We’re thrilled to announce that Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre has been shortlisted for a prestigious AEO Excellence Award 2026 in the highly competitive Venue of the Year (over 20,000 sqm) category.
This recognition celebrates the very best in the UK events industry, highlighting venues, organisers and suppliers who consistently go above and beyond to deliver exceptional live experiences.
Being shortlisted is a fantastic milestone for Farnborough International and reflects the scale, ambition and impact of the events we host. With over 20,000 sqm of indoor exhibition space and more than 100,000 sqm of versatile external space, our venue continues to provide an outstanding platform for world-class exhibitions, conferences and live events of every size and format.
This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, as well as the trust placed in us by organisers and partners who choose Farnborough International as their home for ambitious, high-profile events.
We’re proud to be recognised alongside some of the industry’s leading venues and are excited to see the awards ceremony take place in June.
Here’s to continuing to push boundaries, deliver unforgettable experiences, and shape the future of live events.
Food businesses will be able to sample products from more than 100 suppliers, as well as Sysco branded products and specialist ranges. They will also be able to speak to experts from Brakes Catering Equipment and enjoy food and inspiration from sister companies Fresh Direct, Country Choice and kff.
The Brakes’ Foodies Expos have become a ‘must visit’ for customers, with the events showcasing new food and inspiring ideas. This year, Brakes’ chefs will also be demonstrating a range of products that help to reduce labour or waste, save on cooking time and produce a good margin.
Visitors will also be able to discuss on-trend and insight-led solutions with Brakes’ chefs, along with sector marketing and category specialists.
Mark Irish, Head of Food Development at Brakes, said: “Food is at the heart of what we do and being able to taste and experience dishes is the best way to see how it can play a part on the menu.
“The expos are extremely popular with customers who want to understand the latest trends, get insight from a range of suppliers, but most importantly, share great food.”
Please note this is a trade event for Brakes customers and invitees only.
Surrey-based Hogs Back Brewery has announced The British Motor Show and Farnborough International as named partners for its 2026 Revival Weekend, a vibrant three-day festival raising funds for the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (DGR) charity.
Taking place from 15–17 May 2026, the retro-themed weekend celebrates music, craft beer, artisan produce and classic motorcycles, bringing together local communities for a shared cause.
Farnborough International, based in Hampshire, is an award-winning exhibition and conference centre, globally recognised event organiser and film studio. With a strong commitment to community engagement, it joins forces with The British Motor Show, returning 21–23 August 2026, widely regarded as one of the UK’s most exciting automotive events, featuring spectacular cars, live action displays and family-friendly experiences. Together, these partnerships unite leading regional giants to support the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride, which raises funds and awareness for prostate cancer research and men’s mental health through its association with Movember and other charities.
A Weekend of Entertainment and Community
The Revival Weekend opens on Friday evening with a Tribute Band Night, headlined by a classic rock double bill. Fleetwood Collective will deliver an authentic recreation of Fleetwood Mac’s iconic 1970s–80s sound, while the KT Bush Band, featuring members of Kate Bush’s original touring band, promises a nostalgic live experience.
On Saturday 16 May, the Surrey Hills Artisan Market will showcase a diverse mix of local talent, featuring handcrafted food, drink, and arts and crafts that celebrate both traditional and contemporary skills.
Sunday 17 May marks the grand finale, as riders from the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride arrive at the brewery following scenic tours through the Surrey Hills. The global event brings together classic and vintage-style motorcyclists to raise funds and awareness for men’s health causes. Visitors can expect live courtyard music, auctions, competitions supported by The British Motor Show, and the potential appearance of celebrity riders.
Driving Fundraising Success
The Revival Weekend aims to propel the local DGR chapter to the top of the global fundraising leaderboard through ticket sales, donations and supporting events, including the brewery’s monthly charity quiz.
In 2025, the Surrey Hills DGR attracted 1,405 riders and raised an impressive £98,216, ranking sixth worldwide. Hogs Back Brewery played a standout role, leading the ride with its custom-built Beer Engine, complete with a beer barrel sidecar.
Miles Chesterman, Managing Director of Hogs Back Brewery, said: We are delighted that we have The British Motor Show and Farnborough International on board. The DGR is an amazing local spectacle, and it is always a privilege to host its finish. To have a whole weekend of events makes it extra special.”
Sarah Marshall, Venue Director at Farnborough International, added: “Hogs Back Brewery and the Revival Weekend are hugely popular institutions in the region, and we’re thrilled to be involved in the 2026 event. We are proud champions of local communities in Hampshire and Surrey, so we’re delighted to play a part in such a meaningful and celebratory occasion.”
The UK Government has confirmed its largest commitment to the Farnborough International Airshow to date.
The engagement reaffirms the event’s role as a central platform for the UK Government to further strengthen its international relationships with allies and partners to support defence and wider foreign policy. The announcement follows the Defence Diplomacy Strategy naming the airshow as one of the key cultural events in leveraging the UK’s culture, history and excellence to make defence diplomacy a ‘whole-of-society effort’.
After its successful 2024 launch, the UK Government Hub will again bring together departments and agencies to highlight UK expertise, policy leadership, investment, and support for aerospace, defence, and space organisations.
The 2026 Hub will bring together officials across the UK Government, from:
The National Armaments Director Group, part of the UK Ministry of Defence
Department for Business and Trade (DBT)
Export Control Joint Unit (ECJU)
Enterprise Space Category
Department for Transport
Government Commercial Agency (GCA)
Met Office
UK Export Finance (UKEF)
National Wealth Fund
Welsh Government
Department for Work and Pensions
The UK Government Hub continues to serve as a focal point for strategic dialogue, partnership building, and the promotion of UK innovation and trade on a global stage. Its return in 2026 reflects the continued commitment to supporting industry growth, advancing future technologies, and strengthening the UK’s position as a leader in defence, aerospace and space.
The National Armaments Director Group, part of the UK Ministry of Defence, develops, delivers and sustains the UK’s national arsenal and defence infrastructure. Its mission is to maximise the ability of UK war-fighters to deter, operate, fight and win. Discussing the group’s presence, including commercial, international, export, digital, procurement and support specialists, Rupert Pearce, the UK’s National Armaments Director (NAD) and a member of the Defence Board said:
“In today’s environment, the UK can only deliver the pace, resilience and efficiency we need by building stronger partnerships between government, industry and our allies.
“This underscores the significant strategic contribution the Farnborough International Airshow makes, as a platform that brings together the UK defence base, towards ensuring the nation remains secure and resilient at home and abroad. Our dedicated presence in the UK Government Hub is an important opportunity for the National Armaments Director Group. Our teams will be convening the investors, innovators and manufacturers of all sizes who underpin our national arsenal, and sharing how our new operating model will help us deliver the capabilities our military partners need, when and where they need them.
“The Hub also gives us a space to welcome the national and international delegations and organisations who shape our collaborative capability programmes and can be our key partners in investment and export opportunities.
“I look forward to meeting many of our current and future defence enterprise partners at the Farnborough International Airshow, and to reinforcing the UK’s role as a trusted, leading defence partner on the global stage.”
Following the launch of the inaugural Aerospace Global Forum: Finance Summit, British Business Bank and the National Wealth Fund have confirmed their role as ‘Supporting Partners’ of the summit, offering businesses a vital opportunity to explore available financing options and access the long-term support that can help them to scale and thrive in the evolving global market.
In addition, the UK Space Agency (part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) will be present in the Space Zone, located within Hall 4.
With the largest-ever international industry and UK government presence, the 2026 edition underscores the demand from the world’s most influential organisations to do business at one of the most trusted airshows in the world, and Farnborough’s unmatched ability to convene the global industry.
Farnborough International Studios, Hampshire, has hosted production for the upcoming ITV drama Secret Service, which premieres on 27 April 2026 on ITV1 and ITVX.
Adapted from Tom Bradby’s novel and starring Gemma Arterton as MI6 officer Kate Henderson, the series brings high-stakes espionage to screen, with key scenes filmed on location at the Farnborough campus.
Filming took place between 3 and 5 June 2025, with the production making extensive use of the site’s secure campus and versatile environments. The private road network, gated access points and expansive hard-standing areas were all transformed to meet the demands of the shoot. Gate A was reimagined as the entrance to RAF Northolt, while one of the studio’s large car parks operated as a fully functioning unit base throughout the tenancy. Additional scenes were captured nearby at Frensham Ponds.
The production team benefited from the flexibility and scale of the site, which allows multiple looks and setups to be achieved within a single, secure location.
Vinnie Jassal, Location Manager for Secret Service, said: “Farnborough International is a class act. The staff are efficient, professional, and genuinely a joy to work with. Everything runs smoothly, a top-tier experience from start to finish.”
Rachel Morrison, Studio Manager at Farnborough International Studios, added: “We were delighted to support the production of Secret Service and to provide the flexibility the team needed throughout their shoot. Our campus offers a wide range of dynamic locations in one place, enabling productions to work efficiently while maintaining full creative flexibility.”
Farnborough International Studios offers a broad mix of on-site environments, including private roads, industrial service corridors, executive offices, public washrooms and airport-style interiors. These are supported by extensive stage space, workshops and production offices, all within a secure private site just 40 miles from London.
Image courtesy of ITV & ITVX
The 2026 iteration of the Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) will feature its first ever finance event, hosted by Baroness Patience Wheatcroft, ex-editor of the Wall Street Journal Europe and The Sunday Telegraph.
The announcement follows the signing of multinational financial institution Barclays as a Farnborough International Airshow 2026 Strategic Partner.
The Aerospace Global Forum: Finance Summit will unite top-tier financial institutions with global aerospace industry leaders to explore opportunities for unlocking the capital required to accelerate growth, R&D, product development and scaling.
Aerospace Global Forum: Finance Summit
Bridging the gap between capital and capability, the event will explore how investment fuels innovation and strengthens resilience across aerospace, defence and space, spanning new technologies, expanded production capacity, and more robust, future-ready supply chains.
The Aerospace Global Forum: Finance Summit will coalesce the international aerospace and defence industries with primary constituents of the finance and investment communities, including sovereign funds, institutional investors and banks. The programme will also provide SMEs and start-ups with direct pathways to funding, through high-level keynotes, panels, closed-door roundtables, and premium networking opportunities.
A new strategic partnership
A major British universal bank headquartered in London, operating in over 40 countries with over 80,000 employees, Barclays PLC supports a broad range of defence and security firms – from innovative SMEs to some of the world’s largest defence companies.
Barclays is actively engaged with Government to support policy development, alongside industry, to advise and provide insights to its clients in the sector, ahead of the forthcoming Defence Finance and Investment Strategy.
In addition to its start-up and SME support, Barclays will be utilising the airshow to showcase its range of financial products and services to UK, US and European aerospace and defence companies that supply NATO and its allies.
This includes supporting defence tech and dual use start-ups pivoting into defence, as well as working with UK defence innovation bodies to help ensure companies engage with the Ministry of Defence at the appropriate stage of their development to accelerate sector growth.
Barclays Business Prosperity Index research in Q4 revealed 74 per cent of UK business leaders support the Government’s plan to raise defence spending to five per cent of GDP by 2035.
Over half (51 per cent) expect increased defence spending to have a positive impact on their business, 40 per cent expect it to support SME growth and 56 per cent anticipate benefits for their region.
Commenting on the announcement, Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, said: “The launch of the Aerospace Global Forum: Finance Summit marks an important evolution for Farnborough International Airshow. As the aerospace, defence and space sectors continue to transform, access to capital and strategic investment has never been more critical to driving innovation, resilience and sustainable growth.
“We are excited to work alongside Barclays as a Strategic Partner for the airshow, whose global reach and expertise will play a key role in connecting businesses with the financial pathways needed to scale. Baroness Wheatcroft will be an outstanding host, and we very much look forward to her contributions”.
Matt Hammerstein, CEO, Barclays UK Corporate Bank, said: “Farnborough International Airshow brings together the global aerospace and defence ecosystem at a time when access to capital and coordination across the sector have never been more important.
“Working closely with government and UK defence innovation bodies, we are focused on improving alignment between public and private capital and helping businesses engage with defence customers at the right stage of growth.
“Farnborough 2026 reflects the expanding role of finance in the sector, and Barclays is proud to support a platform that connects capital with capability at global scale.”
First speaker announced
Baroness Wheatcroft has been announced as the host and moderator of the Aerospace Global Forum: Finance Summit, bringing extensive expertise in finance, business, and economic policy to her role.
With a distinguished career spanning senior editorial positions at leading financial publications, including The Wall Street Journal Europe, The Times, and The Sunday Telegraph, Baroness Wheatcroft is widely recognised for her authoritative insight into global markets, corporate governance, and investment trends. Her experience extends beyond journalism into the financial and automotive sectors, where she has held non-executive director roles within St. James’s Place PLC and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, and was a member of the original Advisory Board for the British Business Bank. Appointed to the House of Lords in 2011, Baroness Wheatcroft has since played an active role in shaping debate on financial services, pensions, and business policy in the UK.
Baroness Wheatcroft will help drive strategic dialogue on the future of aerospace financing and investment during the opening panel of the Finance Summit, titled “Resilient Horizons: Strengthening Global Supply Chains and Financing the Future of Aerospace.” The high‑level strategic session brings together senior policymakers, industry executives, and financial leaders to explore how the aerospace sector can accelerate resilience, sustainability, and long‑term capital flows in an era of profound transformation.
Taking place 20–24 July 2026, this year’s edition of the Farnborough International Airshow reflects deliberate ecosystem expansion, integrating finance, artificial intelligence, supply chain development and adjacent sectors to create a multifaceted marketplace.
Le Creuset has announced its biggest sale ever, as its popular Factory to Table event will take place at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, Hampshire, UK, on 8th, 9th and 10th May 2026.
Following on from its viral Warehouse Sale and last year’s Factory to Table event in Harrogate, Le Creuset has expanded its offering, adding even more products and discounts of up to 60%, with more Cast Iron available than ever before.
Attendees will have the chance to secure premium Le Creuset cookware, rare collectibles, and one-of-a-kind pieces at significantly reduced prices. This includes Signature Cast Iron Casseroles, Pumpkin-shaped Stoneware, Petal Shallow Casseroles, Heart Casseroles, Mugs and other stoneware. Rare colours including Bluebell, Shallot, Mauve and Pistache will also be on offer (while stocks last).
Tickets are priced from £10, granting entry for a specific timed session to ensure shopping slots for all ticket holders. Alongside this, 500 lucky shoppers will be entered into a draw at checkout to win a mystery prize with a minimum RRP value of £250 and at least one piece of Cast Iron.
The event running on the 8th, 9th, and 10th of May provides a vibrant atmosphere and a treasure trove of stock, where shoppers can celebrate their finds and even potentially walk away with a high-value mystery prize.
The Sustainable Skies World Summit 2026 reinforced a shared commitment across government and industry, turning ambition into tangible action and with UK Government and industry announcing measurable progress toward a net zero aviation future.
With a strong focus on delivery, the two-day event convened industry stakeholders, policymakers and sustainability advocates to address the sector’s most pressing challenges. Throughout the summit, there was a clear emphasis on practical implementation, with experts addressing immediate regulatory and operational requirements, SAF market realities, finance and investment support, carbon offsets and removals, non-CO2, accelerating the deployment of next-generation technologies, hydrogen aviation and identifying investment pathways to scale sustainable aviation solutions.
A major highlight of the summit was the UK Government’s update on its Jet Zero strategy. Keir Mather MP, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation, launched the Jet Zero Taskforce’s first annual report, outlining significant steps forward in decarbonising air travel. Central to this progress is the UK’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Mandate, introduced in January 2025. The mandate requires fuel suppliers to blend SAF starting at 2%, increasing to 10% by 2030, providing a clear, long-term signal to accelerate production and adoption. The Government also detailed its Revenue Certainty Mechanism, designed to unlock private investment, alongside £63 million awarded through the Advanced Fuels Fund in 2025.
Complementing these developments, Sustainable Aviation announced a £2 million “Advanced Market Signal” initiative aimed at scaling the greenhouse gas removal (GGR) market. Through this initiative, industry members have committed to purchasing carbon removal credits, supporting the development of a market expected to require 20–30 million tonnes of removals annually by 2050.
Matt Ridley, Director of Sustainability and Innovation, Oneworld: “We as a sector are so important to the global economy. We’ve got to find a way of having less of an impact on the environment. So, Sustainable Skies is an important, inspiring opportunity to meet other people from other parts of the sector, and I’ve been really encouraged to see how sustainability is represented and [meet the] people thinking about a more sustainable future for aviation in Farnborough.”
Through a comprehensive programme of keynotes, panel discussions and workshops, the summit provided a platform to showcase progress to date while aligning on the priorities and targets that will shape the future of global aviation.
Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre has appointed BCD Meetings & Events, a global leader in meetings and events management, as its Recommended Accommodation Provider.
This appointment strengthens the long-standing partnership between BCD M&E and Farnborough International, ensuring exhibitors, organisers, and visitors benefit from expertly managed accommodation solutions tailored to the needs of large-scale exhibitions, conferences, and international events.
As the recommended provider, BCD M&E can offer comprehensive accommodation services, including hotel sourcing, contracted room blocks, rate negotiation, booking management, and dedicated on-the-ground support. The partnership is designed to enhance the overall event experience while offering efficiency, cost control, and peace of mind for event stakeholders.
Sarah Marshall, Venue Director at Farnborough International, added: “At Farnborough International, we offer clients an end-to-end event management service and as a purpose-built event venue, simplifying the accommodation booking process is a key objective.
“BCD M&E’s expertise, global reach, and proven track record in managing accommodation for major events made them a natural choice. This partnership ensures our exhibitors and visitors can access a consistently high-quality accommodation booking experience that aligns with our award-winning customer experience offering.”
“We are delighted to be working with Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre and look forward to embedding our accommodation services over the coming months”, said Savva Hadji-Savva, Vice President, Head of Venue Search & Accommodation, BCD M&E.
The collaboration will support Farnborough International’s growing portfolio of diverse events, including internationally recognised exhibitions and conferences, reinforcing its reputation as a premier destination for business events.
Avery Dennison is returning to the British Motor Show as the Official Sponsor of the UK Wrap Championships 2026, marking the second consecutive year of partnership for the globally recognised materials science and graphics solutions leader.
This year the Wrap Championships will take centre stage in Hall 1, the event’s main indoor exhibition alongside Cardusio, reinforcing the competition’s status as one of the show’s premier live attractions.
Avery Dennison will use the championship platform to showcase its industry-leading automotive graphics solutions on a national stage. The partnership highlights a strong focus on aftermarket automotive materials, including paint protection film (PPF) and vehicle wrapping, whether full colour change or bespoke, one-off designs.
Across three action-packed days, four of the UK’s top vehicle wrapping teams will go head-to-head in a live competitive environment, battling for the UK Wrap Champion title. Each day of the competition will feature a different creative theme, testing skill, speed, precision, and design innovation in front of a live audience. The reigning champions, Prestige Graphics, return to defend their title.
“We’re proud to return to the British Motor Show as Official Sponsor of the UK Wrap Championships for a second consecutive year,” said Darnell Hahn, UK & Scandinavia Area Senior Sales Manager at Avery Dennison. “This competition reflects what Avery Dennison stands for—innovation, craftsmanship, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with automotive graphics. With the championships taking place at the heart of the show, it gives vehicle owners a front-row seat to the skill behind wrapping and paint protection, while also allowing us to engage directly with the community, share expertise, and showcase how our materials can help personalise, protect, and transform vehicles.”
In addition to the main championship action, visitors can expect live demonstrations throughout the show, hands-on opportunities to try wrapping techniques themselves, and access to industry experts who will be on hand to offer advice, guidance, and insights into materials, tools, and best practices.
With Avery Dennison’s continued support and an expanded presence on the show floor, the UK Wrap Championships 2026 promises to be bigger, bolder, and more immersive than ever, cementing its position as a must-see feature for automotive enthusiasts, professionals, and aspiring wrappers alike.
The British Motor Show 2026 takes place from 21 to 23 August and is expected to welcome tens of thousands of visitors, offering manufacturers, partners, and sponsors an unrivalled opportunity to connect directly with UK consumers and the wider automotive community.
