Goodwood celebrates '46 victory parade and Festival of Britain

An incredible parade of military and civilian vehicles, which had contributed to the Allies victory in World War Two, will be held on the Sunday of Revival, remembering the London Victory Parade that happened in 1946, when Britain celebrated the end of six long years of war efforts

Throughout the weekend the Revival will also remember the Festival of Britain – an amazing event that celebrated the 100th anniversary of the legendary 1851 Great Exhibition. Arranged to promote Britain to the world during the economic slump following World War Two, the Festival was a showcase of arts and trade and even included a race at Goodwood in its honour.

The Victory Parade track moment will be held at the 2021 Goodwood Revival on the Sunday, with a wide range of military and civilian vehicles that contributed to our victory in the war. These will be led by a marching group, per the original parade, dressed in the attire of serving individuals from the period. 

In addition to this, there will be a parallel to today’s serving individuals and key citizens, who have so diligently fought for us over the last 18 months as we’ve endured the Coronavirus pandemic. These individuals largely mirror those so instrumental in the war effort, including representatives from the police, health services, military, fire service and many more. Yes, we will have real modern-day heroes marching for the first time at the Revival, alongside those paying tribute to the heroes of World War Two.

Releasing the parade will be the HMS Devonshire Naval Gun, featuring alongside the Victory Parade vehicles on the Lavant infield, which will be on display over the course of the rest of the weekend for visitors to enjoy.

As part of the Festival of Britain celebration, a miniature version will be created at Gate 2 of the Motor Circuit. The vibrant colours of the Festival of Britain will be present and correct, with ‘lollipops’ spread throughout the trees and geometric patterns on the buildings, while a recreation of the famous Hans Tisdall Cockerel mural. A helter skelter and Punch and Judy stage will provide entertainment throughout the day.

Finally, the Goodwood Trophy will be renamed to the Festival of Britain Trophy, itself first held at the Whitsun meeting at the Goodwood Motor Circuit in 1951 in acknowledgement of the celebrations that year. Some cars from that original race will even be competing in 2021.

Are you excited to celebrate heroes past and present and revel in a Revival of the Festival of Britain at Goodwood this year? We can’t wait to see you all again.

Photography by Tom Shaxson, Jordan Butters, Lee Carpenter and Nick Dungan