For me the main draw of the Goodwood Revival is watching and capturing on “film” the on track racing.But the event offers so much more than that. It becomes a totally immersive experience with interest and entertainment everywhere you look.
I always leave on the Sunday evening with a sense of regret that 3 days is insufficient time to take it all in – especially as each year presents different themes and entertainments.
This year was no exception with two major elements catching my attention.
The first that grabs you at the main entrance is the depiction of the Wild West where a large group of actors engage the crowds with banter, beer swigging, gambling and gunslinging.
The second, and much more poignant, was a parade marking the 80th anniversary of the D Day landings in Normandy. The Duke of Richmond, facing a parade of150 WW2 vehicles of various type, spoke eloquently in remembrance of the historic and heroic actions of 6th September 1944.
The parade was also graced by the presence of two of the few surviving veterans who took part in the action on that day.. It was a huge privilledge to be so close to one of them, John Bennett. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, This says so much more than that. A truly moving experience.
The rain did not discourage the singing and dancing – maybe as a tribute to Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds.
Goodwood is also a very convivial meeting place to make contact with the many friends I have made amongst owners, drivers, organisers and fellow photographers. One,, who is always easy to spot because of his snappy overalls, is Collectorscarworld photographer Gunter Beiner, whose work I have admired for a long time.
It is also a family favourite as my wife and children have been attending for almost as long as I have – here they are enjoying the Officers Mess hospitality.
While the weather was certainly wet it did not seem to dampen the spirits of the participants and guests. With the exception of some of the aircraft displays all the races and events went ahead as planned. Thus there are no aircraft pictures this year but planned trips to Stow Maries and Duxford the following weekend should balance this out.
Here are some of my other favourites:
