2024 Festival of Speed Central Feature to celebrate MG

Morris Garages was founded in 1922, and the MG brand with its iconic Octagon logo were registered as trademarks in May 1924, just over 100 years before the 2024 Festival of Speed.

Since then MG has become one of the most beloved of British brands, creating iconic cars including the MGA, MGB and Midget. As well as stunning road-going sportscars, MGs have raced since the earliest days of the company, represented at almost all levels of motorsport from touring cars to the Le Mans 24 Hours.

In the middle of something of a resurgence, MG is in the process of returning to the sportscar market this year, with the much-anticipated Cyberster EV roadster readying for launch. As part of the Central Feature celebrations, the Cyberster will be one of the stars of yet another iconic sculpture in front of Goodwood House.

Once again designed by Gerry Judah, the 2024 Festival of Speed Central Feature will star the Cyberster alongside one of its predecessors, perhaps the icon of MG’s history – the MGB. This will be the first time that MG has been the celebrated marque at The Festival.

The Duke of Richmond, founder of the Festival of Speed, said: “Following the world debut of the striking Cyberster at the 2023 Festival of Speed, we are delighted that MG are returning to Goodwood this year to celebrate their centenary in style with their first Central Feature.

“It is set to be a fitting tribute to the first 100 years of one of Britain’s oldest and most popular manufacturers, which has enjoyed a long association with Goodwood. MGs were almost ever-present at the circuit from 1948-1966, and before that, my grandfather ran the MG team in the 1930s, winning the famous Double-Twelve Hour Race at Brooklands in 1931. He was fascinated by their light weight, simplicity and clever engineering – characteristics which still underpin the brand today.

“MG’s 100-year history combined with their continuous drive for innovation, aligns perfectly with this year’s ‘Horseless to Hybrid’ theme, which recognises the advances in technology and power that have shaped motorsport over the last 130 years.”

Speaking about the announcement Guy Pigounakis, MG Motor UK Commercial Director, said: “One hundred years ago, MG pioneered the creation of the popular sports car, turning dreams into reality for millions of enthusiasts around the world. We’re still committed to that founding vision of delivering accessible, innovative, and truly engaging cars. The Cyberster underlines that commitment with a high-performance EV convertible which we hope will have the same impact as its much-loved forerunners.”

“The Festival of Speed is the perfect occasion to celebrate our heritage in our home market where the MG story began, whilst also providing a perfect platform from which to demonstrate the dynamic future of the brand on a world stage.”

The 2024 Festival of Speed will celebrate the history of motoring propulsion and its future with the theme of “Horseless to Hybrid - Revolutions in Power”. More details of our celebration of MG as well as all our other Festival of Speed celebrations will be announced in the coming months.

Tickets for the 2024 Goodwood Festival of Speed are on sale now. Click here to book now and find out more.

Photography by Joe Harding.