Each year since its creation in the autumn of 1998, car, fashion and vintage enthusiasts head to the iconic Goodwood Motor Circuit for the Goodwood Revival. It has become one of the biggest historic motorsport events in the world. And, it is the only one to be staged entirely in period theme of the 1940s, 50s and 60s. The event is truly a unique and immersive celebration of vintage, making visitors feel as though they have stepped into a film set.
Goodwood Revival is an immersive world, not just of rare and priceless cars zooming around the track, but complete with the encouragement of jiving, creating, reviving, and thriving.
The Revive and Thrive ethos that threads the variation of Revival together, encourages conversations of caring for the pre-loved and making more sustainable fashion choices. Moreover, there is plenty for little visitors to be fascinated by too due to joyous raptures of sound and colour. With Goodwood Revival being such an incredible yet distinctive celebration, we delve deeper into some must see attractions for Fri 8 September- Sun 10 September 2023.
From 1948 to 1966 the Goodwood Circuit was the spiritual home of British motor racing. It staged classic races such as the Tourist Trophy for sports cars and the Glover Trophy for Grand Prix cars. The Motor Circuit closed in 1966, before reopening in 1998 and has since remained unchanged. Coming alive year after year, the track recreates the glamour of motor racing as it used to be while celebrating Goodwood’s history. Some of the finest talents and famous faces in motorsport make an appearance, as both drivers and guests, who likewise admire the weekend of fun.
The race to steal the show could very well be the Settrington Cup – a highly competitive children’s pedal car race. Witness 4–10-year-olds as they shoot from the start line in their Austin J40 pedal cars, before they gaggle into their finishing positions. It is key to note that under 12s can enjoy the weekend for free. Young people aged 13-21 are able to be admitted for a half-price ticket making it perfect for families with little ones.
Vintage fashion and revival workshops
Whether you love to coin classic, retro, vintage or timely as your preferred aesthetic, the 1940s-1960s display is not restricted to the vehicles. Visitors are encouraged to dress the part, styling suede and trilbies, or fur and feathers. Should anything be missing from your outfit, the Revival High Street allows you to browse accessories and items of clothing. The Arcade d’Aubigny boasts some of the best vintage retailers from around the UK where you can start to shop for next year’s outfit! Or, get your hair done in a pin-up style at Betty’s Salon for a special pamper to make you feel as fabulous as you’ll look.
But we all know fashion does not end with the simplicity of how clothes look, especially when it comes to vintage. The lifestyle also considers the history and longevity of fashion. The Revive and Thrive community present at Revival encourages us to restore clothes and items, using the past to encourage forward thinking and new ideas.
There will be workshops, demonstrations and talks that highlight the joys of vintage while sharing ways to reuse, repair and repurpose pre-loved belongings. From how to repair and preserve special vintage pieces, to styling, thrifting and heirloom hunting. Join the likes of Micaela Sharp and Dominic Chinea for this celebration of craft and sustainability. What’s more, you can hands-on and create something to take home with you in The Revive & Thrive Sewing Atelier. From vintage knicker making – yes you read that right – to sewing hair scrunchies and embroidering, there’s plenty of opportunities for you or your little one to learn a new skill.
Plenty of family fun
If you are less cup of tea and cake person, and more coke-float and candyfloss, head Over the Road where you will find vintage games and a fairground. A large helter skelter, big wheel, and carousel amongst other attractions brings glee to all generations. Dance amongst the lights and music, hand in hand with your loved ones, making memories to last forever. The Revival Cinema will also be showing vintage films presented by Sky Cinema in an authentic open-air form. Or, for little ones that prefer to get stuck-in rather than sit still, the Family Experience Area hosts nature-based activities including painting with natural brushes, jewellery making, wood cookies and story sessions. Mum’s and Dad’s, you can leave them there for up to an hour and find a gin in the meantime!
Make the most of your experience with outstanding hospitality
There are a plethora of bars to choose from, as well as grab and go food, and street food vans providing food from a variety of cuisines, as well as for those with dietary requirements. However, you can make your Goodwood Revival experience even more memorable by booking one of their hospitality enclosures. These are guaranteed to gain you access to true Goodwood luxury. Pre-book one of the restaurants, order an extravagant picnic hamper, or choose a hospitality package. Enjoy the ultimate experience at the Goodwood Mess which features champagne reception, track viewing, breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, and more special amenities. Check online for prices and availability.
Tickets are now limited, and the countdown is now on, for this fabulous weekend with your friends and family. Spirits will be high until the event kicks off, with the atmosphere only bubbling more and more in Goodwood, Chichester and around Sussex as it dawns. It is the final hoorah of summer, a festivity not to miss. See you by the track!
Goodwood Revival takes place on Fri 8 September – Sun 10 September. You can find out more and watch the official 2023 trailer, as well as buy tickets at www.goodwood.com/motorsport/goodwood-revival/
A Bit of History from Goodwood
“We have looked to our motorsport heritage when choosing our honoured driver, Carroll Shelby, who celebrates his 100th birthday in 2023. Shelby raced at Goodwood in 1959, taking part in what is arguably the most dramatic race the Circuit has ever seen: the iteration of the RAC Tourist Trophy which saw Stirling Moss jump into Shelby and Jack Fairman’s Aston Martin DBR1/300 after his own car caught fire in the pits.
This year Goodwood will bring together some of the most important cars in Shelby’s extraordinary career for a brilliant on track display at the Revival. Cars on show are set to include the very MC-TC in which Shelby made his racing debut back in 1952.”
The Duke of Richmond, founder of the Goodwood Revival said: “It’s such a privilege to be celebrating Carroll Shelby at the Goodwood Revival this year. He was a good friend and I remember when Carroll first came to the Revival back in 2000 – having raced and famously won at Goodwood in the 1959 TT – bringing with him his infectious personality and competitive spirit. It will be wonderful to see those glorious cars that Carroll raced and designed in action at Goodwood once again over the weekend.”
Another legend of motorsport will be put under the spotlight at the 2023 Goodwood Revival. This year we will be celebrating the 75th anniversary of Lotus with a showcase of 75 historic cars that will pay homage to “The Chapman Years”, from the marque’s foundation by Colin Chapman in 1948 until his death in 1982.”
