The world-famous Goodwood Festival of Speed has now become one of the highlights of the summer events calendar in the UK, with some of the world’s greatest and rarest cars entertaining huge crowds as they gather at the historic hill climb, a brand of motorsport on an uphill course.
The event is a must if you’re a car lover, with everything from pre-war Bentleys to modern-day Formula 1 cars driven by the stars of the sport. The Goodwood rally stage is a must, with classic and modern-day rally cars throwing up dust (or mud) as they slalom through the purpose-built course.
One of the classic Mercedes you can see at the festival. Photo by Phil Hall
Attending the Festival of Speed
Where: The event is held on the grounds of Goodwood House, West Sussex, England.
When: It takes place over three days from 26 – 28th June 2015.
The Moving Motor Show is also happening the day before, on the 25th, where some of the world’s largest motor manufacturers show off their latest machinery.
Tickets: Tickets start from £51 for adult entry, and need to be bought in advance.
They are available from www.grrc.goodwood.com where you’ll also find all the information you need about the events each day.
Tips for taking photographs at Goodwood
- Get there early as it’s going to be busy. If you want to focus on the hill climb and have general admission, you’ll need to be one of the first spectators through the gate to get a good spot (bring a collapsible chair too).
- Head to the pits and the paddock, as there will be plenty of great photo opportunities. Look out for candid shots of drivers, close-ups and detailed shots among the array of cars and bikes on show.
- Make the effort to walk up the hill and explore the wooded rally stage as it’s often easier to get a better position than the hill climb. With numerous jumps and sharp hairpin bends, the course offers huge potential.
- Lenses: A 70-200mm is a good option, although you might want to pack something with slightly longer reach. Remember, though, that you’ll have to lug it around all day. A 50mm and a wide-angle are also worth taking along.
Don’t forget to take a long telephoto lens to Goodwood – the Red Arrows perform each year at the event. Photo by Michael Topham
