Eyes To the Skies for Hampshire Air Festival 

A brand-new major aviation spectacle is preparing to take to the skies over Hampshire later this year, as the inaugural Hampshire Air Festival arrives at Thruxton Aerodrome on 12 - 13 September 2026, promising a weekend of high-energy flying displays, heritage aircraft, and modern aerial entertainment.

The Hampshire Air Festival is set to become one of the South of England’s standout aviation events, transforming Thruxton Aerodrome near Andover into a hub of aircraft, entertainment and family-friendly attractions for two full days in September.

Organised by Montserrat Events, the team behind previous large-scale displays such as the Victory Festival and air shows at Lee-on-the-Solent, the new festival has been designed to celebrate the full story of flight; from early aviation pioneers to cutting-edge modern jets.

The event will run under a “celebration of flight through the ages” theme, showcasing everything from historic biplanes and First World War-style aircraft through to iconic Second World War warbirds and contemporary fast jets. Organisers are also planning dynamic formation aerobatics, pyrotechnic aerial displays, and a full evening programme featuring a light show, drone displays, and fireworks.

What to expect at Hampshire Air Festival 2026

Visitors can expect a packed programme across both days, with a strong focus on variety and spectacle:

•    Vintage aircraft displays, including early biplanes and triplanes 
•    Classic warbirds and anniversary tributes to iconic aircraft such as the Spitfire era 
•    High-speed modern jet demonstrations 
•    Precision formation aerobatics teams 
•    Pyrotechnic-enhanced flying displays 
•    Evening entertainment including drone light shows and fireworks 

The festival has been designed not just as an air show, but as a full-day family experience, appealing to aviation enthusiasts as well as those looking for a major Hampshire day out in September.

With its location at Thruxton Aerodrome, the Hampshire Air Festival is expected to draw visitors from across Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire and beyond, boosting tourism in Andover and surrounding areas.

The event is also likely to appeal to families, photography enthusiasts, and history fans looking for immersive outdoor experiences. With its mix of daytime flying displays and evening entertainment.

With aviation heritage, modern aerial performance, and large-scale evening spectacles all in one programme, Hampshire Air Festival looks set to establish itself as a key date in the UK events calendar. 
Find out more: www.hampshireairfestival.co.uk