A return to the past…and to Goodwood Revival!
By Verity Craig
The Goodwood estate in West Sussex, looked more glorious than ever during this years’ Revival weekend.
The circuit was established by Freddie March (later 9th Duke of Richmond), himself a Brooklands winner, and was revived by his grandson Charles, Earl of March, in 1998.
The Revival event itself is a magical step back in time celebrating the romance and glamour of motor racing as it used to be in Goodwood’s heyday.
From the smell and loud roars of the classic cars from yesteryear to the chic and fun costumes of the visitors in their vintage attire, the place was buzzing in the sunshine over the 3 days of fun.
After a year away due to the pandemic, spectators came out in their droves to admire the racing of the cars from the past on the famous Goodwood Motor Circuit while equally enjoying the themed village.
For some, the day began in either Betty’s vintage hair salon (themed of course) or with the Goodwood Barber. Visitors really did make an extra effort with their themed styling this year! From 40s war-time period costumes to 50s rockabilly and even the odd 60s Twiggy-esque; people-watchers must have been in their element!
But of course, the real stars of the weekend were the cars.
Three parades took place on the Friday celebrating Hot Rods, Sir Stirling Moss and British Racing Motors. This year, the Revival is hosting one of the largest ever gatherings of Hot Rods in Europe, as well as paying tribute to ‘Mr Goodwood’ himself, Sir Stirling Moss, who passed away last year. British Racing Motors are celebrating 70 years since they first appeared on a Grand Prix grid with an assembly of F1, F2 and Can-Am cars.
The Friday evening saw the Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy. Newly-renamed from the Kinrara Trophy and contested by Jaguar E-types, Ferrari 250s, Aston Martin DB4 GTs and AC Cobras, the Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy saw Jenson Button (pictured) make his historic racing debut. A fitting and emotional race and parade!
As well as the cars, there was entertainment in the form of professional dancers doing the jive and such while the big band played. And if that wasn’t enough, there was also the popular vintage funfair complete with a helter-skelter.
Over on the Revive and Thrive Stage in the new ‘Make-Do and Mend’ area, Richard Hammond (pictured) discussed his latest venture, the launch of a new restoration workshop ‘The Smallest Cog’ with father and son partners Neil and Anthony Greenhouse.
Meanwhile, in the Over the Road area of the event visitors enjoyed films including Annie, The Secret Garden and Grease at the Revival Cinema presented by Sky Cinema, while the Bonhams Auction took place on the Saturday afternoon.
The Duke of Richmond also unveiled the dates of the Eroica Britannia festival (the iconic vintage cycling festival) which will take place on Saturday 6th to Sunday 7th August this year, as he welcomed Eroica regulars to the Revival.
The era that visitors are asked to style themselves upon is 40s, 50s and 60s, in-keeping with the stunning cars on display and racing.
Credit: Goodwood Revival image gallery