IT’S one of the most eagerly awited events in the town’s calendar and next weekend will see Southend Airshow fly into town.

Featuring a spotter’s dream of plane action, as well as plenty on the ground for those who just enjoy the buzzing atmosphere and excitement of the popular weekend, it’s set to be another top year.

Although the show is missing regulars – the popular Red Arrows – there’s plenty to more than make up for it.

Held for the first time in association with easyJet, the airshow weekend will feature demonstrations from the daring Breitling Wingwalkers, the headline Typhoon and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Saturday 3pm-6pm and Sunday 2.30pm-5.30pm

Typhoon

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

Hawk (solo)

Tucano

Tutor

King Air

P51 Mustang

Breitling Wingwalkers

The Blades

Spitfire

SBach 300

The Trig Aerobatic Team

SWIP Team

Harvard Pair

Jet Provost

The participation of aircraft is subject to serviceability, weather and operational commitments and displays can be cancelled or delayed under the event organisers’ discretion.

On the ground, as well as visits from the Royal Air Force, Army and Navy, there are new additions for 2012, including a Spitfire and RAF at War display in the Flight Zone, as well as a whole host of fantastic military vehicles, including tanks in the Land Zone for you to have your photo taken with.

There are plenty other new additions for the weekend, with the zones extended to include City Beach and the High Street.

There will be lots of involvement with local groups and community organisations as well as businesses who are getting involved with the action.

There’s a host of activities for kids, including the usual flight simulators, giant inflatables and bungee trampolines, and new attractions which include bumper boats and mini tanks.

If you’re hungry, you can tuck into the range of international food on offer, with caterers selling Indian, Chinese, Greek, Italian, Mexican and more. If you like a laugh, you can try your hand at V Ball – loosely based on beach volleyball – which will be taking place on City Beach, while on the Saturday you can help local charity Havens as it attempts to break a world record for the most people simultaneously performing the Superman dance at 1pm in the main arena.

There’ll be plenty of other charities too, both local and national, from Help for Heroes to the National Trust, who’ll be showcasing their work on stalls.

With so much going on, it can be easy to miss stuff, so we’ve pulled out some of the highlights for you so you don’t miss anything.