THE shouts of chocks away and the thunder of planes hurtling through the skies above Southend are here.

Southend Air Festival started today (Sunday) with a packed programme of aerobatic delights.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the show, and although there’s no Red Arrows display, there will be plenty of airborne thrills.

About 40 aircraft displays will be featured over Sunday and Monday, including the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, the RAF Falcons parachute display team and the Breitling Wingwalkers.

More staggering sky stunts will come from the Royal Navy Black Cats helicopters, the Blades Aerobatic Team, and Typhoon, Hawk and Tucano aircraft.

There will be a number of military displays, such as weaponry from the RAF, an assault course from the Army, and the Royal Navy will be bringing the Royal Marines Commando Display Team with their climbing walls.

The Royal Marines will also be entertaining the crowds at the arena, as will Titan the Robot who is back by popular demand.

Other highlights include tribute acts, dance groups, flight simulators, bungee trampolines and a huge selection of exhibitors.

“Our air festivals have been expanding in range and scale ever since we staged our first one 25 years ago, and now Southend Air Festival is hailed as one of Europe’s largest free airshows,” says Andrew Lewis, Southend Council’s corporate director for enterprise, tourism and the environment.

“It is a landmark date in the national calendar and attracts up to 750,000 people over the two days, many of whom come to Southend from other parts of the country.

“It introduces new visitors to the town and encourages residents and regular visitors to discover Southend afresh.”

Entertainment on the ground kicks off from 10am on both days, while the airborne programme starts at around 1.30pm.