The Goodwood Revival

10 Reasons why this is one for the bucket list

1. A Thrilling day out. It’s a whole day out or if you have the time to spare it’s a whole weekend out! With so much to see, hear, taste and smell there isn’t the remotest chance of boredom setting in.

Anything goes from the 1920s right through to the 1970s

Anything goes from the 1920s right through to the 1970s

2. Dressing up. You get to dress up and go out in public with a whole load of other people looking as silly as you do. Except that no-one actually looks silly; everyone looks elegant and fills you with a sense of nostalgia for a bygone era. Or perhaps lots of bygone eras because these days pretty much any decade pre 1980 is in attendance on the costume front, with a strong military theme presiding especially amongst the men. We did hear a rather amusing conversation between a hippy and his new found friend last year where the hippy was bemoaning the presence of more hippies after claiming he started the trend a few years earlier…there’s always one… The dressing up is just as much a part of the experience as the cars. Of course you can go in your normal clothes but you’ll probably be the only one!

3. The racing! Of course we must mention the cars and motorbikes - and I feel I must add here that this list in no particular order. You will feast your eyes on cars and motorbikes that would have raced at the circuit during its original period (1948 – 1966), the golden era of racing. Many a famous driver has taken part including Barry Sheene, Sir Stirling Moss, Martin Brundle and David Coulthard to name but a few. No modern vehicles are allowed within the circuit perimeter during the Revival.

Tattinger, Pimms and Trumpets

Tattinger, Pimms and Trumpets

4. Tattinger. Ok so it may not seem that alcohol and driving go together but if you’re staying nearby or have a designated driver then champagne and racing definitely go hand in hand. The Tattinger tent is situated near the pits, in full view of the cars preparing to enter the track so you’ll be able to sit and watch the goings on and enjoy the sound of roaring engines too, all with an elegant glass in hand – often an excellent selling point for the ladies.

Pose for photo with some classic beauties!

Pose for photo with some classic beauties!

5. Photography. With beautifully crafted sets and the racetrack full of classic cars not to mention the public in all their finery, there are plenty of photo opportunities. Goodwood are kind enough to leave some gorgeous cars dotted about the place especially for those posing moments – some even come with a selection of models!

6. The aeroplanes. If you venture to the far side of the track to the outer pits and beyond you’ll find a display of classic aeroplanes to get up close and personal with. There are also air displays during the show (another plus for a long lens inclined photographer).

The sun sets 'Over the Road'

The sun sets 'Over the Road'

7. ‘Over the Road’ If you stay into the evening after the racing has finished, the ‘over the road’ area comes into its own. You will find the fairground, more shops, displays of cars and bikes, the wall of death, a roller disco (yes you heard correctly), food and the Doom Bar (see no. 8). Over the Road stays open well into the evening.

Some acapella singing puts a smile on your face all day

Some acapella singing puts a smile on your face all day

8. The Doom Bar. This is the place where everyone congregates when everything else has finished on the racetrack. Not only will you find a selection of Doom beers, wine, champagne and soft drinks but also it’s a wonderfully rustic setting with straw bales to sit on and live music playing some classic dance numbers from the 50s and 60s.

9. The High Street. As you go over the bridge you find yourself in amongst tents selling all sorts of fabulous items from car related products to furs and fancy dress. You can shop in an old fashioned Tescos (yes really) and even get your hair done in the classic style of the era. This is where you can pick up unique memorabilia.

10. The Bonhams Auction. Situated ‘Over the Road’, the Bonhams auction always displays some seriously impressive cars. You must buy a catalogue to enter but that’s to be expected and it’s such a well put together book that it’s one for the coffee table to flick through time and again anyway.


I could go on but I hope you’re sold on the idea by now…get your tickets early as they tend to sell out fast!

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Comments (5)

  • I see you mention Barry Sheene.

    In 1986 I was on Whats My Line at Thames Studios with Eamon and Barry Sheene, Bobby Davro, Geogre Gale and Barbara Kelly, Jilly Cooper, they were on the panel trying to guess what I did for a living.(good luck)

    Barry and Bobby were having such a laugh and Eamon I felt was a little serious with them, a bit like naughty school boys. I was only 32 and they were flirting a bit with me. Barry seemed such a nice down to earth bloke Years later I am working at Yamaha Head Office and Barry Sheenes uncle walked in. He told me Barry was living in Australia (i think) As we all know Barry ended up like the bionic man with all the scrapes he had and the weather was kinder to him there according to his Uncle.

    Then my cousin who lived in Putney came off her pushbike at the age of 9ish who should help her up, yes you guessed it.

    My son started at Yamaha as an apprentice and desperately wanted to get onto bikes he was frusrated at working on golf buggies all day, as they were just forward and reverse. Bruce Forsyth used to call about his golf buggy service and I would answer the switchboard and he would say 'It's Bruce here' I would wind him up and ask for his surname.

    Getting back to Barry, I told my son had Barry Sheene's autograph on my Diploma from the show. He was so excited and I went to show him. Well I got the thing out and everyone else must of used invisible ink as the only signature still on it is Eamons, gutted.

      4 years ago
  • Goodwood 2016 I walked over the bridge as a jeep was going underneath wonder if it was these guys? It was arranged that I meet Sir Stirling and Lady Moss as I had my Police Panda Car chosen by him for a special paddock. It was such an honour to meet him. I also do photo shoots with classic cars and retro wedding dresses and fashion but I have still to upload them. I am about to upload a 1959 Zephyr zodiac shoot and a triumph stag, photographer Stephen Lawrence and I am the stylist.

    Hoping to do a wartime fire engine next time.

    Great images by the way

      4 years ago
    • Hi Angela where are you based? If you're anywhere near us in East Sussex do stop in and say hi. Our studio is also available for dry hire and is perfectly set up for cars. It would be lovely to meet you :-)

        4 years ago
    • I am in Bognor near the front West Sussex. I could do with the storage if it were closer lol! Let us know if you are interested in any shows this end.and I will let you know. I will be putting some on drivetribe shortly and also my website blog

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        4 years ago
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