What’s the Difference Between the Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival

The Confusion

If you’ve ever searched for motorsport events at Goodwood, you’ve likely come across two of the UK’s biggest names in the calendar — the Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival. At a glance, they might seem similar: both held at the Goodwood Estate, both celebrating motoring culture and both attracting thousands of fans each year. But here’s the thing, they’re completely different experiences. And knowing the difference can help you choose the right event, whether you’re attending for the racing, the nostalgia or the atmosphere.

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The Problem

Motorsport fans, corporate clients and first-time visitors often book the wrong event expecting something else entirely. They turn up to the Festival of Speed expecting vintage cars and period dress or attend Revival thinking they’ll see modern F1 machines roaring up the hill. Without clear insight, it’s easy to be disappointed or miss out on the experience you were actually after.

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Why It Matters

Choosing the right event means everything. Whether you’re planning a client hospitality experience, a group weekend away or a once-a-year day out, knowing the feel, focus and format of each event makes all the difference. This guide breaks it down so you can pick the one that’s right for you or even better, plan to attend both.

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The Guide

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Goodwood Festival of Speed: A Modern Celebration of Speed and Engineering

Held in July, the Festival of Speed is all about power, innovation and performance. It takes place in the grounds of Goodwood House and features the famous hill climb — a 1.16-mile track where vehicles from across the motorsport world are pushed to their limits. You’ll see:

• Current F1 cars and drivers
  
• Electric vehicle launches
  
• Supercars, hypercars and concept designs
  
• Live tech demos and engineering showcases
  
• Stars of motorsport past and present
  

There’s also Future Lab for cutting-edge innovation, the Forest Rally Stage and the central sculpture, which changes each year in tribute to a featured manufacturer.

Who it’s for: Those who want to see the latest in speed, performance and design from motorsport fans to automotive industry professionals. It’s family-friendly, high-energy and ideal for those who want to see what’s next in the motoring world.

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Goodwood Revival: A Step Back in Time

Held in September, Revival transforms the historic Goodwood Motor Circuit into a post-war time capsule. Everything from the vehicles to the outfits is authentic to the era typically 1948 to 1966.

You’ll see:

• Pre-1966 race cars competing in period dress
  
• Spectators and staff dressed in vintage fashion
  
• Historic aircraft displays
  
• Trackside dancing, vintage markets and more
  

It’s less about raw speed and more about the celebration of heritage. Revival is theatre, culture and racing all rolled into one and the attention to detail is extraordinary.

Who it’s for: Motorsport history fans, vintage lovers, families and anyone who wants a unique and immersive weekend. It’s ideal for corporate groups looking for something memorable and high-end, with a touch of elegance.

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What’s the Same?

Despite their differences, both events share Goodwood’s high production values, hospitality and location. Whether you’re booking VIP access or general admission, you’ll experience impeccable organisation, immersive settings and a sense of occasion that few other events can match. Both also offer exceptional hospitality experiences through Core Events with access to exclusive enclosures, trackside views, fine dining and seamless event planning.

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How Core Events Can Help

At Core Events, we offer tailored packages for both the Festival of Speed and Goodwood Revival. From corporate hospitality to private groups, we handle everything — tickets, access, transfers, accommodation and dedicated support from our events team. We know these events inside out and we make sure your experience is exactly how it should be: seamless, elevated and unforgettable.

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Experience Goodwood Your Way

Whether you're drawn to the cutting-edge world of the Festival of Speed or the vintage charm of Goodwood Revival, the key is knowing what to expect. Each event offers something entirely different and when booked through Core Events, you get so much more than just a ticket. Looking to plan your visit? We’ll help you choose the right package, sort the details and ensure your Goodwood experience is one to remember.

Call our team today on 0116 309 00 00 or enquire via our website to book your place.

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