A much-loved air show has been forced to cancel its World War Two flypast over windy conditions.

Clacton Airshow, which attracts thousands of attendees every year, got off to a slow start when the opening flypast by a collection of Spitfires, Hurricanes and Lancaster Bombers was cancelled.

Audible groans were let out by attendees when the announcer confirmed over the tannoy that windy weather had halted the entourage of World War Two planes leaving from RAF Coningsby.

Despite being fairly overcast, the Essex seaside town recorded 12 mph winds and 21 miles per hour gusts.

Some 140 miles away, at RAF Coningsby, winds also stood at 12 miles per hour, with gusts down to just 20 miles per hour.

However, the cancellation did not dampen moods, with attendees greeting American P-51 and P-47 fighter planes.

The Red Arrows are expected to close today’s showing at Clacton Airshow, with another set of aerial demonstrations taking place tomorrow.

An RAF Tutor jet also arrived at the Essex seaside town, having travelled across the county from Southend-on-Sea shortly before.

The Red Arrows closed the airshow

Today’s proceedings will end with a major fireworks display on Clacton-on-Sea’s historic pier.

However, a number of attendees were left disappointed by the decision to cancel the Battle of Britain display.

The Lancaster Bomber pulled out of today’s proceedings earlier today.

Attendees had been told that the aircraft would not be appearing due to “operational issues”.

The Lancaster Bomber pulled out of today’s proceedings earlier today

However, after teasing about both Spitfires and Hurricanes gracing the Essex coast’s skies, the announcer confirmed the aircraft would not come just minutes later.

One said: “We’ve travelled 40 miles for this and were really looking forward to seeing the Lancaster Bomber and the Spitfires.

“The Lancaster Bomber pulled out before the rest of them, but it’s just a bit disappointing.”

Another attendee added: “It’s not even that windy, just a bit breezy.”

Today’s proceedings will end with a major fireworks display on Clacton-on-Sea’s historic pier

However, most attendees did not appear to be disheartened by the late-notice cancellation.

Many hoped that the display would include the Battle of Britain planes tomorrow.

Others wanted to see the historic planes protected from adverse weather conditions.

Despite the Battle of Britain memorial flight being cancelled, attendees at Clacton Airshow did seea Spitfire during another part of the proceedings.

GB News has approached Clacton Airshow for comment.