9 things to look forward to at the 2026 Goodwood Revival

A swarm of Vespas descends upon Goodwood

Before any competition gets underway, each day of the Revival begins with a Track Opening Parade, and this year the tradition continues by welcoming a swarm of classic Vespas to West Sussex as we celebrate the famous Italian marque’s 80^th anniversary. A sea of some 300 pre-1967 scooters will get the Revival off to a colourful and charming start, with Vespas joined in the parade by contemporaries from the likes of Lambretta and Italjat.

The mobilising impact the Vespa had on post-war Italy was immense, while famous cameos on the big screen only further solidified its image as the embodiment of freedom and adventure, and it’s with this spirit that we’ll be joyously kicking off our days at the 2026 Goodwood Revival.

Concluding a year of Barry Sheene celebrations

Sticking with two-wheeled culture, Goodwood’s 2026 motorsport season will be unlike any other as a single celebration spans all three events for the first time. A year of festivities honouring the 50^th anniversary of Barry Sheene’s first World Championship triumph will draw to a fitting conclusion at the Revival, where a special selection of his race-winning machinery will gather for a poignant moment ahead of the Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy.

Sheene claimed his final race victory in the Lennox Cup during the 2002 Revival, and that race was renamed in his honour after his sad passing six months later. This parade will be a memorable sight, and a brilliant end to Goodwood’s celebrations Barry Sheene.

Ferrari vs. Maserati in the Lavant Cup

The 2026 Revival race list has some treats in store, from the stunning Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy to the iconic RAC TT Celebration, but it’s a pair of returning races to the schedule that are of particular interest. Firstly, the Lavant Cup, which was last run as an all-Ferrari event in 2023. This year it’s the stage for the Battle of Modena as the grid will be made up exclusively of 1950s Ferrari and Maserati sportscars. An extension of the event’s Italian stylings, this race will both look and sound extraordinary.

Also returning is the Brooklands Trophy, a race for pre-war and vintage sportscars. These 1920s and ‘30s machines are some of the most striking for their sheer size and offer an unmissable chance to see century-old racers roar into life once again. Frazer Nashs, Aston Martins, Bentleys, MGs and Talbot-Lagos will engage in close racing as Goodwood pays homage to Le Mans legends of yesteryear.

‘La Dolce Vita’ at the Turning Circle

The Turning Circle will become the focal point of all things Italian at the 2026 Goodwood Revival, when it is transformed into a scene that encapsulates ‘La Dolce Vita’. Prepare to embrace the sweeter things in life as theatrical celebrations are set to engulf the entire Revival site, with the epicentre of this explosion of Italian culture positioned at The Turning Circle.

Previous years have seen the Turning Circle reimagine the 1966 World Cup and the Festival of Britain, themes to represent specific moments from the Revival period. Last year we found ourselves in San Francisco as the spirit of Haight-Ashbury and the Summer of Love took over. We can’t wait to experience ‘La Dolce Vita’ in 2026.

An emotive fleet of historic aircraft

While mesmerising vintage fashions and thrilling historic racing may be what first comes to mind when you think about the Revival, aviation is an equally popular aspect of the event. The Motor Circuit has a significant history as a military airfield as it originally served as the perimeter road of RAF Westhampnett during World War II.

In 1948, the ninth Duke of Richmond, known as Freddie March, turned the track into a race circuit. Freddie March was both a keen racer and aviation engineer, and at the Revival his legacy and that of RAF Westhampnett are celebrated with the Freddie March Spirit of Aviation presented by Bonhams|Cars, a concours d’elegance that gathers some of the most impressive pre-1966 aircraft back to a site where many once flew from. Here you can really get up close to some mighty impressive aircraft, making the FMSOA one of the most awe-inspiring features of the event.  

Embracing Revive & Thrive

The Revive & Thrive ethos is at the heart of what the Goodwood Revival stands for. It’s all about creativity and breathing new life into cherished items, and is supported by a passionate community that grows year on year.

Stars such as Dita Von Teese and Dandy Wellington have been a big presence at the Revival Style Village in recent years, a glorious hub full of shopping, crafting and engaging talks from leading voices in the vintage community. More information on what exactly you can expect to enjoy in the Revival Style Village will be announced in the build-up to the event, but no day out at Revival is complete without an exploration of this vintage-lover’s paradise.

The Bonhams|Cars Revival Sale

Of course, a Goodwood motorsport event has to feature a Bonhams|Cars auction. Closing out a year of auctions at Goodwood will be the Revival sale, which will take place on Saturday 19^th September. If it’s anything like last year, then it’s set to deliver some exciting results.

The star of 2025’s auction was a stunning Aston Martin DB4GT Zagato Sanction III Coupé which sold for over £1million. That’s some act to follow, and though we’re still waiting for this year’s lots to be unveiled, we’ve no doubt the Bonhams|Cars Revival Sale will deliver something special.

Unlimited entertainment Over the Road

The boundaries of the Goodwood Motor Circuit host only a majority of the attractions you can enjoy during the Revival, there’s a whole other world waiting to be explored across the road. Literally. The Over the Road campus is home to a broad mix of entertainment and festivity, but from a distance the fairground is the most eye-catching. That’s surrounded by regular attractions including the Revival Cinema, which shows classic films from day to night, and the Car Show, where visitors can reserve a spot to show off their treasured classic vehicle to the envy of all others.

Furthermore, there’s an abundance of stalls selling memorabilia and gifts, so you could easily spend a whole day on this side of the road, searching for the perfect keepsake. Make it your mission to cross the bridge at least once during your Revival visit to enjoy all that's on offer Over the Road.

An exhibition of stunning vintage style

Perhaps we’ve saved the best for last, because the Best Dressed competition is one of the stand-out attractions of the Goodwood Revival. It’s tradition at the Revival for everyone in attendance to make their best efforts to dress in period style, and it’s that community atmosphere that makes the Revival such a uniquely immersive event. Each day, entries are open for the Best Dressed competition, which will showcase the very best vintage outfits as part of a headline moment on the Revival Style Stage.

Star judges will cast an expert eye over the looks to determine the day’s winner, but for all the competition, it’s just as much about the fun and flaunting your style on the runway. Community spirit is in full force here, so if you want in then you’ve still got time to start putting your best Revival-era look together. In need of inspiration? Then join the Revival Style community.

Tickets for the 2026 Goodwood Revival are now on sale. If you’re not already part of the GRRC, you can sign up to the Fellowship today and save ten per cent on your 2026 tickets and grandstand passes, as well as enjoying a whole host of other on-event perks.

Main image photography by Tom Shaxson.