The Goodwood Revival is held in the United Kingdom near Chichester each year in September, and it is probably the most interesting and popular event of its type in the world. The site is traditionally owned by the March Dynasty and the current operator and guardian is Lord March.
The complex is huge, incorporating a Baronial historic home and gardens and separate areas for a functioning Aerodrome (used in The World War times), a large horse racing track with buildings, and a historic motor racing track (used in the ’60s and ’70s and currently for many retro motor events).
The Goodwood Revival incorporates the car racing track and the airport facility together, so the themes are very retro with many famous historic aircraft in constant flyovers and ground personnel dressed with old vehicles present.
Retro and Vintage dress is not compulsory, but EVERYONE (including attendees, drivers, and mechanics) dress up in theme to reflect the period. Military dress is Airforce/Army/Navy costumes for men and ladies. Some of the required clothing can be purchased on-site such as cravats, jackets, bow-ties, flat “cheese-cutter” caps, hats, and waistcoats. But, a small but effective dress-up can be packed for overseas travel without taking much room, such as a flat cap and bow tie.
There are so many ’60s and ’70s themed cars at the event that it can be overpowering but enjoyable; the actual car park for attendees takes over a day just to look through, with not a modern car in sight!
Displays at the at the Revival are many, and include traders stalls with everything automotive themed and there are traditional merry-go-rounds, a “Wall of Death” motorcycle show, and operating period shops, displays, and vintage supermarkets. There are even lady’s hairdressers present for the correct look!
Chichester is the nearest town, about 20 minutes away, and itself is retro and charming; buses leave for the event from here and are free. The buses are beautifully restored vintage single and double-decker vehicles, so you will feel right at home in your retro dress.
My trip from Australia was a long one, but very much worth it. For those of us travelling from afar, it’s well worth considering other events while in England and Europe to supplement it as I did. Stretch your time out!
My attendance was 2014, and rather than show all of the interesting road and track cars, which are many and done before, I will show you the little interesting scenes to tempt you to attend the three-day event – once in your life you MUST go; if not, when?!
Enjoy your motoring passions!
