A Guide To Goodwood Revival
By
4 months ago
Cars and fashion come together at this one-of-a-kind event
This September, some of the world’s fastest and rarest cars will race at Goodwood for its annual Revival event. But this isn’t your average car festival: it’s also the only motor race to be staged entirely in period theme. Founded by the Duke of Richmond in 1998, the annual event turns the historic motor circuit into a living stage featuring racing legends, vintage motors and retro fashion, bringing the golden age of 1948–1966 back to life.
Guests are invited to don outfits inspired by the post-war era – the heyday of Goodwood’s Motor Circuit, and an iconic time for the fashion world. Think tweed, tailoring and tea dances set against classic cars. Beyond the track, there are catwalks, workshops, live music and pop-up parties that are all brought together with a spirit of nostalgia and celebration. But of course racing remains at the heart of the weekend, with world champions Jenson Button, Jacques Villeneuve and Dario Franchitti among those confirmed to compete in 2025, alongside Tom Kristensen and Carlos Checa.
Jenson Button at Goodwood Revival 2023. (© Adam Warner/Rolex)
As Button says, ‘The Goodwood Revival is a unique event that attracts people from all over the world. It is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that takes you back in time. With a nostalgic atmosphere it provides an opportunity to reflect on the history of motor racing and how far it has come.’ Tickets are selling fast for this year’s event, but there are still some available, including the opportunity to upgrade your experience with various hospitality packages. Interested? Here’s everything you need to know.
Goodwood Revival 2025: History, Dress Code, Tickets & More
Goodwood Revival was founded by the Duke of Richmond in 1998. (© Andrew Baker/Rolex)
What Is Goodwood Revival?
Returning from 12 to 14 September 2025, Goodwood Revival is a three-day motorsport festival which has been running for the last 27 years. It is now one of the world’s most celebrated historic motor racing events, attracting fans from across the globe who flock there to soak up the unique atmosphere in their best period clothing.
While the festival of course attracts car enthusiasts in droves, it’s not just about the racing: Goodwood Revival is also a celebration of the vintage lifestyle and the enduring glamour of the second-hand sphere. The ‘Revive & Thrive’ theme underpins the whole event – just as cars can be beautifully restored and passed on, so too can pieces of clothing be upcycled and reinvented for a new age.
This year’s event will feature another impressive line-up of drivers and riders, including F1 champion Jenson Button, who will be at the wheel of his recently acquired CUT 8 Jaguar E-type. He’ll be joined by names like nine-time Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen, four-time IndyCar Champion Dario Franchitti, and three-time Daytona 24 Hours Winner Scott Dixon. Elsewhere, there will also be a tribute to motorsporting legend Jim Clark, with 2025 marking the 60th anniversary of his second Championship triumph.
Each day brings something slightly different at Goodwood Revival. Friday offers a first look at the cars, bikes and aircraft on show, while Saturday includes more qualifying races – as well as a party atmosphere that continues into the evening. For racing lovers, though, Sunday is the key day: the overall winners in the second parts of the St. Mary’s Trophy for 1960s saloon cars are crowned, as well as the Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy.
There’s plenty to do and see off-track too, from shopping to entertainment to eating and drinking. The popular Over The Road feature will return, including live music stages, a vintage funfair and a cinema, while the Revival Style Hub will host talks and workshops with the likes of Dita Von Teese, who will be in conversation with Revival favourite Dandy Wellington. Von Teese will also be judging this year’s Best Dressed competition, which takes place on the Sunday.
Partnering with Rolex, last year marked 20 years of the watchmaker’s presence at the Revival, and one that’s built on a shared appreciation of style, heritage and excellence. ‘Rolex’s precision timepieces are renowned the world over for their quality and prestige and match the values of Goodwood and the ethos of Revival,’ says the Duke of Richmond.
That reverence for time runs deep, he continues: ‘On 19 April 1965, in the idyllic English countryside of West Sussex, racing legends Sir Jackie Stewart and Jim Clark achieved identical lap records at Goodwood Motor Circuit. Decades later this is a record yet to be broken.’
(© Felix Diemer/Rolex)
What To Expect In 2025
On the Revival Style Stage, Dita Von Teese returns alongside Dandy Wellington, Richard E. Grant and Gabriela Hearst. Talks with Pattie Boyd and Penelope Tree bring 1960s glamour, while Paula Sutton of Hill House Vintage curates a panel on vintage living, and the ‘Best Dressed’ competition continues as a highlight. Dominic Chinea of The Repair Shop also leads hands-on workshops in heritage crafts.
On track, tributes to Jim Clark and Alfa Romeo headline the races, and a daily parade of over 100 VW campervans marks the model’s 75th anniversary.
Across the grounds, visitors can expect a ‘60s-inspired catwalk, a Haight-Ashbury summer scene, Mods and Rockers in Temple Court, and a VE Day street party.
Tickets & Hospitality Packages
Tickets for the event are now limited, with Saturday tickets nearly sold out. However, there are an array of hospitality packages available to book, offering unparalleled trackside viewing and luxurious food and drink experiences.
Options include:
- The Barracks: With a fun atmosphere and a private garden offering easy access viewing to Lavant Straight and Woodcote Corner, this is a great way to upgrade your experience at a more affordable price point. From £342pp, book here
- Goodwood Mess: A luxurious hospitality package, you’ll be situated next to the start and finish line, and enjoy a champagne reception, a chef’s table lunch and an afternoon tea buffet. From £738pp, book here
- Salvadori: The ultimate way to experience Goodwood Revival, the Salvadori Pavilions offer one of the circuit’s most desired vantage points, complete with breakfast, a four-course lunch and afternoon tea. From £1077pp, book here
(© Adam Warner/Rolex)
What Is the Dress Code?
Vintage style is a pivotal part of the event, with a focus on reviving the outfits of the ‘40s, ‘50s and ‘60s. There are plenty of routes you could go down with the theme, from the pleated notch-back trousers of the ‘40s to the bomber jackets of the ‘50s to the swing coats of the ‘60s. Hats, gloves and accessories never go amiss here, especially for those aiming at the ‘Best Dressed’ title.
‘Referencing the sharp tailoring and heritage fabrics of the post-war era as well as the more functional garbs of motor sport heroes, the Revival look is full of elegance, wit and timeless classics,’ reads the festival’s website.
Guests are encouraged to be creative: rethink, repair and re-wear is the tagline – with plenty of inspiration showcased in the Revive & Thrive hub, where you can find interviews on hot topics in the second-hand style world by icons such as Dita Von Teese.
When, Where & How To Book
Goodwood Revival 2025 runs from Friday 12 September to Sunday 14 September, welcoming more than 150,000 visitors across three days.
The event takes place at the Goodwood Motor Circuit in Chichester, West Sussex, which becomes a time capsule of British motorsport each September.
Address: Goodwood Motor Circuit, Chichester, West Sussex
Packages from £342pp, tickets from £80pp. Children under the age of 13 go free and any child between the ages of 13-21 is eligible for a half price ticket. Find out more and book tickets at goodwood.com
Looking for somewhere to stay nearby? The Goodwood Hotel offers an easy all-in-one stay within the estate. goodwood.com
