Widely regarded as South Africa’s premier airshow, the Lowveld Airshow has once again delivered a spectacle of world-class proportions. From a stunning Friday evening gala featuring the Free State Symphony Orchestra, skydivers and pyrotechnics to a packed Saturday programme of elite flying displays, the 2026 event has reaffirmed its position as the benchmark for aviation entertainment in the country.

Last year, for the second time in a row, the Lowveld Airshow was judged the best airshow in South Africa, setting a very high standard to follow. The 2026 edition not only met expectations but elevated them further with a seamless blend of aviation, music, pyrotechnics and community engagement.

The show opened on Friday evening with a spectacular gala experience attended by 850 formally dressed and catered guests. The evening featured a performance by the Free State Symphony Orchestra joined by a local musical group on a specially erected stage, creating a refined cultural atmosphere rarely seen at aviation events.

This elegant setting was transformed into a high-energy aviation showcase as the night progressed. A world-class pyrotechnic display lit up the skies delivering a visual spectacle not seen at a local airshow for many years. Aviation displays added further excitement with the Marksmen Aerobatic Team, the Puma Flying Lions and an Extra 330 delivering thrilling night aerobatics.

One of the standout moments of the evening came when Juba Joubert dropped three skydivers from an Alouette III. One skydiver deployed a giant South African flag as the orchestra performed the national anthem creating a powerful and emotional highlight that combined aviation, music and national pride.

The event commentary was expertly delivered by Capital Sounds’ Brian Emmenis whose iconic voice once again guided spectators through every moment of the programme and added atmosphere, context and energy to the entire show. Overall air operations were led by Airboss Johan Heine supported by ex-SAAF fighter pilot Koos Kieck and Karen Matthews who handled air traffic control coordination and ensured the safe and efficient flow of all aerial activity throughout the event.

The main airshow day took place on Saturday 2 May and opened in spectacular fashion with an eight-ship flypast featuring the Puma Flying Lions, the Marksmen and Johnnie Smith in his Extra 330LX.

The Marksmen Aerobatic Team featured a refreshed line-up with the debut of Gary Glasson flying his XA342 Sbach joined by Eugène du Preez in his Extra 330SC and Mark Hensman in his MX2. Their formation and individual sequences delivered precise high-energy aerobatics that demonstrated strong team cohesion and skill.

Nigel Hopkins also delivered a standout solo aerobatic display in his Master Power Technologies sponsored Extra 330SC, showcasing smooth, precise and powerful aerobatics that further elevated the calibre of the programme.

Johnnie Smith delivered a powerful solo aerobatic display in his Extra 330LX executing dynamic manoeuvres and vertical sequences that showcased both aircraft capability and pilot precision.Andre van Zyl added variety with a display in his Magni gyrocopter demonstrating the agility and versatility of gyroplane flight. Grant Timms delivered a standout display in his ex-SAAF Bosbok bringing classic light military aviation back into the spotlight with a nostalgic and disciplined performance.

The South African Air Force participated with an Agusta A109LUH flown by Lt Col Darryl “Energy” Sloan adding an operational rotary-wing element to the programme. A major highlight of the day was the Working on Fire firefighting demonstration featuring an Air Tractor 802, a Bell Huey and a Cessna spotter aircraft illustrating real-world wildfire suppression operations and aerial coordination tactics.

The Puma Flying Lions once again delivered one of the most anticipated performances of the day combining a precision aerobatic formation display with a pyrotechnics-enhanced routine that thrilled spectators and reinforced their reputation as one of South Africa’s premier display teams.Juba Joubert also delivered a unique dual showcase flying the Alouette III while integrating an unconventional racing demonstration alongside cars and motorcycles adding a dynamic and entertaining element to the programme.

The 2026 Lowveld Airshow concluded in spectacular fashion with a fireworks display followed by a hot air balloon feature closing the event with colour atmosphere and celebration.

The Lowveld Airshow 2026 once again proved why it is considered the benchmark for aviation entertainment in South Africa. The combination of night-time gala experiences orchestral performances pyrotechnics and a full-scale aviation programme created an immersive weekend that continues to push the boundaries of what an airshow can be. From military precision and aerobatic excellence to world-class event management under Airboss Johan Heine supported by Koos Kieck and Karen Matthews in air traffic control roles and enhanced by the unmistakable commentary of Capital Sounds’ Brian Emmenis the event continues to set a standard that others in the industry strive to match.