Goodwood has a rich history of aviation, having famously been an active air base during World War 2 as RAF Westhampnett. The 2016 meeting marks the tenth anniversary of the hugely popular Freddie March Spirit of Aviation concours d’élégance which celebrates this flying heritage. More than 30 pre-1966 aircraft are on display this year, a particular standout being the 1944 Spitfire flown by Tony Gaze, the ace pilot who won three medals for gallantry in addition to competing in selected Grands Prix in peacetime. His name is inextricably linked with Goodwood, the Australian having suggested the airfield could be transformed into a racing circuit to the then Duke of Richmond in 1948.

Another desirable machine is the de Havilland Chipmunk which first took to the skies in 1947 and is the oldest surviving example that is still airworthy. A previous winner of the King’s Cup Air Race, it has been transported to the Revival from its home in Canada to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Chipmunk being appointed Aviation Ambassador Aircraft for the Canada Aviation and Space Museum. Another aircraft that has crossed continents to be here is the Ryan SCW145 from Australia, the only one of its type outside the USA which is still flying. Other unusual aeroplanes include the sole-surviving Blackburn B-2 and a replica of a WW1-era Albatross DV built by New Zealand’s Vintage Aviator Ltd.

If that was not enough, there will be air displays and flypasts over the Revival weekend by a BBMF Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane. These are not to be missed!