2026 Goodwood Festival of Speed begins today near Chichester

Thursday, 9 July 2026 09:12

Goodwood Festival of Speed - CREDIT: Photographer Lee Taylor AKA: 1981Photographer

The Goodwood Festival of Speed gets underway today, bringing four days of world-class motorsport to Goodwood House, near Chichester.

The event runs from 9 July to 12 July 2026 and is expected to attract huge crowds, with extra traffic and congestion likely on roads around the venue.

This year’s theme is “The Rivals – Epic Racing Duels”, celebrating some of the greatest battles in motorsport history, including James Hunt versus Niki Lauda and Ford versus Ferrari.

Goodwood describes the Festival of Speed as motorsport’s “ultimate summer garden party”, held in the parkland surrounding Goodwood House. The event brings together cars, bikes, drivers, riders, manufacturers and fans from across the world.

Visitors can expect action on the famous Hillclimb, with cars and motorcycles taking on the course throughout the event.

Away from the Hill, the festival includes paddocks, automotive displays, new car launches, the Forest Rally Stage and the Off-Road Arena. Goodwood says the event brings together Formula 1, endurance racing, WRC, MotoGP and other motorsport disciplines, with iconic machines filling the paddocks and taking part in demonstrations.

The Festival of Speed first started in 1993 and has since become one of Goodwood’s flagship events.

Motorists heading towards Chichester and the Goodwood area are being warned to expect delays and to plan ahead.

Stay with V2 Radio for all the latest traffic and travel information across the South, or go to V2 Radio Jam Line Sussex - V2 Radio

Get the latest BREAKING NEWS for the SOUTH on your phone by downloading the V2 RADIO APP today! Read with ease, no annoying pop-up ads.

V2VOUCHERS.CO.UK is offering half-price deals on a wide range of experiences across the South, from meals out at local restaurants to tickets for some of the region’s biggest events.

Amazing HALF PRICE local offers! Save money and get a great deal at V2vouchers.co.uk

More from Local News

Eastbourne man dies after large sign falls at Big Church Festival near Steyning, with event now cancelled - Updated at 22:51 28.08.2026

A 41-year-old man from Eastbourne has died after a large sign fell at the Big Church Festival near Steyning, with at least six other people injured and taken to hospital. Organisers have now cancelled the rest of this year's event.
WATCH: Water pressure returning to normal at London Gatwick after supply issue - updated: 18:22 28.08.2026

Water pressure is beginning to return to normal at London Gatwick after a supply issue affected parts of the North Terminal this afternoon.
Lewes railway repairs nearing completion as Network Rail confirms reopening remains on track

Work to repair the railway between Lewes and Haywards Heath is nearing completion following the derailment earlier this month.
Picturedrome in Bognor Regis closed over fire safety concerns

The Picturedrome cinema in Bognor Regis has been closed until further notice after concerns were raised over fire safety.
400 home Ford development deferred

A decision on plans for a 400-home development and a new secondary school at Ford Lane has been deferred for a further month by Arun District Council.
Man’s body found near water at Elmer Beach

Emergency services were called to Elmer Beach near Middleton-on-Sea after a man’s body was found close to the water.
Brighton student to walk 100km from Eastbourne to Arundel for charity

A University of Brighton student is preparing to walk 100 kilometres from Eastbourne to Arundel to raise money for Cancer Research UK.
Where are all the Poppys? UK’s favourite dog name missing from West Sussex top five

Poppy may be the most common dog name in the UK, but new figures suggest owners in West Sussex are choosing something different.
East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service recruiting on-call firefighters in Burwash

East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service is looking for new on-call firefighters to join its team in Burwash.
Goldendoodle makes remarkable recovery after devastating road accident in Hampshire

A young Goldendoodle has made an extraordinary recovery after suffering a broken spine, shattered leg and multiple internal injuries in a road traffic accident.