Goodwood Festival of Speed or Revival: Which event is right for you?
Goodwood is home to two of the UK’s most iconic automotive events – the Goodwood Festival of Speed (FOS) and the Goodwood Revival.
Both are beloved by dedicated F1 fans and those looking for a more casual racing event, but each of them offers a very different experience.
If you’re considering which one to attend, this guide will help you decide. Whether you’re a die-hard petrolhead, a vintage fashion fan, or simply looking for a fantastic family day out, one of these Goodwood events will be for you.
Goodwood Festival of Speed: A celebration of speed and innovation
Held each summer at the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex, the Festival of Speed is an unmissable celebration of automotive culture where cutting-edge technology meets motorsport heritage.
When is it?
The Festival of Speed usually takes place in July. In 2025, the dates are 10-13 July.
What’s it all about?
At its heart, FOS is about pushing the limits of speed and engineering. The centrepiece is the famous Hillclimb, where range of vehicles – from Formula 1 cars to modern supercars and historic racers – blast up a winding 1.16-mile course lined with hay bales and cheering fans.
It’s a true feast for the senses. One moment you’ll be watching an F1 car on full throttle; the next, you’ll be exploring the Future Lab or wandering through paddocks filled with iconic road and racing cars of past and present.
What can you see and do?
- Hillclimb Shootout – Watch drivers compete for the fastest time in the festival’s headline event.
- Formula 1 paddock – See historic and modern F1 cars up close (this year the festival celebrates F1’s 75th anniversary with a huge selection of cars and drivers).
- Supercar Paddock – Admire some of the world’s most exotic and powerful cars.
- Car launches – Be among the first to witness new vehicle debuts and technology exclusively at Goodwood Festival of Speed.
- Rally Stage – See rally cars tear through the forest stage.
- Aviation displays – Enjoy breathtaking aerial displays from the likes of the Red Arrows.
See the full list of activities at Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Who should go?
- Fans of modern and historic motorsport
- Supercar enthusiasts
- Families looking for a fun and varied day out
- Anyone wanting to see the future of automotive tech up close
What’s the atmosphere like?
Think of it as part motorsport festival, part British garden party. FOS attracts a diverse crowd – from hardcore car enthusiasts to families – with plenty of entertainment and hospitality options including those offered by Salone Events.
Discover our full range of Goodwood Festival of Speed experiences.
Goodwood Revival: Step back in time to the golden age of motorsport
If FOS is about speed and innovation, the Goodwood Revival embodies nostalgia and style. Held every summer at the Goodwood Motor Circuit, the Revival transforms the entire venue into a time capsule of 1940s-60s Britain.
When is it?
The Goodwood Revival takes place in September. For 2025, the dates are 12-14 September.
What’s it all about?
At Revival, the Goodwood Motor Circuit comes alive with the sights and sounds of post-war Britain. Attendees dress in vintage attire, and the circuit is meticulously styled to evoke the period, with historically accurate shopfronts, signage and decor.
But it’s not just about the look. The Revival features some of the world’s finest historic racing, with priceless classic cars battling it out on track.
What can you see and do?
- Historic racing – Watch races featuring 1950s sportscars,1960s saloons, classic F1 cars and much more.
- Period dress and culture – Enjoy a unique, immersive experience where most attendees dress in vintage fashion.
- Vintage aircraft flyovers – Look to the skies for WWII-era planes and aerial displays.
- Retro entertainment – Explore vintage shopping, classic funfairs, and live music.
- Settrington Cup – Don’t miss the children’s pedal car race.
See the full list of activities at Goodwood Revival.
Who should go?
- Lovers of vintage fashion and culture
- Fans of classic cars and historic motorsport
- Families seeking a unique day out
- Anyone who enjoys immersive, themed events
What’s the atmosphere like?
The Revival feels like a glamorous step back in time. From the racing on track to the stylish outfits and retro music, it’s an evocative celebration of a bygone era.
The crowd is a vibrant mix of motorsport fans, fashion enthusiasts and families enjoying the spectacle.
Find our selection of Goodwood Revival hospitality options here.
Key differences at a glance
| Feature | Festival of Speed | Goodwood Revival |
| Date | July | September |
| Venue | Goodwood House / Estate | Goodwood Motor Circuit |
| Focus | Speed, innovation, new car launches | Classic racing, vintage culture |
| Atmosphere | Motorsport & garden party | Immersive retro experience |
| Dress code | Casual (no theme) | 1940s-60s fashion encouraged |
| Cars on display | Modern supercars, F1, historic racers | Classic race cars from a range of disciplines (1948-1966) |
| Family-friendly | Yes | Yes |
So, which one should you attend?
Both events provide an unforgettable experience, but they cater to slightly different tastes.
- Goodwood Festival of Speed – if you want to see cutting-edge cars, racing legends, and future tech, all in a festival atmosphere.
- Goodwood Revival – if you love classic motorsport, vintage fashion and the charm of an immersive, retro-themed experience.
