The Armidale Regional Council (ARC) 2026 Autumn Festival is set to soar to new heights with the announcement that Paul Bennet Airshows will headline this year’s event, bringing world-class aviation excitement to the skies above the city.
Paul Bennet Airshows is Australia’s premier air show entertainment provider, captivating audiences nationwide and internationally with breathtaking aerobatic displays and thundering warbird performances. This has been made possible through a partnership with Edwards Aviation as the major sponsor of this year’s festival.
Edwards will also add some high‑flying entertainment to the Autumn Festival on Saturday 21 March, with two Cessna Citation jets performing a single flypast at 11.40am. The Warbird Grumman Avenger will then fly over the Armidale CBD at 11.50am, just before the parade begins. The Wolf Pitts Pro will take to the skies at 2.00pm. Both the Warbird Grumman Avenger and Wolf Pitts Pro will deliver separate solo displays, each running for approximately 10–12 minutes.
Mayor Sam Coupland said the aviation spectacle would be a defining moment for the festival.
“Bringing Paul Bennet Airshows to Armidale is an incredible win for our community,” he said. “Their world‑class aerobatic performances will give locals and visitors a festival experience unlike anything we’ve ever seen here.
“The Autumn Festival has always been a much‑loved event, but this year we are truly taking it to new heights. I can’t wait to see families, children, and aviation enthusiasts all looking to the sky in absolute awe.
“I encourage everyone to come into town, enjoy the parade, soak up the festival atmosphere, and witness these breathtaking aerial displays. It’s going to be a moment Armidale remembers for years.”
Edwards Aviation has been a long-time supporter of the Armidale region and recognises the significance of the Autumn Festival for the city and greater region.
“The Armidale Autumn Festival has a long history in the region, as does Edwards Aviation,” said Brad Edwards.
“We are proud to support the event and help bring the Grumman World War II torpedo bomber and the Wolf Pitts Pro to the skies.”
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