Local radio said the Clacton Air Show was record-breaking and the event’s director called it “fantastic...a big success”.

Did I see the same air show? Since moving to the area 13 years ago, I have seen virtually all the shows during that time, but, in my opinion, this year’s was probably the worst.

Yes, we had the old favourites like the Red Arrows and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (although not on day two because of gusting winds), but where were the fast, noisy jets that we’re used to, such as Jaguar, Tornado and Typhoon (Eurofighter), which are also the big crowd pullers?

The crowds were there, but the show did not live up to the hype, and on the Friday I witnessed, from my viewing point at the bottom end of Wash Lane, many people leaving the beach and greensward well before the rain came at the end of the show, probably due to an almost 45-minute gap in the middle of a programme that was only due to last two and half hours.

I’m sure it always ran until at least 5pm in recent years.

I had my concerns when I went to the Clacton Air Show 2009 – official show website a week or two ago to check out the show participants, only to find it mentioned past participants with no mention of this year’s.

Quite clearly the organisers at Tendring Council were probably embarrassed with the show they had organised after promising it would be the best ever.

The organisers clearly have low expectations that they failed to reach.

The air show is the town’s biggest draw, but unless the organisers get their act together to compile an exciting programme then aero enthusiasts and the public in general will start to vote with their feet and stay away.

Bob Hibbert
Crown Road
Clacton-On-Sea