THE Southend airshow will still be a spectacular event this year, despite the main crowd pleaser pulling out, bosses have said.

The Red Arrows pulled out of this year’s event following the loss of one of its aircraft during a training exercise last month. But organisers claim the show will still be packed with aerobatic displays.

This year’s free two-day event, now named Southend Air Festival, will have a mix of old and new aircraft and displays including a Battle of Britain memorial flight, RAF Falcons parachute team, Breitling Wingwalkers and the Blades Aerobatic Team.

There will also be a “Jumpin Jaques” 67-year-old P-51 Mustang, flown by pilot Peter Teichman from Hangar 11, in North Weald.

Hangar 11 has four legendary wartime fighters from the Second World War – a Spitfire, Hurricane, Kittyhawk and the Mustang. Mr Teichman said: “Southend is a beautiful location because you have got the seaside, lots of happy people and you can fly nice and low.

“All seaside displays are very special, but Southend is the biggest show and it opens the season – everyone looks forward to it.”

There will also be displays and shows on the ground including a meet the RAF pilots area, Chieftain and Challenger tanks, weaponry and an Army assault course, and the Royal Navy is bringing the Royal Marines Commando Display Team and their climbing walls.

Lisa Ferne, tourism and events manager for Southend Council, added: “We will have walk on water bubbles, and Titan the robot is making a return visit. Local community dance schools and singers will be there, so we can showcase Southend’s local talent.”

This will be the 25th Southend airshow, and will be held on Sunday, May 30, and Monday, May 31.