Review: Goodwood Revival 2015

Now in it’s 17th year, the Goodwood Revival is a must-attend date on any petrolhead’s calendar. The three day festival focuses on car and motor racing from the track’s original period of 1948-1966. And it’s not just the racing that’s a blast from the past – EVERYTHING is retro-themed.

This year’s festival was themed around the Mini, and not just the car! Guests are all in period dress and it’s probably the only event of its type where those who haven’t dressed for the occasion do really stand out. The shops, pubs, bars, and catering vans are all date-appropriate and there was even a 1950s Butlins Roller Disco for festival-goers to show off their moves. With 149,000 guests across Friday, Saturday and Sunday, this was the most popular Revival in history.

British Touring Car star Gordon Shedden teamed up with Chris Ward in the headline race on Sunday to hit glory in a Jaguar E-Type. Other motoring highlights include a Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt driven to victory by nine-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen, Sir Jackie Stewart and Dario Franchitti parading a range of BRM and Lotus racers, and, for the first time, all six original Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupes displayed together.

But it wasn’t just the track itself hosting action. A field full of Spitfires and Hurricanes brought vintage aviation to life, with a 12-plane flypast on the Sunday to commemorate the Battle of Britain. The Earls Court Motor Show played host to a ‘Seeing Red’ exhibition of Ferraris old and new, and live music at various sites throughout the festival had couples up and dancing to all the classics.

The real highlight of the festival? The atmosphere, and the people. Everyone is friendly, stopping and chatting about cars, outfits and vintage goods, and people bond over drinks and approach strangers for a chat, in a way that’s rare for 2015. Whether a seasoned race-goer or a wide-eyed first time attendee, the Revival is an incredible experience and open to all.

Of course, this warmth and kindness makes Goodwood-goers the perfect sharers – and who knows what kind of car you might end up taking a lift in?! Check out our official Goodwood site to see who’s going your way for the next meet.

 

Author Lex Barber

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