Goodwood Revival – cars, fashion, atmosphere and a whole lot of mud!

Last year, in early September 2024, I had the pleasure of photographing one of the most immersive events I have ever attended, the Goodwood Revival in West Sussex. Known around the world as the best historic motorsport event, the Revival is not only about racing, but also about atmosphere, nostalgia, and an unrivalled sense of style. It offered me a wealth of subjects to capture, from the roaring engines and gleaming cars to the vibrant fashion and characters that made the event so unforgettable.

This was my first time photographing at the Goodwood Revival, and while I had some idea of what to expect, I went in with an open mind and a lot of excitement. I knew it was going to be good, but I truly had no idea just how good it would turn out to be.

Battling the weather, mud, rain and atmosphere

In the lead-up to the event, the weather in West Sussex was unusually unsettled. Grey skies, drizzling rain, and mild, muggy air created an atmosphere that felt more like a typical November day than an early September weekend. On both days of the Revival, the rain returned again and again, soaking the crowds and transforming grass into sticky mud.

Everywhere I turned, shoes were ruined, trousers were splattered, and ladies’ tights and dresses bore the brunt of the conditions. It could have dampened spirits, but in fact, it seemed to add a unique energy to the whole experience. People laughed about the mud, embraced the chaos, and got on with enjoying themselves. I found the contrast between elegant 1950s attire and muddy ground an irresistible subject to photograph. It made the photos more authentic and gave them a raw edge that polished summer sunshine and blue sky could never provide.

Dressing the part and why the Goodwood Revival dress code matters

One of the defining features of Goodwood Revival is the period dress code. Unlike many events where there's no dress code, here it’s woven into the very fabric of the day. Visitors are strongly encouraged to wear 1940s, 50s or 60s fashion, and thankfully, the majority embrace it wholeheartedly.

Before attending, I was advised to adopt the dress code while photographing, and I’m so glad I did. Initially, I imagined that only a few people would make the effort, but I could not have been more wrong. Everyone gets involved. Tweed jackets, flannel suits, bowler hats and braces were everywhere for the gentlemen, while ladies dazzled in pencil skirts, poodle dresses, pillbox hats and red lipstick. Had I turned up in ordinary clothes, or just a normal suit, I would have looked completely out of place.

What really struck me was how the vintage attire elevated the photography. Every candid portrait looked like it belonged to a bygone era. Even crowd shots felt cinematic. The dress code is not just a gimmick; it transforms the Revival into a living, breathing time capsule.

For certain areas, such as the Central Paddock, the dress code is more formal. Gentlemen need a jacket and tie, while ladies should wear a suit or dress. This attention to detail makes Goodwood Revival a unique challenge and opportunity for anyone involved in event photography.

The cars, icons of motorsport

Of course, the star of the show is the cars. Walking through the paddock was like stepping back in time. Porsche 356s, Jaguar E-types, AC Cobras, Ferrari 250s and Ford GT40s sat gleaming, their curves and chrome begging to be photographed. The details were astonishing, from the typography of old racing numbers to the patina on engines, exhausts and bodywork that had clearly lived through decades of racing.

The paddock was alive with activity. Engineers tinkered with engines, drivers prepared with steely concentration, and the noise was relentless. Revving engines echoed across the circuit, while the smell of petrol and oil hung thick in the air. Everything about it felt visceral and authentic, a sensory overload that made it almost impossible to put the camera down.

I was lucky enough to be allowed into the Assembly Area, just by the Pit Lane, as the cars lined up for one of the races. I quickly realised I had forgotten one important item, ear protection. The roar of the engines as they started up was deafening, and as each car peeled away onto the track, the sound hit me right in the chest. By the time the last car disappeared, I was left with a faint ringing in my ears and a huge grin on my face.

Excitement on a slippery track

And yes, there is plenty of racing. Goodwood Revival is not simply a car show; it is a full weekend of competitive racing, with some of the finest classic cars ever built battling it out on the circuit.

Watching an E-type Jaguar jostle for position against a Ferrari 250 in the rain is something special. The wet track added drama, with cars skidding and tyres screeching as drivers fought to keep control. Every race I saw felt like a slice of living history, brought back to life in front of thousands of spectators.

From Cobras to GT40s, every race had its own character and intensity. For a photographer, the combination of vintage cars, unpredictable weather, and a passionate crowd created endless possibilities for dynamic images.

It’s more than racing, exploring “over the road”

What surprised me most about Goodwood Revival was its sheer scale. Before attending, I thought it was just a racetrack, a few grandstands, and maybe a paddock. In reality, it is an enormous festival with countless areas to explore.

‘Over the Road’, across from the main circuit, is like stepping into a different world. There’s a recreated vintage high street with old-fashioned shopfronts, fun fairs, an open-air cinema, live music, bars, and themed areas like Tiki Beach. Everywhere you look, there is something photogenic. From swing dancers twirling to jazz bands performing, to people enjoying cocktails in their finest 1950s outfits, it was a feast for the eyes.

I loved wandering with my camera, capturing the small moments between the bigger events. Couples laughing in the rain, children eating candy floss, theatre actors pulling off immersive performances in the crowd, or a lone driver leaning against his car with a cigarette. The Revival is full of these fleeting, atmospheric details that make for incredible storytelling in photography.

Event photography at Goodwood Revival is a photographer’s dream

As an event photographer, the Goodwood Revival was everything I could have hoped for. It combined fast-paced action with candid lifestyle opportunities, immersive theatre with vibrant fashion, and historic atmosphere with modern energy. Every corner turned revealed a new subject, a new composition, and a new chance to capture something truly unique.

Despite the mud and rain, or perhaps because of it, the Revival had a character that felt raw and memorable. My images from the weekend tell not only the story of the racing, but also the story of the people, the clothes, the weather, and the joy of coming together to celebrate history.

Event photography thrives on variety, and Goodwood Revival offered it in abundance. From wide shots of the track filled with vintage cars, to close-ups of oil-stained hands repairing engines, to portraits of visitors in their Sunday best splashing through puddles, it was impossible to run out of material.

Final thoughts

Goodwood Revival 2024 was without doubt one of the best events I have ever photographed. It was immersive, inspiring, and unforgettable. If you ever get the chance to attend, do not hesitate. Put on your vintage clothing, embrace the mud if it comes, and prepare for an experience unlike any other.

For me, it was more than just a photography job. It was a reminder of why I love capturing events, why documenting people and places matters, and how powerful images can be in preserving moments that might otherwise slip away.

I came away with thousands of photos and video clips, but also with a deep appreciation for the dedication of the organisers, the enthusiasm of the visitors, and the timeless beauty of the cars. This is not just an event; it’s a story, and I feel lucky to have been able to tell it through my lens.

If you’re looking for event photography in the UK that captures atmosphere, detail, and emotion, then this is proof of just how powerful great photography can be.