Historic MiG fighter jet to bring Cold War roar to Clacton Airshow 2026
6th August 2026
A classic Cold War-era jet fighter is set to bring speed, noise and spectacle to the skies above Clacton seafront this summer.
The MiG-17F ‘Fresco’ will join the flying line-up for the 33rd Clacton Airshow, staged by Tendring District Council (TDC) on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 August.
The aircraft will appear in both the Thursday evening twilight display and Friday’s daytime programme, giving visitors two chances to experience one of aviation’s most distinctive historic jets.
Developed from the earlier MiG-15 and introduced in the early 1950s, the MiG-17F was designed for speed, climb performance and manoeuvrability, with swept wings, an afterburning engine and powerful nose-mounted cannons.
The aircraft displaying at Clacton carries side number 1211 and was built in Mielec, Poland, in 1958 as a Lim-5, the Polish licence-built version of the MiG-17F.
After service with the Polish Air Force, the aircraft returned to the skies in April this year following an extensive two-and-a-half-year restoration by FUBAR Aviation.
Its display is expected to feature aerobatics and low passes at speeds of up to 900km/h, with the aircraft pulling around 6–7G during its routine.
Councillor Mark Stephenson, TDC Leader, said: “The MiG-17F will be a real standout moment at this year’s Clacton Airshow, bringing a very different kind of sound, speed and atmosphere to the seafront.
“To see this historic jet flying in the Thursday twilight display will be something really special, and I am sure it will make a big impression on residents and visitors watching from the beach and greensward.
“This year’s theme is all about celebrating aviation, and the MiG is another exciting addition to what is shaping up to be a fantastic two days on the Essex Sunshine Coast.”
The MiG will be displayed by experienced display and airline pilot Bartosz Maciejczyk, chief executive of FUBAR Aviatio, who has accumulated more than 15,000 flying hours.
Based at Olsztyn-Mazury Airport in Poland, FUBAR operates the MiG-17F alongside other MiG aircraft, helping to keep these remarkable jets flying for future generations to enjoy.
The new display adds to an already impressive flying line-up, including the world-famous RAF Red Arrows, performing across both days, as well as the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the refreshed twilight flights.
Clacton Airshow is the biggest events on the Essex Sunshine Coast calendar, attracting tens of thousands of visitors each year, with flying displays, ground attractions, food stalls and family-friendly entertainment along the seafront.
For updates and more information about the 2026 Clacton Airshow, visit Clacton Airshow website, follow essexsunshinecoaston Instagram, or go to the official Facebook event.