2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed, Revival & MM dates announced — with fans welcome back

There will be a full programme of Goodwood events in 2021, with the return of the Festival of Speed, Revival and Members' Meeting

Goodwood 77th Members Meeting

Jayson Fong

Goodwood has announced the return of its full series of motor sport events in 2021, setting dates for the Members’ Meeting, Festival of Speed and Revival after a year’s hiatus.

Spectators will return to all three of the fixtures under current plans which push the 78th Members’ Meeting back to May, when it’s hoped that Covid restrictions will have been eased, allowing a fuller crowd.

The Festival of Speed is due to return to its July date, with a theme of racing’s maestros, celebrating the drivers, teams and manufacturers that have succeeded across different disciplines.

It will be followed by the Goodwood Revival in September. By then, there’s thought to be a chance that it can go ahead without any social distancing requirements at all.

“More than anything else it is the people who make our events so special; the drivers, the teams, our staff and above all the fans,” said the Duke of Richmond, owner of the Goodwood Estate. “We were incredibly disappointed not to be able to welcome them to our much-loved events in 2020. Now we are thrilled to be able to announce that all three motorsport events are planned to be back next year.”

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All of Goodwood’s annual festivals were cancelled this year in the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, but many of their elements were combined within SpeedWeek, which hosted races and track demonstrations at the Goodwood Circuit for a TV and online audience.

Next year’s events will incorporate some of the SpeedWeek innovations, to improve the show for online viewers, including interactive elements. It’s likely to be the only option for many, as few tickets are likely to be available,

Social distancing may continue to reduce capacity next year, but many tickets are also already spoken for because large numbers of people who had paid to attend this year have chosen to roll their tickets over to 2021 rather than seeking a refund.

Remaining tickets will be sold from February 1 next year.

 

78th Members’ Meeting, May 15-16

The current Covid-19 vaccine will have been approved for six months by the time that the delayed Meeting roars into life in May, giving extra time for planning and a better chance of lighter restrictions on large events.

It’s set to feel reassuringly familiar, with races such as the S.F. Edge Trophy for large-engined Edwardian era machines and the Gerry Marshall Trophy for Group 1 touring cars from 1970-81.

The rally sprint stage planned to debut this year, will make its appearance along with other “special demonstrations” which may take their inspiration from some of the SPeedWeek track runs of sports cars and Formula 1 machinery.

 

Festival of Speed July 8-11

Some social distancing measures may still be in force at this point, but the lawn in front of Goodwood House should still feature spectators milling around next year’s sculpture, which is likely to reflect the Festival theme: ‘The Maestros — Motorsport’s Great All-Rounders’.

Already confirmed is Mario Andretti. “Goodwood in July sounds wonderful to me right now,” he said. “I welcome the invitation and look forward to being there for the third time. It is truly one of the most fan-friendly motorsports events. A very unique jewel. There is simply nothing like it on the planet.”

Red Bull at Goodwood Festival of Speed

The Festival of Speed is back in July

Jayson Fong

 

Goodwood Revival September 17-19

A plan is in place to hold the event as usual, with full crowds mingling in period dress, although the arrangements will depend on any Covid-19 measures that are in place at the time.

Expect familiar races, including the renamed Stirling Moss Memorial Trophy, which will be fun in front of spectators for the first time.