The Hampshire Air Festival has been cancelled in its inaugural year as the company behind it collapses into liquidation. The event had been scheduled to take place at Thruxton Aerodrome in Andover on September 12 and 13.
Company statement confirms cancellation
Montserrat Events & Festivals Limited said the decision to axe the weekend of aviation was taken with "profound sadness". Organisers had planned a schedule of aerial displays and family entertainment, spanning over a century of aviation.
This was set to include formation aerobatics, modern jets and the Spitfire, which is in its 90th anniversary year. Visitors had also been told to expect camping and food and drink alongside living history exhibits, re-enactment camps and military vehicles.
Liquidation steps and ticket advice
A statement issued by the firm read: "It is with profound sadness that the directors of Montserrat Events & Festivals Limited have to announce the cancellation of the Hampshire Air Festival 2026 due to take place at Thruxton Aerodrome on 12 and 13 September."
"As a consequence, steps are being taken to put the business into liquidation, with the directors taking independent legal and insolvency advice."
Ticket holders were advised to contact their debit or credit card provider directly regarding their ticket purchase and to discuss the options available to them for recovering their payment. Suppliers and other stakeholders will be contacted with further information regarding the process and any relevant claims or enquiries.
Previous plea for support
The statement added: "We are grateful to everyone who has supported the Hampshire Air Festival and Montserrat Events & Festivals Limited."
Event organiser Jonathan Moore previously put out a plea for increased public support for the airshow, including through a scheme offering businesses and individuals the chance to become founding members for £300 plus VAT. He told the Salisbury Journal back in February that 10% of tickets had already been sold, describing it as a "genuinely encouraging sign" of demand for a "new, accessible airshow in the south".
