the weather.
As well as the iconic Red Arrows, the 60-minute flypast is expected to include 16 helicopters, the historic Spitfires of the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the RAF's new P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and joint RAF and RN crewed F-35B Lightning II jets and transport aircraft from the RAF's Air Mobility Force.
This event will also mark the inaugural flypast involvement of the RAF's new Envoy IV CC1 aircraft.
The Flypast on the Coronation Day will impose airspace restrictions over the North Sea, East Anglia, Essex, and London, ensuring a safe and spectacular display above Buckingham Palace.
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This grand spectacle is part of a series of events marking the Coronation, including a 'Coronation Concert' at Windsor Castle on Sunday, May 7, which will be broadcast live by the BBC.
Essex star Olly Murs is set to take to the stage for the concert.
The internationally renowned X-Factor star, from Witham, revealed his pride at the upcoming show in a post on Twitter.
The star, who is due to perform a huge gig in Colchester later this summer, said he was ‘honoured’ to perform at the historic event in front of the nation.
In the post he said: "I hope the royals have their dancing shoes on Sunday.
"Wow, I am truly honoured to be performing at this historic event in front of our new King."
With the nation's eyes on the sky, the Coronation Flypast promises to be a display of military might and aerial elegance, in honour of King Charles III's ascension to the throne.
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