Nothing can quite compare to the roar of 30 mid-1960s GT cars leaving the grid: thunderous, visceral and screaming. Watching them race head-to-head around an iconic circuit is truly out of this world or, at least, from another time.
Seventy years ago, the 9th Duke of Richmond opened the Goodwood Circuit. Fifty years later, in 1998, the Earl of March drove around the circuit in the same Bristol 400 which his grandfather had driven half a century before. And so, the Goodwood Revival was born.
This annual three-day festival, taking place this year from 7-9 September, is the only historic race meeting to be staged entirely to a period theme. Each year, everything within the perimeter of the circuit is transported back in time to the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s – including the spectators, who have become part of the show, against the exciting backdrop of motorsport.
The Goodwood Revival is as much about recreating the fashion and culture of the post-war years as it is about historic racing cars. Each year, over 150,000 fans descend from all over the world dressed up to experience a return to the halcyon days when Goodwood was the home of British motorsport.
The Goodwood Revival is as much about recreating the fashion and culture of the post-war years as it is about historic racing cars
Nowhere else can you see this combination of world-class historic racing cars, aircraft and vintage style in one place. It’s an all-encompassing spectacle of thrilling on-track action, stunning aerial displays, fine food, retro glamour and vintage fashion.
This year celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Goodwood Revival: as well as the usual excitement, there will be a host of on-track surprises inspired by the first ever Goodwood Revival. It’s sure to be a must-see spectacle.
For more information and to buy tickets, go to goodwood.com/revival. To find out about the exceptional Revival packages visit goodwood.com/revivalpackages
or speak to the friendly hospitality team on 01243 755 054.
Top ten must-see areas
Competitive racing
Wheel-to-wheel racing action is at the heart of the Goodwood Revival. Hundreds of rare and priceless cars, driven by champions past and present, compete for the most coveted trophies in historic motorsport, including the St Mary’s Trophy and the Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration.
Motorsport Stars
The Revival always attracts the finest in historic motor racing talent including a host of famous faces from the motorsport world and beyond, such as Formula 1 star Jenson Button who will be racing this year with JD Classics.
Freddie March Spirit of Aviation
Freddie March, the Duke of Richmond’s grandfather, has a fascinating history mostly revolving around the worlds of motor racing and aviation. The Freddie March Spirit of Aviation seeks to celebrate his connection with flight, while also giving a nod towards Goodwood Motor Circuit’s period as RAF Westhampnett during the Second World War. This year, the Freddie March Spirit of Aviation will be celebrating 100 years of the RAF with many iconic planes from the Force.
Dressing up at its finest
The event is defined by its period dress code (tweeds and trilbies for men, furs and frocks for the ladies), and by its refusal to allow modern cars within the circuit on race days.
Fashion shows – Revival Fashion presented by Mastercard
Revival Fashion presented by Mastercard will be situated in the heart of the High Street this year and is an exciting new area totally dedicated to vintage style. Fashion shows will run each day and here is where you’ll find the fiercely contended Best Dressed competition.
The Revival High Street
Working alongside several major modern brands, the Revival creates a homage to the classic High Street. Here, the goal is the celebration of heritage and retro design, now also home to the Revival Fashion Shows, too. You can buy gifts and memorabilia, but over and above a shopping experience it is a trip down memory lane.
Richmond Lawn dancing
Dance to the sounds of swing and jive in the Richmond Lawn marquee. Here you can also join in the daily dance workshops, for both beginners and more advanced dancers.
Earls Court Motor Show
Everything at the Revival is from the 1940s-1960s era. Everything, that is, apart from the Earls Court Motor Show, where the finest brands such as Ford, BMW and Aston Martin juxtapose their classic models with the latest in their production line. The cars in attendance would have already caught your attention on their own, but they are presented in increasingly imaginative ways each year, making it a must-see area.
Best dressed competition
Each day, a panel of fashion experts pick out guests with the finest outfits, with a shortlist invited to take part in the daily Best Dressed competition presented by Mastercard.
Historic Motor Circuit
From 1948 to 1966, the Goodwood Motor Circuit was the spiritual home of British motor racing, staging classic races such as the Tourist Trophy for sports cars and the Glover Trophy for Grand Prix cars. All the top drivers of the day raced here, from Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss to Jim Clark and Graham Hill. The circuit was established by Freddie March, himself a Brooklands winner, and was revived by his grandson, the Duke of Richmond, in 1998. This year will be the 20th Anniversary of the Goodwood Revival bringing this golden era back to life once more
Hospitality options
The most exceptional way to experience the Revival is through one of its hospitality packages. Goodwood’s dedicated hospitality team will build the perfect day tailored to your requirements, with all of the packages offering trackside viewing and delicious food and drink.
Goodwood Mess
A vibrant, animated atmosphere abounds at this uniquely themed venue, where singers and actors add to the drama of the experience. It’s situated right next to the assembly area, so you can enjoy the sights and sounds of all the iconic racing cars being prepped for their races, interact with the drivers and mechanics, and hear the revs of the glorious vintage engines as they tussle for space on the track. As well as paddock access, the area offers great views from the start line all the way to the mighty Madgwick Corner and back again, as the cars hurtle towards the finish line. The package includes breakfast with tea, coffee and soft drinks; a champagne reception; a buffet lunch; traditional English afternoon tea; unlimited wine, beer and soft drinks.
Prices start from £636. If you would like to book this package, please call the hospitality team on +44 (0)1243 755 054, or click here.
Assembly rooms
The cars hurtle past you, turning into the Woodcote corner at such speed they are almost sideways, heading up the chicane right in front of your eyes. Great skill is required to navigate the turning and provides thrilling spectator action. An exclusive club atmosphere with a lovely garden area, it is a great place to soak up the atmosphere with unallocated and informal seating along with a variety of eating and drinking choices. Relax and enjoy the social atmosphere and music of the venue ‘where your parents met’ with an informal ambience. It’s the perfect base from which to enjoy trackside viewing, private Grandstand seats, Revival fashion shows and Betty’s Salon demonstrations, all within close proximity to the High Street. Located in the renowned Super Shell, this exclusive club is seen in many pictures during the historic racing days at Goodwood and is situated right at the edge of the track, with a dedicated private Grandstand. Book now for an unforgettable experience.
Prices from £600. Other hospitality options are available. For more information, go to goodwood.com
