Goodwood Revival Share Our Journey

The iconic automotive event, set in leafy Chichester, has captivated audiences since its inception in 1998.

It celebrates the active years of the race track that was originally operational from 1948 to 1966. The types of racing cars and motorcycles you will see racing at the Goodwood Revival would have competed during the circuit's original period.

Our first visit was in 2018 and boy, what an eye-opener! We were able to see for ourselves what all the fuss was about. The atmosphere is second to none and for vintage clothes enthusiasts like us it was people watching heaven.

Join our journey back through the years and explore how it has evolved. We first learned of the Revival around 15 years ago when customers started to mention it and look for outfit inspiration from us. A few years later we were asked to provide vintage outfits for a through-the-decades fashion show hosted by Mastercard. Over time it has become one of the most important weekends on our calendar.

1998-2005: The Early Years

Goodwood was forced to close its doors in 1966 after the track’s owners refused to amend the course with chicanes to cope with the increasing power of modern-day race cars. It was used as a testing and track day venue but was out of the contemporary motor racing calendar for more than 30 years before the decision was taken in 1982 to renovate it which took 6 more years until it re-opened it's doors in 1998.

The inspiration behind its renovation was the Goodwood Revival. It began as a small gathering of car enthusiasts, showcasing vintage and classic cars. The event quickly gained popularity for its unique blend of history and speed, attracting a growing number of attendees each year.

2006-2010: Expansion & Innovation

During this period, Goodwood Revival expanded its offerings to include vintage themed marketplaces, eateries, fairgrounds and performances. 2006 saw a Marilyn Monroe lookalike grace the grounds.

Our interest was piqued during this time when a young couple who owned a vintage car were going along to it. We have heard it mentioned many more times since and helped hundreds of people find outfits they feel proud to wear at it.

2011-2015: International Recognition

Overall, the Goodwood Revival has found a successful niche by offering a unique blend of nostalgia, racing excitement, and historical immersion. The event continues to evolve while staying true to its core concept of transporting visitors back to a golden age of motor racing.

In 2015, Bonhams hosted their first classic car auction at Goodwood where interested parties can bid on classic rare and valuable vehicles. Others like Mark here can only dream of owning one!

Of course, for us, it's all about mid-century fashion but as I look at the stills 1989 to present it is hard to differentiate between one year and the next. Other than an influx of Peaky Blinder characters a few years ago there will always be immaculate 1940s outfits, the pinup brigade, the 1950s rock 'n' rollers and the 1960s mods in minis of both varieties.

2016-Present: Digital Transformation

While racing remains a core element, the Revival has grown into a full-fledged celebration of the era, vintage fashion shows, period music performances, and recreated architecture add to the immersive atmosphere.

In recent years, Goodwood Revival has embraced digital technology to reach a wider audience. Livestreams, virtual tours, and interactive experiences have allowed fans to participate in the event from anywhere in the world, ensuring that the spirit of Goodwood Revival continues to thrive.

Despite modern innovation in the motoring industry event organisers strive to keep the annual September event genuine. Participating cars must be meticulously restored to period specifications, and even signage and advertisements around the circuit reflect the relevant eras. Safety features for the vintage race cars have been subtly incorporated to ensure driver well-being without compromising the historical aesthetic.

The team keep it fresh for regular visitors with new themes and popular guests.  The Revive and Thrive area was introduced in 2021 inspired by the Make Do And Mend necessity during the Second World War. Last year Mark and I enjoyed this interview with vintage lifestyle author Paula Sutton interviewed by regular host Dandy Wellington. You can see how he lives up to his name. At this years event he will welcome Dita Von Teese to the stage, what a treat! Dita is of course the goddess of golden age glamour and will be spreading the joys of vintage fashion. She will be sharing her insights and stories plus she is to be a guest judge of the Best Dressed competition.

Another addition to the outdoor entertainment was Sky's outdoor movie experience at The Revival Cinema complete with old-fashioned popcorn treats. We watched Grease for the umpteenth time but it had to be a classic film in those surroundings!

Hope you enjoyed sharing our adventure through the Goodwood Years. The journey does not end here we are confident the Revival is here to stay. As long as it does we will continue to provide you with the perfect vintage and vintage-inspired clothing to wear at it!