“I'm looking forward to every single race, every single nut, every single bolt, every single tyre, every single steering wheel”
THERE IS PERHAPS NO MORE nostalgic, quintessentially British event than the magnificent spectacle of tradition and colour that is the Goodwood Revival. Steeped in history and alive with pomp and ceremony, this classical car show forms a key part of the British summer season and is renowned for its eclectic displays of vintage fashion, old motor cars, racing drama and retro food and drink. Visitors – who come dressed in their best vintage and period finery – will enjoy the thrills and spills of a traditional fairground, shopping on a recreated old-fashioned high street (complete with vintage hair salon and hundreds of wonderful antique shops) while experiencing the style and creativity of the Revival Fashion Show. Your soundtrack is music from the era, while you watch vintage war planes take to the sky, and cheer on the classic-car competitors as they race around the historic circuit, their drivers dressed in traditional racing attire. Each year the event is themed, and organisers work hard to conjure up special moments from the past to recreate and recollect. Past Revivals have celebrated everything from the anniversary of the fish finger to the bikini, and an exhibit of post-war utilities, such as kitchen mixers. And that's just aside from the incredible races the team put on each year on the track, celebrating key moments in racing history and the legendary cars and drivers who competed.
March Spirit of Aviation' exhibition, while our favourite is the Mess – themed with long benches and bunting, and right on the start line so you don't miss any of the action on the track.
It's a stand-out event in every way – from the incredible detail and precision of the theatrics team, to the authentic food and drink at every eatery, and the wonderful celebration of classical motor cars. Visitors can expect a real sense of stepping back into the past, of capturing the colour and magic of a time gone by, of coming together for a joyful celebration that feels truly, inescapably, British. As Radio DJ and major car enthusiast Chris Evans says: “I love this more than Christmas. I'm looking forward to every single race, every single nut, every single bolt, every single tyre, every single steering wheel. Best thing ever!”