Beverley Air Show Set to Soar on April 11 with Full Day of Aviation Excitement
The historic Beverley Airfield will come alive on Saturday, April 11, 2026, as the Beverley Airshow takes to the skies. This highly anticipated event promises a full day of thrilling flying displays, engaging ground attractions, and family-friendly entertainment that celebrates both the region's rich aviation heritage and the dynamic future of flight.
A Day Packed with Aviation Action and Family Fun
Gates open bright and early at 8am, with the festivities continuing until 5pm. According to an event spokesperson, the 2026 airshow will deliver an exhilarating mix of aerobatics, vintage and historic aircraft, and impressive static displays that showcase decades of aviation progress. The flying displays are scheduled from 11am to 3pm, featuring precision demonstrations and heart-stopping aerobatic performances.
Topping the bill is Paul Bennett Airshows, renowned for bringing world-class aerobatic action to audiences across Australia. Their fast, precision flying is sure to thrill spectators in the skies over Beverley. Additionally, the Royal Australian Air Force has planned a special flying display, adding a touch of military aviation excellence to the lineup.
Ground Attractions and Entertainment for All Ages
Beyond the aerial spectacles, visitors can explore a wide range of ground-based activities. Static aircraft displays will be scattered across the airfield, allowing enthusiasts to get up close to various planes. The event also features car and bike displays, a tractor pull competition, and a dedicated kids' entertainment zone to keep younger attendees engaged.
Food trucks and market stalls will operate from 9am to 5pm, offering refreshments and local goods. A highlight for history buffs will be the aviation heritage storytelling sessions, which include the remarkable tale of the Silver Centenary. This was Western Australia's first homebuilt biplane, created right in Beverley, symbolising the town's deep connection to aviation innovation.
Beverley's Rich Aviation Legacy
Beverley has a long and storied association with flying, dating back to 1928. It was then that a young local named Selby Ford designed WA's first home-built biplane. Selby, who owned the town powerhouse, drew the plane to scale in chalk on the floor as a template. Together with local butcher Tom Shackle, they constructed the airframe from spruce and maple timber, with Tom's sister sewing all the fabric for the aircraft.
Selby sourced an undamaged engine from an aircraft that crashed nearby during the 1929 WA Centenary Air Race. Upon completion, the Silver Centenary was towed along Beverley's main street to Benson's paddock, where most of the town gathered to witness its first flight on July 1, 1930. Piloted by Captain C. H. Nesbitt, the plane flew beautifully, leading to joy-flights for Selby, Tom, and various family members.
This marked the beginning of Beverley's aviation story. In 1967, after Selby's death, the Beverley Aeronautical Museum was opened in his honour, with a purpose-built home for the Silver Centenary. Although the museum has since been demolished, the Silver Centenary is now preserved in a hangar in Serpentine, maintained by Selby's grandson, Rod Edwards. An exhibit and a 1:5 scale model of the aircraft are on display at the Beverley Visitor Centre.
Getting to the Beverley Airfield
Beverley is located a scenic drive east of Perth, approximately an hour and 20 minutes from Midland. Visitors can take routes such as via York on the Beverley York Road or the Northam Cranbrook Road. Alternatively, from Midland, drive to The Lakes on Great Eastern Highway, turn onto the York road (Great Southern Highway), and then right onto Talbot Road West. The Beverley Airfield is situated on Bremner Road, with public parking available via Nicholas Street.
Ticket Information and Event Details
Tickets for the Beverley Airshow are now on sale. Pricing is as follows:
- Adults (18+): $40
- Concessions: $35
- Children (6-17): $30
- Family ticket (two adults and two children): $120
This event offers a unique opportunity to experience aviation history and modern aerobatics in a family-friendly setting, making it a must-visit for aviation enthusiasts and families alike.
