Bridgestone, in partnership with Kwik Fit, has announced its return to The British Motor Show and has become the official sponsor of the Live Arena and Supercar Paddock for the 2026 edition. This marks the fifth consecutive year that the two automotive leaders have supported the show’s most popular and high-energy attractions.
Renowned for delivering adrenaline-fuelled demonstrations, thrilling live performances, and an up-close showcase of the world’s most desirable supercars, the Live Arena and Supercar Paddock have become centrepieces of The British Motor Show experience. Bridgestone and Kwik Fit’s continued partnership underlines their long-standing joint commitment to performance, safety, innovation, and engaging automotive fans of all ages.
Drew Chapman, Consumer Sales Director for Bridgestone UK, commented: “We’re thrilled to return to the British Motor Show with Kwik Fit for our fifth consecutive year. Spanning three exciting days, the event offers a fantastic day out for families and passionate car fans alike. Performance is at the core of everything we do at Bridgestone, so we’re proud to be at the centre of the action as sponsors of the Bridgestone in partnership with Kwik Fit Live Arena and the Supercar Paddock.”
Andy Lane, Marketing Director at Kwik Fit, added: “We’re proud to be partnering with Bridgestone once again at the British Motor Show. The thrilling stunts and extreme performance in the Live Arena and Supercar Paddock may seem a world away from everyday motoring, but there is a common thread. All drivers need to have confidence in their car – whether up on two wheels in the arena or popping to the shops. This event is the perfect place to connect with motorists of all ages and share how our expertise, combined with the quality and performance of Bridgestone tyres, helps keep the nation’s drivers safe on the road.”
Visitors to the 2026 show can once again expect an action-packed programme in the Live Arena, alongside a spectacular display of cutting-edge supercars in the Supercar Paddock. Bridgestone and Kwik Fit experts will also be on hand throughout the event, sharing insight on tyre safety, vehicle maintenance, and the importance of keeping drivers road ready.
The British Motor Show 2026 takes place 21-23 August 2026 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.
HALO, the automotive industry’s dedicated appointment and test drive booking platform, has been confirmed as the exclusive test drive booking partner for The British Motor Show 2026.
The partnership will see HALO power all test drive bookings at the 2026 show, delivering a fully integrated booking and scheduling solution designed to support manufacturers operating at scale while improving visitor experience and data quality.
Using HALO’s platform, attendees will be able to pre-book test drives ahead of the event, selecting preferred vehicles, manufacturers, and time slots in advance. This approach ensures visitors arrive on-site with confirmed appointments, significantly reducing queues, and on-the-day inefficiencies. At the British Motor Show 2025, 72% of attendees were considering the purchase of their next car, and 30% have already registered their interest in test drives at the 2026 event.
For manufacturers and exhibitors, HALO provides a centralised system to manage test drive activity across multiple brands and vehicle fleets. The platform enables real-time management of availability, capacity, and scheduling, while capturing accurate customer data both before and during the event. Live visibility of bookings and attendance allows teams to optimise resource allocation and maximise engagement throughout the show.
Andy Entwistle, CEO of The British Motor Show, commented: “Test drives are a critical part of the visitor experience at the show and a key commercial opportunity for manufacturers. Partnering with HALO allows us to deliver a more structured, data-driven, and scalable test drive experience for 2026. This collaboration ensures exhibitors can operate efficiently while visitors enjoy a smoother, more professional experience from booking through to driving.”
Harry Pennington, Strategy & Development Director at RGML, said: “We’re proud to be supporting one of the UK’s most important automotive showcases and helping to raise the standard for how test drive experiences are delivered at scale, giving manufacturers better control and visitors a smoother, more engaging experience.”
As part of the partnership, The British Motor Show is the exclusive event user of HALO for 2026, reinforcing The British Motor Show’s commitment to operational excellence and innovation, while positioning HALO at the centre of one of the UK’s most significant automotive retail and manufacturer showcases.
The British Motor Show 2026 takes place 21-23 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.
The first wave of speakers has been announced for the next instalment of Sustainable Skies World Summit (SSWS), taking place 17–18 March 2026. The conference-led event organised by Farnborough International returns to bring together the global aviation community and lead the transformation toward a more sustainable industry.
This edition will deliver an informative programme of expert speakers with sessions addressing the most crucial challenges facing aviation today. For 2026, the summit is placing a strong emphasis on practical implementation, immediate regulatory and operational requirements, scaling next-generation technologies, and investment pathways for sustainable aviation.
Among the confirmed speakers for the 2026 summit are:
Nicholas Cadbury, CFO, IAG
Eddy Liegeois, Head of Unit, Aviation Policy, European Commission
Matt Ridley, Director of Sustainability and Innovation, Oneworld Alliance
Preeti Jain, Head of Net Zero Research and Programs, IATA
Tim Lederer, VP Regulatory Affairs & Fuel, Global Aviation, DHL
Nichola Bates, Founder & CEO, Xelerated Fifty
Mark Bentall, Head of R&T, Airbus
Marylin Bastin, Head of Aviation Sustainability, EUROCONTROL
Jonathon Counsell, Chair, Advisory Board, IAG
Kolin Schunck, Senior Manager, Strategic Innovation and Intelligence, Lufthansa Technik
James McMicking, Chief Strategy Officer, ZeroAvia
Jan Petter Steinland, Director, Strategic Analysis and Transformation, CAA Norway
Laurent Donceel, Director, Transport and Industrial Policy and Sustainability, Hydrogen Europe
Cesar Pereira, Head of Sustainability, Commercial Aviation, Embraer
Anna Stukas, VP Strategic Partnerships, 1PointFive
Simon Meakins, Director, Advanced Air Mobility EAMEA, Bristow Group
Dr. Mai Bui, Director of Climate Science, Supercritical
Peter Albin, Carbon Offset Research Lead, Wood Mackenzie
Maxime Meijers, CEO, Estuaire
William McClintock, Senior Manager, Markets & Sustainability, IBA
David Herschell, Senior Specialist Fellow, Deactivation and Disposals, Defence Recycling and Disposals Team (DRDT), RAF
Programme highlights include Busting the Myth: SAF Market Realities in 2026, a fact-led panel examining near-term SAF supply, global market dynamics, and what airlines can realistically procure between 2026 and 2027. Recognising that finance is critical to progress, investment also features prominently, with Overcoming Obstacles to Progress: Building Investable Business Cases for Sustainability bringing together investors, CFOs, and industry leaders to explore how capital can be unlocked through viable, finance-ready pathways, including risk allocation, blended finance structures, and value-stacking models.
Discussing the programme, Duncan McCourt, Chief Executive, Sustainable Aviation, said: “As the industry faces mounting pressure to meet net zero targets, this year’s discussions will assess collective progress since 2021 and issue a clear call to action for the coordinated policy, investment, and system-wide transformation required before 2030. The agenda places a firm emphasis on practical delivery, moving beyond ambition to implementation by addressing regulatory readiness for upcoming mandates, the scalable availability of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and Next Generation Technologies.”
Sustainable Skies World Summit 2026 provides a platform for collaboration, innovation, and concrete action toward achieving the industry’s NetZero goals. Industry stakeholders, policymakers, and sustainability advocates will convene for two days at the award-winning Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre in the UK to engage in important discussions and establish the direction for the next decade of aviation transformation.
Pioneers of Tomorrow 2026: A Family-Friendly Day For All Ages & Under 21s Go Free
Taking place on Friday 24 July 2026, Pioneers of Tomorrow offers a rare and immersive opportunity for families, aviation enthusiasts and newcomers alike to access one of the world’s most renowned aerospace events. Free for under 21s, students and apprentices, the event is designed to bring the aerospace industry to everyone, from students, families and curious kids to career-minded young adults.
Visitors will enjoy a full day of inspiration, discovery and fun. Key features include:
Aircraft and flying displays – see history-making aircraft in the air and on the ground.
Live entertainment – get stuck in with immersive activities, from simulators and virtual and augmented reality, to ‘Beat The Pilot’ reaction competitions, ‘Run Your Own Airport’ strategy games and photo opportunities.
Hands-on STEM activities and interactive exhibits – explore science, technology, engineering and maths in an immersive way.
A dedicated Careers Hub and inspirational speakers – learn about exciting opportunities in aerospace and hear from leaders shaping the future of flight, and visit the Career Service, which will provide independent advice and workshops.
Technology showcases and access to trade-level exhibitions – From fast jets to flying taxis, step inside the world of cutting-edge aerospace, with rare public access to next-generation aircraft, systems and innovations.
Inspiring speaker programme – aerospace pioneers will take to the stage to share their experience of the industry and pushing the boundaries of aviation in the modern world.
Meet the pilot – engage with the teams behind the world-renowned flying displays, with meet and greet opportunities with international pilots.
Pioneers of Tomorrow is accessible to everyone. Unlike the trade attendee days, when attendance is limited to industry professionals, this exclusive day welcomes the wider public. It offers a blend of education and entertainment: the thrill of aircraft flying overhead combined with hands-on STEM activities on the ground to create meaningful and memorable learning experiences. Exhibitors, known as Champions of Tomorrow, will be demonstrating the opportunities within the sector and engaging with the future workforce throughout the day helping to solve the skills-gap. Organisations already involved include Babcock International Group, Parker Aerospace and Belcan.
For children and teens curious about science, engineering or aviation, the event provides a real-world glimpse into aerospace as a future career, supported by insights and inspiration from professionals already shaping the industry. With its wide range of exhibits, activities and displays, Pioneers of Tomorrow truly offers something for everyone, whether a family seeking a fun day out, a student exploring future pathways or simply someone intrigued by the world of aerospace. With the 2026 show expanding to include a new exhibition hall to meet record demand, attendees can expect more exhibits, displays, and experiences than ever before.
Trade tickets for the most important aerospace and defence event of the year, Farnborough International Airshow 2026, are officially on sale, marking an unparalleled edition of the global aerospace showcase. Returning from 20–24 July 2026, the airshow will be the largest and most ambitious in its 78-year history, following record-breaking demand and the addition of a brand-new sixth exhibition hall.
With exhibitor space selling out exhibition halls and chalets 12 months in advance, and a waiting list of more than 50 organisations, the 2026 airshow is set to welcome more international participation than ever before, reinforcing the airshow’s position as the premier platform for innovation, collaboration, and investment across aerospace, defence, space, and adjacent sectors.
This landmark edition introduces major new features designed to influence and accelerate financial innovation across the sector, strengthen global industry ecosystems and empower SMEs:
Defence SME Zone
Highlighting Farnborough’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and innovation in defence, the Defence SME Zone will make its debut as a dedicated showcase for high-potential international organisations specialising in defence and security technologies.
Designed exclusively for businesses with a turnover under £10 million, the zone provides an unprecedented opportunity for SMEs to engage directly with the global defence supply chain; connect with primes, investors, media, and government delegations; participate in exclusive networking events; and showcase innovations to more than 100,000 visitors.
Sponsored by FTSE 100 defence company Babcock International, the Defence SME Zone will accelerate the visibility and growth of next-generation defence suppliers. Growing businesses, including the likes of Cognitive Design by CDS, Elite EMC Ltd, Emergent, Infortecorp Solutions Limited, Inspectahire, and Needles And Pins Aerospace, will have a presence during the show.
The Enterprise Gateway: Where Knowledge Meets Opportunity
Launching at the heart of the show alongside the renowned Business Connections Exchange, The Enterprise Gateway is a three-day expert-led programme designed to drive supply chain development and unlock growth opportunities for SMEs and primes across multiple sectors. Speakers include a Partner at Mercurea, General Partner at Twin Track Ventures and Managing Director of Alatar Ltd.
Taking place 21–23 July 2026, this new feature will provide practical workshops on procurement, regulation, exports, and funding; keynotes and mentoring from industry leaders and policymakers; live pitching sessions connecting SMEs with investors and primes; and insights aligned with the UK Government’s Plan for Change.
Built to transform insight into action, The Enterprise Gateway equips businesses with the tools, connections, and confidence to scale sustainably in an evolving global market.
A Record-Breaking Airshow Ahead
With the largest-ever international industry presence, the 2026 edition underscores the demand from the world’s most influential organisation to do business at one of the most trusted airshows in the world, and Farnborough’s unmatched ability to convene the global industry. Twenty-six international pavilions, including India, Japan, Australia, Mexico, Brazil, and Switzerland, are already confirmed.
The week concludes with Pioneers of Tomorrow on Friday, 24 July, welcoming thousands of young people for a dedicated STEM day, inspiring the next generation of industry leaders. Exhibitors, known as Champions of Tomorrow, will be demonstrating the opportunities within the sector and enable businesses to engage with the future workforce throughout the day directly helping to solve the skills-gap. The day will include dedicated features and activity, including a Careers Fair and digital Job Board to advertise apprenticeships, graduate schemes and entry-level roles, as well as competitions and on-stand experiences targeted at young people. Organisations already involved include Babcock International Group, Parker Aerospace and Belcan.
Farnborough International has announced the internal promotion of Paul Denny and his appointment to its Executive Board as Director of Aerospace Events, marking a significant step in strengthening the organisation’s strategic leadership across its global aerospace portfolio.
With nearly 30 years of experience delivering high-profile experiential events, Paul brings deep expertise across space, defence, security, and aerospace. His career spans the successful leadership and delivery of complex international programmes for some of the world’s most prominent aerospace, defence such as BAE Systems, Lockheed Martin, GE and cross sector experience within the financial, automotive, technology and medical sectors.
Paul has worked with Farnborough International since 1998 on behalf of industry customers, formally joining the organisation in 2019 as Assistant Director of Aerospace Events. During this time, he has played a pivotal role in launching and developing successful aerospace events around the world, contributing to the continued growth and global reputation of Farnborough International’s event portfolio in connecting industry, government, and international stakeholders.
In his new role as Director of Aerospace Events, Paul joins the Farnborough International Executive Board, where he will be responsible for providing strategic direction for the event portfolio, driving international partnership growth and launching new platforms and initiatives for the advancement of the global aerospace, defence, and security sectors.
Commenting on Paul’s new role, Gareth Rogers, CEO of Farnborough International, said: “Our drive to continue to develop the most influential and international events within the industry is unrelenting and our newest board appointment reflects that. Paul’s extensive industry knowledge, long-standing commitment to the organisation, and proven leadership make him ideally placed to guide the future development of our aerospace events portfolio at a strategic level.”
At Farnborough International, being part of the local community means more than hosting world-class events. It’s about giving back, opening doors and creating positive experiences all year round. In 2025, we were proud to build on our community commitment with an inspiring programme of volunteering, education, skills development, creative industry support, sponsorship and hosted events across the region.
Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and they enjoy staying busy. This year, Farnborough International colleagues donated an impressive 385 hours of staff time to volunteering, supporting local charities, schools, and community organisations.
From inspiring young people at the Salesian College Careers Fair and two careers events at Farnborough Sixth Form College to hands-on support at Yateley Industries and the Phyllis Tuckwell Retail Warehouse, our teams were out in the community making a real difference. Staff also supported the much-loved One Day at Christmas, helping bring festive cheer to those who need it most, and took part in the Sticky Wicket charity cricket match during the summer, supporting community fundraising.
Supporting skills, education, and the future workforce remains a key focus across the business, particularly within the creative industries. In 2025, the team actively supported the local creative economy by hosting creative roundtables, Creative Catalyst events, and welcoming Hampshire County Council and Rushmoor Borough Council meetings and networking events to the site. These gatherings helped bring together industry, local authorities and creatives to share knowledge, opportunities and ideas.
We also played a key role in launching and supporting the Hampshire and Solent Film Office, helping to maximise filming opportunities across the region and drive economic growth through inward investment from film and television productions. Alongside this, we supported national initiatives such as ScreenSkills Discover Month and Adobe-funded skills programmes, helping local people access high-quality creative training and career pathways.
Our commitment extended beyond hosting, with team members taking on mentoring roles across the sector, including acting as an FCoT Media Industry Advisor, Film London Mentor, and supporting students at Farnborough Sixth Form College. These mentoring relationships help nurture emerging talent and strengthen links between education and industry.
Welcoming the community onto our site is another important part of our approach. Throughout 2025, we hosted a wide range of events, including One Day at Christmas, council meetings, the SATRO Student Challenge and the CMP Fundraising Quiz. We also opened our doors to the next generation, welcoming over 100 local students and teachers for behind-the-scenes tours of the award-winning venue and Farnborough International Studios, showcasing the wide range of careers available across events and the creative industries.
To further support local skills and businesses, we developed a dedicated local suppliers page and local crew page on the Studios website. These are being actively promoted across our marketing channels to maximise opportunities for local talent and suppliers, while also encouraging inward investment from productions filming on site. We also promote local amenities to everyone who comes to the site, helping to extend the economic benefits of production activity across the wider area.
In addition to large-scale initiatives, we continued to support community connection in smaller but meaningful ways. Following our Women in TV and Film panel event, we regularly hosted coffee mornings for parents working in the film industry, creating a supportive space for connection, shared experiences and peer support.
We were also delighted to help families and young people enjoy memorable experiences. British Motor Show family tickets were donated to local schools and charities as raffle prizes, while six families (32 people) with seriously ill children were treated to a special VIP day out at the British Motor Show, delivered in partnership with Box4Kids.
Our commitment to the community is further strengthened through local sponsorships. In 2025, we proudly supported the FAST Museum, Music in the Park (Farnborough Rotary), Aldershot Picnic and Pop, and a series of Rushmoor Borough Council events, including Victoria Day, Armed Forces Day, Frost Fair and Christmas Cracker. We were also pleased to confirm our sponsorship of Farnborough Football Club for the 2025–26 season, continuing our support for local sport and community spirit.
From volunteering and education to creative industry growth, sponsorship and unforgettable experiences, 2025 has been another fantastic year of community engagement for Farnborough International. We look forward to building even more meaningful connections and continuing to support our local community in the years ahead.
The British Motor Show has launched a new event layout, 9 new features, and free tickets for kids under 17 for its 2026 edition.
Taking place at Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre from 21-23 August 2026, The British Motor Show is more than just a car show, it’s a four-day spectacle delivering live entertainment, interactive displays and driving experiences for the whole family.
New features for 2026 include:
The Showroom: The latest cars, leading brands & live reviews.
The Grid: Hand-on sim-racing, e-sports & iconic driving games.
Lowered and Loud: All things car culture, style & custom-builds.
The Yard: Get up close to high-octane motorsport & modified machines.
Pit Lane: Go behind-the-scenes of the world of competitive racing.
Festival Fields: Good vibes, great food, family fair rides & live music.
Discovery Garage: An interactive inspiration for the next generation of car lovers.
The Club Hub: Classic cars, modified rides, unique builds & passionate owners.
Marketplace: Shop ‘till you drop where there’s something for the whole family.
Fan favourites returning in 2026:
The Live Arena: Celebrity guests, adrenaline-fuelled action & jaw-dropping stunts.
Test Drives: Get behind the wheel of all the latest makes and models.
The Lego Group Live Stage in partnership with Smyths Toys: Special guests, family entertainment, The Lego Motor Show Shop plus make and take race cars.
Supercar Paddock: A showcase of the finest exotic & high-performance vehicles.
Ride & Drive: Feel the thrill with drift taxis, dream rides, under 17 driving & more.
Farnborough International is proud to be a leading venue in the UK’s biggest collective Christmas initiative, One Day at Christmas, uniting the events and exhibitions industry to support vulnerable and isolated people. On Friday 5 December 2025, we will once again open our doors to deliver a festive community celebration, joining venues nationwide in tackling loneliness at one of the hardest times of the year.
This initiative brings together thousands of volunteers, donated food, and venue space to provide warmth, connection, and festive cheer to those who need it most.
The 2025 edition marks a milestone, expanding to 10 venues with the addition of P&J Live in Aberdeen and Tobacco Dock in London. Much-loved broadcaster and Good Morning Britain host Richard Madeley will also support the campaign, hosting the central event at ExCeL London.
Entirely powered by the UK events and exhibitions community, One Day at Christmas brings together donated venue space, catering, and hundreds of volunteers to create a festive and supportive environment for those in need. The full list of 2025 host venues includes: P&J Live, Tobacco Dock, Business Design Centre, Coventry Building Society Arena, ExCeL London, Farnborough International, Manchester Central, NEC Birmingham, SEC Glasgow, and the Royal Armouries, Leeds.
Julian Agostini, founder of One Day at Christmas, said: “This event is the ultimate showcase of the heart and capability of the UK events industry… Expanding to 10 major venues, from Aberdeen to London, demonstrates the sheer cooperation and determination of the exhibitions sector to give back. This is more than just a festive meal; it’s about providing connection, community, and dignity for those who need it most. We are ready to help the media show the nation what true Christmas spirit looks like.”
Following the 2024 event, Sarah Marshall, Venue Director at Farnborough International, said: “We are thrilled that we have been able to host this valuable community event at the venue, with the support of our volunteers, partners and supporters. Our local community is incredibly important to us at Farnborough International, and to bring some festive spirit to those who need it most is a real privilege.”
Farnborough International’s participation underscores the UK events community’s commitment to supporting those in need. By creating a welcoming and joyful celebration, we help ensure everyone can experience the true spirit of Christmas.
The Bahrain International Airshow (BIAS) proudly secured partnerships with new and existing partners, strengthening its position as one of the region’s premier aviation events, during its attendance at the Dubai Airshow 2025.
The Bahrain delegation was led by His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Minister of Transportation and Telecommunications, who met with leading global aerospace and aviation companies to discuss the upcoming Bahrain International Airshow 2026, set to take place in 18-20 November next year at the Sakhir Airbase.
During the Dubai Airshow, His Excellency Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa held productive discussions with key industry leaders, exploring avenues for collaboration, investment, and participation in BIAS 2026. These meetings underscored Bahrain’s commitment to fostering international partnerships and advancing the Kingdom’s strategic role as a regional aviation hub.
Global industry leaders Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Thales, joined Joramco, DHL, DFS Aviation, Chevron, Bahrain Airport Services, Aloula Aviation and Valo Aviation in securing their presence at BIAS 2026 during the Dubai Airshow.
Commenting on the occasion, His Excellency Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said: “The Bahrain International Airshow continues to strengthen its global reputation as a dynamic platform for connecting decision-makers and driving collaboration across the aviation and aerospace sectors. Our engagement at the Dubai Airshow has yielded exceptional outcomes, and we are delighted to have secured the participation of several leading companies ahead of the 2026 edition. This reflects Bahrain’s position as a trusted destination for high-level business engagement and innovation.”
The Bahrain International Airshow, organized by the Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications in collaboration with the Royal Bahraini Air Force in association with Farnborough International, has established itself as a distinguished biennial event, offering a unique platform for business, innovation, and networking across the aviation and aerospace sectors.
As preparations intensify for BIAS 2026, Bahrain looks forward to welcoming participants, exhibitors, and visitors from around the world to experience the Kingdom’s growing contribution to global aviation.
For more information on the Bahrain International Airshow 2026 or how to get involved, visit: https://airshow.bh/
