top of page

Hampshire Chamber Partners On ‘Behind-The-Scenes’ Air Festival



Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the organisers of the county’s newest airshow on a ‘behind-the-scenes’ networking opportunity for members and other businesses.


The inaugural Hampshire Air Festival is an aviation-themed, family-friendly weekend designed to celebrate 'The Age of Flight' through flying displays, static and heritage aircraft, pyro aerobatics, drone displays, fireworks and a STEM learning area.


It takes place at Thruxton Aerodrome near Andover on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 September 2026.

On the eve of the show, Friday 11 September, Hampshire Chamber will host a behind-the-scenes networking day at the aerodrome starting at 10.30am.


Ross McNally, Chief Executive and Executive Chair of Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, said:

“This is a prime opportunity for representatives from our members and other businesses to meet, connect, have fun and potentially collaborate on business ideas in an atmosphere that breaks away from the usual."

“It is networking with a real difference, bringing the business community together in a unique aviation setting. We’ll be surrounded by aircraft, equipment and aviation industry themes that reflect the power of engineering, scientific insight and innovation. There will be a keynote speech, topical business presentations, scope to ask questions of pilots and other aviation experts and the chance to see aircraft landing. We hope it will inspire fresh thinking and new connections.”


Festival organiser Jonathan Moore, founder and Chief Executive of owner Montserrat Events, said:

“Thanks to our exciting new partnership with Hampshire Chamber, we anticipate business professionals from across the region will attend what promises to be a meaningful and enjoyable networking day with an aviation theme.”

Joining members from Hampshire Chamber for the networking day will be representatives from fellow event partners Omni Business Development Network and Total Business Network.


Thruxton Aerodrome began as a Second World War airfield, built in the early 1940s for fighter, transport and glider operations. When the war ended, flying activity shifted to training and general aviation, and the airfield moved into civilian hands.


Motor racing arrived soon after. In 1950 motorcycles began using the old runways and perimeter roads, followed by car racing in 1952. The wartime surfaces didn’t hold up for long, so the site was redeveloped during the late 1960s into a purpose-built circuit. The new track opened in 1968 and quickly became known as one of the fastest circuits in Britain.


Today Thruxton carries both histories. The aerodrome continues to operate for aviation training and private flying, while the circuit remains a major fixture in British motorsport.


For more information on the Hampshire Air Festival visit here.


Most Read

One Million Tins Of Baked Beans Delivered To Felix To Help Tackle UK Hunger

One Million Tins Of Baked Beans Delivered To Felix To Help Tackle UK Hunger

One million tins of baked beans will be produced for people facing food insecurity this summer through an innovative partnership between Princes, Waitrose, Alliance Food Sourcing (AFS), and Felix (formerly The Felix Project and FareShare).

South Lanarkshire Facilities Management Firm Restructures With Business Gateway

South Lanarkshire Facilities Management Firm Restructures With Business Gateway

A South Lanarkshire-based facilities management company has restructured its operations after reaching a record £4 million turnover, with support from Business Gateway helping to position the business for its next phase of growth.

F.Hinds Raises Over £15,000 For Dementia UK

F.Hinds Raises Over £15,000 For Dementia UK

F.Hinds has raised over £15,000 for Dementia UK following a two-month fundraising campaign involving colleagues and customers across its UK stores and Head Office.

Categories

  • Nov 14, 2025
  • 2 min read


Bradford Bulls are delighted to announce the signing of Papua New Guinea international Dan Russell on a one-year deal – subject to international clearance.

The 6ft 4in back row forward, who can also play in the centres, spent seven years in the Queensland and NSW Cup competitions in Australia before making his NRL debut for St George Illawarra Dragons in 2023.

Russell’s form for club and country saw him secure a move to Sam Burgess’ Warrington Wolves ahead of the 2025 season. Russell made 19 appearances this year in Super League, with nine of those coming for Salford Red Devils during a loan spell.

Dan Russell said:

“I am super excited, it’s going to be a challenge in the first year but it’s a challenge I am looking forward to with the players and staff that have been put together."

“From watching the Bulls in the Championship they already had a good side who played good footy and after seeing them get promoted, I wanted to stay in Super League and being given the chance to work with Kurt [Haggerty] again and the players he’s brought in made it an easy decision."

“I’m looking to bring some experience and versatility to the team in Super League, I can play back row and other positions I just want to be a real team player, cover where I can and we have a great group for the first year back which can make it a really special year."

“The history of this club in Super League was another reason why I jumped at the chance to join, it is an exciting time and an exciting chance to continue the history of the club and I am looking forward to getting there and making a mark in 2026.”

Bradford Bulls Head Coach Kurt Haggerty said:

“I worked with Dan in a short space of time at Salford at the back end of the year, it didn’t work out at Warrington but he is big, athletic and can ball play on the edges. He is a player I like, he is a first class human being who will fit the environment really well and he is someone who will be highly thought of in the group."

"I am really looking forward to helping him get to the next level in his game and be a consistent back row forward. There is a lot of Dan’s game that I like and there is a lot I think I can help him getting better with too and he knows his own improvement areas, I am excited to see what he can do.”




Most Read

One Million Tins Of Baked Beans Delivered To Felix To Help Tackle UK Hunger

One Million Tins Of Baked Beans Delivered To Felix To Help Tackle UK Hunger

One million tins of baked beans will be produced for people facing food insecurity this summer through an innovative partnership between Princes, Waitrose, Alliance Food Sourcing (AFS), and Felix (formerly The Felix Project and FareShare).

South Lanarkshire Facilities Management Firm Restructures With Business Gateway

South Lanarkshire Facilities Management Firm Restructures With Business Gateway

A South Lanarkshire-based facilities management company has restructured its operations after reaching a record £4 million turnover, with support from Business Gateway helping to position the business for its next phase of growth.

F.Hinds Raises Over £15,000 For Dementia UK

F.Hinds Raises Over £15,000 For Dementia UK

F.Hinds has raised over £15,000 for Dementia UK following a two-month fundraising campaign involving colleagues and customers across its UK stores and Head Office.

Categories

Radfield Home Care Shortlisted For Two British Franchise Awards

Radfield Home Care Shortlisted For Two British Franchise Awards

Radfield Home Care has been named a finalist in two categories at the 2026 BFA HSBC UK British Franchise Awards.

Channel Islands In Focus As Wealthy Families Reassess UK Ties

Channel Islands In Focus As Wealthy Families Reassess UK Ties

Wealthy UK-based families are increasingly considering the Channel Islands as a “near-shore, offshore” option as they reassess where they live, work and structure their affairs following the abolition of non-dom status.

Buzzworks To Revive Historic Golf Inn

Buzzworks To Revive Historic Golf Inn

Award-winning Scottish hospitality operator Buzzworks has announced that The Bonnie Badger will return to its historic name, The Golf Inn, as the much-loved Gullane venue prepares for a major transformation.

Recent Posts

bottom of page