Where and When Since 1998 the Goodwood Revival has been attracting visitors to it's three day festival, held every year in September around the Goodwood Circuit. Featuring road racing cars and motorcycles from the circuits original period 1948-1966. No modern vehicles are allowed within the circuit perimeter over the weekend.
It proved to be a wonderful opportunity to see racing at its finest and this year we were treated to a Spitfire and Lancaster Bomber display to mark the centenary of WW1.
This is the only car event worldwide where the majority of the public come in period dress to recreate the golden era of motoring from the 1940s 50s and 60s and can enjoying shopping, eating, drinking and being part of an historical event.
I was very fortunate to have received complimentary tickets to go to the Goodwood Revival courtesy of Mark Spence from the Ferrari Atelier at the Berkeley Hotel Mayfair.
Our day started by collecting our tickets from The Kennels, an exclusive meeting house next to the golf club on the Goodwood estate. It was from here we were chauffeur driven to the entrance of the revival by our spiffing driver Charles in a perfect 1935 Jowett 7, I felt like I was playing bit part in a film and transported back in time.
On arrival we were greeted by a gaggle of appropriately clad girls who made a fuss of us and pointed us in the right direction. I had come to soak up the ambience and to capture some racing and 1940s glamour. Before I did any of that I found myself shopping (couldn’t resist a bargain) for some clothing from Posh Frocks based in Farnham, anyone who has been to the revival before will know that there is a vast array of original 30s, 40s, 50s and 60s clothing to buy, how could I refuse a few outfits? The sales ladies were so helpful, I tried and bought things that I didn't think would suit me, but actually looked terrific.
I had hired a dress for the occasion from the local fancy dress shop called Fancier Dress in Limpsfield, it was like an Aladdins cave in there, with, I promise, something for everyone for any occasion. I would have felt out of place if I hadn't gone suitably attired.
When I came to the revival last year it was pouring with rain and very cold, so this year was a pleasure to be at, with the sun shinning, we were enjoying what has turned out to be an Indian summer. There was even a 1960s Tesco store where you could see the products in their original packets and with Green Sheild Stamps too ( younger readers this was the original loyalty scheme).
We were charmed by the entertainers from Dad’s Army, so many of them looked uncannily like the original actors.
I enjoyed seeing the cars at Earls Court especially John Surtees 1957 BMW507 that I had previously seen and photographed when I was at the Edenbridge Parade back in May.
After a long, tiring and eventful day we were chauffeur driven back to The Kennels in an original 1940s taxi for afternoon tea where we could kick our shoes off and enjoy a tea dance. The perfect way to finish a perfect day.
Thanks for reading, I'll be back in two weeks time with more news.
Bye for now.
Stella