SEPTEMBER - Sunshine at Goodwood Revival 2021

" I'm having a massive party and everyone is invited. " is what the Duke of Richmond may as well have said.

Goodwood Revival this year was better than I remembered and a breath of fresh air after a year and a half of COVID19 madness. Not a face mask or vaccine passport in sight. Just pure fun. Crowds of people dressed up and ready to party. The joy of being together. The chatter of happy voices. The bubbling overflowing river of life spilling out of every corner and crevice.

There was glamour in bucketloads. There was champagne and cigars and dancing. Vintage cars, vintage outfits, vintage merry go round rides. A Drive In movie area. Jazz bands. Rock and Roll. Classic cycling bikes and powerful motorbikes. Tanks and planes and jeeps.

The Revival is an immersive experience. You arrive at Goodwood down a winding country lane and park in a field with hundreds of other cars. Almost immediately you are thrown into a surreal world of yesteryear. Everything has been decked out like an old movie set but it is real and you are involved in the action - part of the unfolding drama. The races are real. The crashes are real and that is why I appreciate that the Duke and his family take this seriously and pray for safety over the track every morning as well as taking communion on Sunday morning.

( Photo Credit Goodwood Revival )

The roar of powerful car engines hits you in the guts and brings a tear to the eye. It is both extravagant and incredible. You can freely wander through the paddocks and see the motor cars up close and personal. Help push them out of their parking bays. Talk to the drivers and owners.

( Photo Credit Goodwood Revival )

There are parties spilling out of every tent. No-one feels embarrassed or awkward on the dance floor. You are free to join in with abandon or watch from the sidelines. Fuelled on noisy cars, loud happy laughter, the sweet aroma of cigar smoke, the popping of champagne corks and plenty of music.

( Photo Credit Goodwood Revival )

As an artist and a creative I found inspiration at every corner. New colour combinations. Better ways of putting together an outfit. Retro cool. Elegance. Dangerous curves, leaded paint, chrome, burning rubber, music, laughter & dancing.

People come from all over the world to experience this. It is truly unique to Goodwood and worth putting aside a weekend in September for. It is the perfect time of year for it. The very tail end of the summer and the light at this time of year is sharp, clean, fresh and bright. I think they call it 'Champagne light,' a perfect accompaniment to the bubbly refreshment.

I left with my head spinning. Amazed at how incredible the whole day was and vowing to come again next year. I think I feel like this every time I go and it is why I keep returning year after year after year.

" Thank-you GOODWOOD for throwing your gates open and welcoming us all in to your party. It was one of the highlights of my year. "