Nine of the best motoring events to add to your calendar this summer

By: Motor Easy
Nine of the best motoring events to add to your calendar this summer

There’s no shortage of festivals in the UK to satisfy any motoring junky’s fix, and after missing events for the last two years, this summer is set to be big. Your only problem might be choosing which one to attend with a series of motoring extravaganzas with something for everyone.

 

For classics 

The Classic, 26 - 28 August, Silverstone, Northants 

This is Silverstone’s longest-running event and persistently a huge success. Expect to see F1 cars and touring cars from the 1920s up to 2000, lots of other entertainment for all the family, including a food festival and live music each night of the festival.

In a world exclusive, The Classic will be paying tribute to Sir Lewis Hamilton by displaying all seven of his title-winning Formula One cars.

The UK’s Rarest Cars segment will be returning to the classic this year, with an enlarged collection on display thanks to support from MotorEasy. 

“MotorEasy is delighted to be involved in supporting this event, with so many fascinating cars from yesteryear. I’m sure that many of us have our own distant memories of driving many of these models that were remarkable in their day,” said Mr McClure Fisher.

For thrill 

Festival of Speed, 23 - 26 June, Goodwood House, Chichester, West Sussex

With F1 machinery, motorsport legends, immersive experiences and the latest motoring tech - the Festival of Speed has everything to keep motorheads entertained.

This is all on top of the iconic Hillclimb which sees road and race cars and bikes, of all ages, careering up the same,challenging hill to set the fastest speed. The recent winning cars include McLaren 720S GT3X, Volkswagen I.D R Pikes Peak and Jaguar XJR-12D.

For drag race 

Dragstalgia, 8 -10 July, Santa Pod Raceway, Northants

Race cars, bikes and hot rods from yesteryear take to the strip during this vintage lifestyle weekend, competing in a range of classes.

Expect whacky motors and thrills, alongside live music in keeping with this era of hotrod racing and a range of food and souvenir stalls. You can even show your own car and test it on the quarter-mile track.

For families 

CarFest North, 22 - 24 July, Cheshire / CarFest South, 26 - 28 August, Hampshire 

One of the biggest festivals dedicated to cars, but CarFest claims to be seven festivals in one, including dedicated kids areas, food stalls, retro and wellness zones and live music from Nile Rogers and CHIC, McFly, Ronan Keating and Melanie C, to name a few. 

But most importantly,what cars can you expect? On the track, you can see F1 cars, supercars, drifters and more, driven by some of the superstars of the industry. 

And you can get to have a spin in a Ferrari California, a supercharged Ford Mustang, or a smoking Dodge Viper. CarFest also raises thousands for children’s charities every year.

For motorbikes 

Bike Shed, 27 - 29 May, Tobacco Dock, London

Europe’s biggest independent annual motorcycle show celebrates motorcycle culture, with over 240 curated custom motorcycles from all over the world.

The event, set in London’s historic Tobacco Dock, also promises live music, art, photography, and hand-made accessories alongside retailers and exhibitors.

Bike Shed is famous for its superb hospitality with seventeen street food vendors, barista coffee, six bars, a pub and lounge spaces. There’s also tattoo artists, and a traditional barbershop.

For something different

Battle of Britain Airshow, 22 - 24 June, Headcorn Aerodrome, Kent

Onto its seventh year, the Battle of Britain Airshow combines choreographed Battle-of-Britain era aircraft displays with family friendly attractions and re-enactments.

While it’s obviously not a car show, the roaring engines and thrilling air displays are likely to impress most motoring fans.

There’s a total of 12 one-of-a-kind air displays, all in the very airspace where the Battle of Britain took place more than 80 years ago.

For value for money

Old Ford Rally, 17 July,  British Motor Museum, Warwick

With a variety of pre-1995 vehicles including Anglias, Capris, Cortinas, Escorts, Fiestas, Granadas, Model Ts, Zephyrs and Zodiacs.

As the Capri 280 Group celebrate their 35th Anniversary, the Rally will include the largest gathering of Capri 280s since their production. Tickets will also give you admission to the Rootes Heritage Day and access to the British Motoring Museum too.

For a race

Goodwood Revival, 16 - 18 September 2022

Enjoy stepping back in time for a full weekend of unrivaled racing fun. The Goodwood Revival is an immersive celebration of a world where “make do and mend” was a way of life.

The main attraction is the motor circuit which will see rare and priceless cars go wheel-to-wheel, driven by champions.

But the whole weekend is dedicated to the spirit of the ‘40s, 50s and 60s and there’s a vintage high street, a car boot sale, a fun fair and lots of options for a bit to eat.

For variety 

The British Motor Show, 18 - 21 August, Farnborough 

All the things you love about cars are put in one place. This year, the British Motor Show will have more cars and more entertainment than previous years, with action to entertain all the family.

Get up close to cars of all pedigree, whether you need help deciding your next new car, or you want to drool over some of the rarest supercars in the world.

Also explore the newest motoring tech, check out the classic car parades, stunt shows and there’s also go-karting and giant Scalextric for the kids.

View all articles