The Hampshire Air Festival makes its debut on the weekend of September 12–13, 2026, transforming Thruxton Aerodrome near Andover into a major new regional hub for sport and historic aviation. Centered around the overarching theme of "The Age of Flight," this inaugural two-day event traces over a century of aerial innovation, presenting continuous daytime flight displays that span meticulously crafted Great War biplanes, classic Second World War warbirds—highlighted by 90th anniversary tributes to the Supermarine Spitfire—dynamic formation aerobatics, and high-energy modern jet demonstrations.
Beyond the daytime flying sequence, the festival delivers an expansive ground program alongside a signature Saturday night spectacle. Ground-level attractions include living history encampments, military vehicle displays, motorcycle stunt acts, and interactive family activities designed to engage visitors of all ages with aviation history. On Saturday evening, the event transitions into an after-dark extravaganza featuring night-capable pyrotechnic aircraft, synchronised drone light formations, a light show, and a grand firework finale.