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Southend's open door

Southend-on-Sea Airshow, 29/30 May

Mike Kerr reports from Southend Airport's open days

So, once again we couldn't go to Mildenhall, and Southend was the only airshow offering of the Bank Holiday. True to form, after a glorious Friday, Sunday dawned grey, windy and cool, with a hint of rain threatening the air. No matter what displays may contain, a bit of sun always makes the difference. Monday saw better weather, but also brought the threatened rain.

Southend is traditionally recognised for the free flying displays along the seafront, stretching from Leigh-on-Sea past the famous mile-long pier and almost into Shoeburyness, and also for the airport at Rochford also throwing open its doors, enabling many of the flying participants to be seen at close quarters - essentially two airshows in one! Usually a small charge has been levied, but this year it was free entry both days, although the traditional photobuses were no more. With the aircraft arranged well for photography, this wasn't a great loss. An added bonus on both days was a 'thunder run' by Vulcan XL426, the sound of Olympus engines briefly howling across the Essex countryside as she enjoyed her return to life.

The RAF fast jet contingent comprised a brace of Typhoon T2s from 29(R) Squadron at Coningsby, two Tornado F3s from 56(R) Squadron at Leuchars, a lone Harrier GR7 from 20(R) Squadron, the display Jaguar GR3A from 41 Squadron, Coltishall and a 100 Squadron Hawk T1 - almost the full inventory, bar the Tornado GR4. The Navy provided the 'Black Cats' Lynx display team and a Sea King HC4, while choppers from the air force were represented by 28 Squadron's Merlin HC3.

One must give credit to the RAF in its support of the show, as without it very little else would have appeared; with the previously mentioned displays, a Tucano T1, the Red Arrows, BBMF and Falcons completed the lineup, the BBMF also operating from the airport. Adding a bit of colour was the Utterly Butterly display team, with no less than four aircraft and wingwalkers to enjoy!

More power to Southend Borough Council who support the event and its sponsors Westcliff Casinos - if only the weather would have the roll of the dice!

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