Festival of Speed FAQs

Children under 12 always go free at Goodwood and do not need an entry ticket.

FRIDAY 2nd JULY

The 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed kicks-off with a free practice day, a chance for the drivers and riders to familiarise themselves with the challenging twists and turns of this famously demanding hillclimb. The paddocks, filled with mouth-watering machinery, are the focal point for early visitors, many of whom have  travelled across the world to see these rare and beautiful cars. Nowhere else will you see such a gathering of priceless racing machinery in one place at one time. In the gardens behind Goodwood House the annual Bonhams’ Summer Sale attracts the high rollers, and the dreamers, to its auction of the rarest and most valuable classic cars. Get your copy of the souvenir programme and wander slowly around the multitude of exhibitions, galleries and shops while soaking up the intoxicating atmosphere of the world’s biggest motor racing garden party.

SATURDAY 3rd JULY

The day when visitors get the chance to watch world champions rise to the challenge of setting fastest time of the day on the hillclimb track that winds its way up from Goodwood House to the crest of the Sussex Downs. At the top of the hill, the World Rally Championship teams take to the tracks through the forest in a mesmerising display of car control between the trees. In the air, dramatic air displays thrill the spectator, while down below in Goodwood Park, music plays while families get together to picnic in the stunning grounds of Goodwood House.

SUNDAY 4th JULY

All the action takes place in earnest against the clock. The spine-chilling shrieks and howls of the latest Formula One cars bring the crowds to the edge of the track, as the heroes of modern Grand Prix racing come out to play. The fastest drivers on the planet, in the most sophisticated racing cars ever made, will blow your mind with their skill and showmanship. The fastest cars of the weekend, both modern and historic, will line up for the ‘Sunday Shoot-Out’ when they go head to head on the hill for the glory of setting the fastest time of the 2010 Festival of Speed. The day culminates in the Prize Giving ceremony where Lord March awards his much-coveted prizes and medals as the sun goes down behind Goodwood House. Memories are made of this.

All of the vehicles competing at the Festival are carefully selected to highlight the 2010 theme. The programme explains their unique histories and the fascinating reasons why they have been chosen to compete – it’s the only way to get the full picture.

Programmes are also a great way of finding out what’s happening over the weekend, and include a useful timetable and location map. Programmes are not available prior to the event, but you can buy your programme upon entering the admission gates, or at the Goodwood Shops on-site.

As the Festival is an open air event held primarily in parkland, comfortable shoes and casual clothing is best. Always bring some light wet weather clothing as, even in summer, the British weather can be unpredictable! If you will be using our corporate hospitality pavilions, then smart casual dress is required.

Those visitors displaying a Registered Disabled car badge will be directed to a dedicated parking area, from which a shuttle service to the event will operate. There are raised viewing platforms for those in wheelchairs and you can also purchase reserved tickets for wheelchair seat space in the Pheasantry Grandstand. Disabled toilets are also available. Electric scooter chairs are available for hire from Shopmobility – it is essential to pre-book with Shopmobility on +44 (0)2392 455444.

For full details of facilities for disabled visitors, please click here| to download the Information for Disabled Visitors.

There is an on-site pharmacy providing medicines, toiletries, suntan lotion, earplugs and sunglasses, located behind the Park Grandstand, and there are numerous first aid sites located around the Festival staffed by qualified doctors and medical staff.

There is a Bureau de Change situated behind the Park Grandstand. There is also one site for cash machines, based on the Cricket Pitch.