The aviation calendar in the United Kingdom is set to welcome a spectacular new addition, with the inaugural Hampshire Air Festival already generating significant buzz and impressive early ticket sales. Scheduled for September 12-13, 2026, at Thruxton Circuit and Aerodrome, this event promises to deliver a memorable weekend celebrating over a century of flight.
Strong Demand Signals Appetite for New Aviation Event
Organisers have been pleasantly surprised by the rapid uptake of tickets, with nearly ten percent of all admission tickets sold within just the first month of sales. This strong early demand clearly indicates a genuine appetite among aviation enthusiasts and families across the region for a new, well-organised airshow in southern England.
Interest in premium experiences has been particularly noteworthy, with approximately twenty percent of Saturday hospitality packages already secured during the discounted early bird period. This remarkable achievement, occurring eight months before the event, underscores the festival's appeal and the quality of its planned offerings.
A Celebration of The Age of Flight
Organised by Montserrat Events, the Hampshire Air Festival will celebrate 'The Age of Flight' with a comprehensive programme designed to appeal to visitors of all ages and interests. The event will feature both daytime flying displays and extensive ground attractions, including static aircraft exhibitions, aviation heritage displays, historical re-enactors, and numerous family-friendly activities.
Saturday Evening Extravaganza
Saturday ticket holders will enjoy an extended evening programme that transforms the festival into a spectacular night-time experience. This additional offering includes pyro-aerobatics, a choreographed drone light show, illuminated displays, and a grand fireworks finale. The inclusion of this enhanced evening entertainment has been a significant factor in driving premium ticket sales.
Confirmed Flying Displays Showcase Aviation History
The initial flying announcements reflect the festival's ambition to tell the complete story of aviation history. Confirmed displays already include:
- The Great War Display Team - featuring meticulously crafted First World War replica aircraft that recreate the drama of early aerial combat.
- Rich Goodwin Airshows - presenting the Jet Pitts Special, a heavily reengineered Pitts S2S biplane fitted with twin jet engines that showcases British innovation and hybrid performance.
- DroneSwarm - a cutting-edge drone light show using synchronised drones to create narrative displays in the night sky as part of Saturday's evening spectacle.
- Bob Davy's Yak3 - a Yak3UTI replica powered by a Pratt and Whitney R1830 Twin Wasp, presented with a distinctive Ukrainian-support scheme honouring the legendary Eastern Front fighter.
- Supermarine Spitfire RR232 "City of Exeter" - a meticulously restored Mk IX Spitfire built in 1944, appearing during the aircraft's 90th anniversary year.
Organisers have confirmed that additional aircraft representing different eras of aviation history will be announced in the coming months, promising a diverse and comprehensive flying programme.
Event Details and Ticket Information
The Hampshire Air Festival will be held at Thruxton Circuit and Aerodrome in Hampshire, conveniently located near the A303 and within easy reach of Wiltshire and Berkshire. The event is designed as a full day out, with options to upgrade to hospitality packages or camping for those wishing to extend their weekend experience.
Discounted early bird admission tickets are currently available until January 31, with prices starting from £27.50 for Sunday and £32.50 for Saturday (which includes the evening show). After this date, ticket prices will increase according to the event's tiered pricing structure.
Organiser's Vision for a Lasting Legacy
Jonathan Moore, founder and CEO of Montserrat Events and event organiser for the Hampshire Air Festival, expressed his enthusiasm about the early response: "We have been genuinely encouraged by how many people have committed to joining us so early for our very first Hampshire Air Festival. To see nearly ten percent of our total admission tickets and around twenty percent of our Saturday Premium Hospitality already sold tells us there is real appetite for a new, high-quality aviation weekend at Thruxton."
He continued: "Our focus now is on continuing to build a flying programme that does justice to The Age of Flight, from the fragile machines of the Great War to the power of the Spitfire and the innovation of drones and hybrid jets. We want families, enthusiasts and first-time visitors alike to feel they are part of something special that can grow and return year after year, here in Hampshire."
With its strategic location, comprehensive programming, and strong early ticket sales, the Hampshire Air Festival appears poised to become a significant addition to the UK's aviation event calendar, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the complete story of flight in one spectacular weekend.
