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 top-tier flying displays, the 2026 event proved why it remains the benchmark for aviation entertainment in the country.
Last year, for the second time in a row, the Lowveld Airshow was judged to be the best airshow in South Africa, setting itself a rather difficult act to follow.
In my 2025 report, I stated that it was the best show I had ever attended. The 2025 event was indeed brilliant, but this year's show has, in my humble opinion, taken South African airshows to an entirely new level.
The 2026 show started with a bang on Friday evening and ended with an even bigger bang on Saturday night. It all began with a performance by the Free State Symphony Orchestra, joined by a local group on a specially erected stage before 850 formally dressed and catered patrons.
The backdrop to this was a world-class pyrotechnic display not seen at a local airshow for many years. Adding to the excitement were thrilling aerobatic displays by the Marksmen, the Puma Flying Lions and an Extra 300. However, what truly set the tone for the evening was Juba Joubert dropping three skydivers from an Allouette III, one of whom deployed a giant South African flag while the orchestra played the national anthem.
The show proper started on Saturday and continued the exceptionally high standard set the previous evening, with stellar performances by the absolute cream of the crop of South African airshow performers. The grounds were packed, and the atmosphere electric as the well-behaved crowd eagerly watched each and every world-class performance.
Responsible for the show was the Kishugu Working on Fire team, led by Johan Heine and assisted by Colonel Koos Kieck, former OC of Hoedspruit Air Force Base, who served as safety officer.
Brian Emmenis and the Capital Sounds team once again proved why they are such an indispensable part of South African airshows. Brian, recognising that airshows are becoming ever more popular in our wonderful country with its twelve official languages, has promoted Elvis Manene, a long-time member of the team who is able to converse in eight indigenous languages and is an outstanding commentator in his own right. Elvis brings an exciting new dimension to the Capital Sounds team.
Pressed for time to get this report out, I left early on Saturday evening. Even then, while some people were departing, others were still arriving.
Some of the thousands happy visitors
Many thanks to Brian, Beverly and the entire team Capital Sounds Team for always making me feel that I am part of it. I must also thank Vince and Elmarie Meiring, who so kindly put up with me for the three days I spent with them. Your hospitality is remarkable, and I am honored to call you friends. You are truly salt-of-the-earth people.
