The countdown to the 2025 Goodwood Revival is already underway, and while we’ve been busy getting excited about the on-track action, including plans for a huge celebration of Jim Clark, Alfa Romeo and a colourful parade of VW Campers, there’s plenty else going on the Revival to get excited about this September.
The Revival continues to get bigger and better every single year, and this year promises to continue that trend. Although we here at GRR tend to focus mainly on the historic motorsport, we still love to embrace the party atmosphere of the whole event, which is packed with inspirational showcases and entertaining features. Here are just a few of the things we’re most looking forward to at the 2025 Goodwood Revival.
Tickets for the Goodwood Revival are limited! Saturday tickets have sold out, so secure your Friday and Sunday tickets to avoid missing out on the world’s best historic motorsport event.
REVIVAL CAR SHOW
The Revival Car Show is one of the many gems to be found Over the Road. The world’s largest classic car park, it’s populated by incredible machines proudly put on show by their owners, all of whom are visitors to the Goodwood Revival. When we say large, we mean large; with around 6,000 cars on show, it’s well worth taking a walk over to spend some time enjoying some rare and remarkable sights.
There are two classes of cars starring at this year’s event: the annual favourite theme of tax-exempt cars, and new to 2025, vehicles dating pre-1966. If you have a car that fits either of these themes then you can get involved, and showcase your special car to all Revival goers, free of charge. Whether it’s for the tax-exempt class or adding to the ’66 spectacle, there’s still time to register your qualifying car and become part of the show.
HAIGHT-ASHBURY AT THE TURNING CIRCLE
The Turning Circle is always a hotspot at the Revival, its unique themes creating an immersive experience of a specific moment or time from the Revival period. Previous years have celebrated the Wild West, the 1966 World Cup and the Festival of Britain — there was even an alien invasion in 2022 as a tribute to the Roswell Incident of 1947.
This year the Turning Circle is indulging in flower power and channelling the spirit of Haight-Ashbury, a district in San Francisco which erupted as home to the hippie movement with the Summer of Love in 1967. A decade of iconic music and distinctive fashion, the feel-good factor will be in full swing as the entrance is overtaken by free-spirited fun. This may just be the start of your Revival experience, but you’d be forgiven if you spent the whole day soaking the 1960s vibes. If you can’t wait until then, dive into the sounds of the era with our specially curated playlist.
SHOPPING AT THE HIGH STREET
As we embrace the ethos of Revive & Thrive, there’s no better place to go shopping than the High Street. New for 2025, the High Street will guide you to the Revival Style Village through a series of avenues, each offering their own delights, from the vintage and premium fashion to be found in Methuen Lane and Darnley Street, to the accessories, jewellery and upcycled homeware to tempt the eye at the Arcade d’Aubigny and Torbolton Row. And with automobilia to be found at The Market and The Arches, the High Street really has something to satisfy all tastes and interests.
Once you’ve wound your way through the six avenues, arrival at the Revival Style Village promises the most premium vintage and pre-owned designer fashion and accessories. Like a wondrous maze, you’ll be hard-pressed not to get caught up in the speciality items the numerous exhibitors will have on show in the High Street, from names including The Looking Glass, with its impressive collection of 1950’s and ‘60’s dresses, the pre-1950s menswear and accessories brought by Froggy Went Courting, and the second-hand style to be rifled through courtesy of Oxfam.
JIM CLARK
This year, the Revival’s celebrated driver is arguably the greatest of all time. Jim Clark was a two-time Formula 1 World Champion, revered by his peers as the best of his era, and the man that Sir Jackie Stewart modelled his own driving style on.
2025 marks the 60th anniversary of Clark’s second Championship triumph, when he won six races to score maximum points for Team Lotus. Alongside that astonishing title win, he also took victory at that year’s Indianapolis 500, again for Team Lotus, the Tasman Series and the British Formula 2 Championship.
It’s the perfect anniversary to celebrate the life and career of one of motorsport’s greats, and we can’t wait to welcome many of the cars Jim Clark drove back to Goodwood for an evocative tribute.
VE DAY CELEBRATION
This year marks 80 years since World War II came to an end in Europe and the country celebrated VE Day, and the Revival will recreate that jubilation with a unique track moment. On Sunday lunchtime, the Motor Circuit will be transformed into the scene of a vibrant street party, with everyone in attendance encouraged to join in with the festivities.
Military and commercial vehicles will complete a parade lap of the track before tables and chairs are set up across the grid.
Spectators, dressed in their best 1940’s attire, will then be welcomed onto the grid to wave a union flag and join in on the dancing with Swing and Jive groups. This will be a memorable and heartfelt tribute to an important day in history.
DITA VON TEESE
Vintage style icon Dita Von Teese will be returning to the Revival in 2025, once again leading Goodwood’s celebration of vintage fashion. Headlining a star-studded line-up, she’ll be appearing on the Revive & Thrive Stage in conversation New York style activist and Revival favourite Dandy Wellington on Friday 12th September. She will also be appearing as a guest judge of the Best Dressed competition on Sunday 14thSeptember.
The Revival is as much a celebration of vintage and second-hand fashion as it is a historic motorsport event, and we’re looking forward to welcoming Dita Von Teese back to Goodwood where she will, no doubt be a fan favourite across the weekend.
Aside from her fashion influence, Dita is also an avid collector of classic cars. Over the years, Von Teese has owned a 1930’s Chrysler New Yorker, a 1940 La Salle and a 1953 Cadillac Fleetwood, and is currently busy restoring a 1952 Woodill Wildfire.
A PACKED WEEKEND OF HISTORIC MOTORSPORT
It wouldn’t be the Revival without a stunning weekend of historic motorsport taking place on the Goodwood Motor Circuit. Every year this event sees the historic motor circuit returned to its original form as a hub of global motorsport, bustling with superstars and thousands of excited spectators.
That atmosphere remains unmatched anywhere else in the world, and it serves as the perfect backdrop to the sound of 1940’s, ’50’s and ‘60’s withracing cars getting their elbows out once again, as they did all those years ago.
This year’s race list includes 13 events set to play out over the course of three days, a programme that includes the traditional Freddie March Memorial Trophy, the St. Mary’s Trophy and the jewel in the crown of historic motorsport: the RAC TT Celebration.
JENSON BUTTON RETURNS
Formula 1 World Champion and current World Endurance Championship driver Jenson Button is set to make his return to Revival in 2025, racing in the RAC TT Celebration in his bought-for-the-event Jaguar E-Type.
The 1962 ‘CUT 8’ E-Type is the last Jaguar prepared by the great privateer Dick Protheroe, recording wins at the 1965 St. Andrew’s Cup at Brands Hatch and at circuits including Mugello and the Nürburgring. Both car and driver have prior experience competing in the RAC TT Celebration, and after a year away, Button returns in a bid for glory.
“I am delighted to be coming back to the Goodwood Revival in September for the most enjoyable weekend of racing of the whole year,” he said. “In fact, I love it so much, I have bought my own car to take part! I am very excited to be racing my ‘new’ Jaguar E-type in the TT. I can’t wait.”
REVIVAL STYLE STAGE
As a consultant on all things cool, Dandy Wellington will lead the Revival Style Stage, hosting a series of talks on vintage lifestyle with special guests throughout the event. A jazz bandleader and style activist, Dandy will take to the stage fresh from the MET Gala, where he is serving as a key contributor to this year’s exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, alongside Lewis Hamilton.
The Revival Style Stage will also be fired up with DJ sets throughout the weekend. Art Jefferson (Friday) and Ginger Fizz (Saturday and Sunday) will bring the retro vibes to the decks for an unforgettable style celebration. And, if you’re looking for style inspiration, then be sure to join the Revival Style community.
EMBRACING REVIVE & THRIVE
An ever-expanding focus at Goodwood is Revive & Thrive, an ethos that encapsulates everything we do at Revival. More than ever, the Revival’s core message is one of sustainability and creativity, and it’s developing into a global phenomenon supported by huge stars of the vintage fashion community including David Gandy, Daisy and Pearl Lowe, and the queen of vintage, Dita Von Teese.
In 2025, Dandy Wellington will return to the Revival to lead the Revival Style Stage and host a series of talks on vintage lifestyle. The Repair Shop’s Dominic Chinea will also be active once again offering inspiring new ways to rethink and repair best loved items. There will also be DJ sets throughout the weekend from Art Jefferson and Ginger Fizz. You simply have to experience the Revival Style Village at least once when you come to the Revival. Until then, if you’re looking for inspiration, then be sure to join the Revival Style community.
OVER THE ROAD
While the Goodwood Motor Circuit will of course be central to the festivities at the Revival, you have to venture Over the Road at least once to experience the entirety of this sprawling three-day event.
The fairground is difficult to miss, and it’s surrounded by a number of immersive and fascinating features that all add to the atmosphere at the Revival. Regular fixtures include the Revival Cinema, which screens a number of classic films from the Revival era, as well as the Car Show, where ticket buyers can reserve a space to park up their beloved classic for all visitors to admire.
Over the Road is also a great place to lose yourself in all manner of shops and stalls selling vintage memorabilia, clothes and gifts. Basically, if you want to immerse yourself in the vintage lifestyle, Over the Road is well worth a visit.
BONHAMS CARS AUCTION
Over the Road you’ll also find the Bonhams|Cars auction, a regular feature at all Goodwood motorsport events. The 2025 Revival Sale will take place on Saturday 13thSeptember at 1030hrs and is sure to feature some precious gems of automotive history.
Among the big money sales last year were a Porsche 911 993 that crossed the block for £614,200, and a 1932 Alfa Romeo 8C 2300 Recreation that changed hands for £552,000. We’ll be keeping a close eye on the lots as they appear over the next few months, but the 2025 Bonhams|Cars Revival Sale is a must see.
FREDDIE MARCH SPIRIT OF AVIATION
The Revival is, at its heart, a celebration of the original period of the Motor Circuit as a motorsport venue, but the Freddie March Spirit of Aviation presented by Bonhams|Cars takes things a step further by commemorating Goodwood’s earlier history as RAF Westhampnett during World War II.
Each year at the Revival, the Freddie March Spirit of Aviation brings together a carefully curated selection of pre-1966 aircraft for a stunning Concours D’elegance on the Goodwood airfield that remains active to this day. It’s a poignant celebration named after the Duke of Richmond’s grandfather, who was an early pioneer of aviation engineering.
REVIVAL THEATRICS
Now it wouldn’t be the Goodwood Revival without wall-to-wall theatrics. As you wander through the various avenues of the Motor Circuit, you’ll be met by everything from sweet carts to flash mobs, all serving to engulf you in the atmosphere of the 1940’s, ‘50s and ’60s.
In previous years at the Revival, we’ve been treated to circus acts inspired by the Greatest Show on Earth, we’ve been invaded by aliens as a nod to the great space races of that period, and we’ve travelled to the Wild West. There’s never a dull moment, and this year promises to be no different as we celebrate the summer of love.
BEST-DRESSED COMPETITION
And finally, we have the single most important ingredient that makes the Revival the most famous historic motorsport event in the world. Each and every year, everyone at the Revival spares no expense in making sure they look the part. From the drivers and their mechanics to the staff in the information booths, as you step through the gates at the Revival you take a step back in time, and it’s all thanks to the community spirit that has endured since the first event back in 1998.
The Revival’s Best Dressed Competition is an opportunity to celebrate all of the remarkable vintage outfits we see around the Motor Circuit. Best Selling Sunday Times author Paula Sutton will once again join a panel of expert and celebrity judges who will shortlist and then award the Best Dressed title on each day of the event.
Report by Rachel Roberts for goodwood.com
Photography by Cat Brant, Jack Beasley, Joe Harding, Jonathan James Wilson, Matt Dunkinson, Nick Wilkinson, Dominic James, Jonathan James Wilson, Toby Adamson, Toby Whales and Tom Baigent.
