Goodwood FOS Very Disappointing
Discussion
I have just got back from the Goodwood festival of speed, the first time I have been, and I have to say I was less than impressed! The signposting for the campsites was terrible and very confusing, the hill climb is lined with hay bails four or more feet high and you have to stand six feet back from them behind a rope so effectively all the cars are in a channel and you can't see them even when they drive right past, they have an interactive map which would be great if it actually had names of stands on rather than just a few sponsor locations, the published list of things going on was not followed and the locations of each event not mentioned, There was a classic car carpark somewhere I would like to have seen. I know it existed because it was in the programme (But with no location) and even the information tent couldn't say exactly where it might be! I could go on....
I am pretty sure we missed a lot of things to see because they were just impossible to find. I shan't be going again. Very disappointing.
I am pretty sure we missed a lot of things to see because they were just impossible to find. I shan't be going again. Very disappointing.
Didn't go this year (been almost every year for the last ten or so) and was wondering if the hay bale viewing issue has been improved. From the coverage they looked a bit lower but wider but it seems not. I understand it is a safety thing with the larger and heavier stuff going up these days, but it really does limit visibility, especially for the lower cars.
Only went on Friday and didnt camp so cant comment on that, but have been going a few years and every year it seems to get busier !
I think if oyu really want a decent view, you need to fork out for Grandstand tickets now I know thats not affordable for everybody but personally those are a must, we had roving grandstand tickets for Friday and made the most of those
I did notice on Friday the running order got very delayed due to red flags which I understand, it seemed worse or just more incidents than usual.
I thought the Fan Zone was a good addition and it was great to sit and eat our Lunch when Damon Hill was at the Fan Zone on Friday was also a bit quieter there so good to get away from the crowds as well.
Plenty of toilets and the free water stations were invaluable in the heat. Its a massive event and I always found getting there early before it got busy gave a different vibe to it
this was the paddock at 06:41 on Friday morning... totally different experience to what it was like even an hour later, saw Derek Bell wandering across in front of the house on his way to get Breakfast and despite alot of things were covered up you dont get access like this anywhere else.
I do agree the commerical side of it has got bigger and not necessarily better but I just tend to avoid that side of it to be honest.
I think if oyu really want a decent view, you need to fork out for Grandstand tickets now I know thats not affordable for everybody but personally those are a must, we had roving grandstand tickets for Friday and made the most of those
I did notice on Friday the running order got very delayed due to red flags which I understand, it seemed worse or just more incidents than usual.
I thought the Fan Zone was a good addition and it was great to sit and eat our Lunch when Damon Hill was at the Fan Zone on Friday was also a bit quieter there so good to get away from the crowds as well.
Plenty of toilets and the free water stations were invaluable in the heat. Its a massive event and I always found getting there early before it got busy gave a different vibe to it
this was the paddock at 06:41 on Friday morning... totally different experience to what it was like even an hour later, saw Derek Bell wandering across in front of the house on his way to get Breakfast and despite alot of things were covered up you dont get access like this anywhere else.
I do agree the commerical side of it has got bigger and not necessarily better but I just tend to avoid that side of it to be honest.
keynsham said:
I have just got back from the Goodwood festival of speed, the first time I have been, and I have to say I was less than impressed! The signposting for the campsites was terrible and very confusing, the hill climb is lined with hay bails four or more feet high and you have to stand six feet back from them behind a rope so effectively all the cars are in a channel and you can't see them even when they drive right past, they have an interactive map which would be great if it actually had names of stands on rather than just a few sponsor locations, the published list of things going on was not followed and the locations of each event not mentioned, There was a classic car carpark somewhere I would like to have seen. I know it existed because it was in the programme (But with no location) and even the information tent couldn't say exactly where it might be! I could go on....
I am pretty sure we missed a lot of things to see because they were just impossible to find. I shan't be going again. Very disappointing.
You're not wrong.I am pretty sure we missed a lot of things to see because they were just impossible to find. I shan't be going again. Very disappointing.
However, it sounds like your expectation was not inline with the current format, and that you likely didn't prepare based on what you hoped to gain from the day.
Whether that's an issue with the Event, your perception, or an incompatibility between the things we hear about Goodwood, and its current format, are not really worth quibbling over.
For any future visitors I'd recommend make a few pointers:
It's now very commercial. It's not a hill climb up some old guys' drive, with the fancy cars from yesteryear.
It's extremely busy, and as such, the facilities have had to move with the times to acommodate safely the quantity of visitors.
One needs a strong pre-visualisation and timing plan to make the most of the day.
It is neither set out like a Theme Park, nor managed like a staged Event. It is much more ad hoc as so much of what is happening is independent units/ clubs/ drivers/ businesses. It's in some ways, a deli counter. Yes, everyone has a ticket to the hill. But you don't know whether they'll be taking a slice of pork pie, or ordering the full buffet.
It's imperative to get the App. Alongside a morning-of rough paper plan. Timings are subject to change for weather, breakdowns, crashes, and general chaos. It is not a football match. It is very fluid. There is a lot of unique machinery running.
The layout and map of the place is straightforward. Once you know it. Tying the route you are prepared to traverse, with the times you would like to be in locations is an art not easily done on the fly.
The hay bails. Take a portable stool. One of the little foldable badgers. Not only does it give a breather in the shade, or while waiting to cross the track, but it will make you feel like a god as you peruse over the bails at any point up the track.
Ignore the whole 'village'. You'll invariably end up there but it will be there regardless. Focus on the activities you want to view.
Ignore reps, guides, advisors, and most staff. What are they gonna do. They are all bossing there own little kingdom and stopping the football jersey crowd from A: dying, or B: causing a public nuisance. Again, check maps, satellite and plan ahead. Set up your own plan so when you arrive any info is taken under advisement.
A lot of signage is for congestion flow, and crowd management. Not for the ease of access, or your personal efficiency. You'll end up in dead ends, corners, and doubling back if you follow signs.
Plan breaks. Take a water bottle. The water availability is excellent.
The food is s
te and expensive.And the best part imho is at the very top of the hill. You can watch the fly pasts. See unique cars. Have easier access to the turnaround. The Rally stage is very accessible. And all the lazy, unable to walk, non-planners end up tugging off to a Ferrari for the 'gram down at the Start Line, and all the fun stuff is up top. With far fewer people.
It really does require a thorough plan of action though. And a good understanding of where everything is. Otherwise, as you've discovered. The only way to enjoy, is to pay, pay, pay.
If you simply wish to see the fast cars go up the Hill. Watch the Tv. As there isn't a massive amount of joy to be had anymore. You'd be better served at the Meeting.
I went on Friday, what I've noticed this year more than the previous few is the amount of people trying to be influencers or there to be seen as cool for social media clout, I have this and these people pull all the enjoyment out of events like this because They're all up your ass with their camera's or in the way, whatever happened to just going to something like this and taking it all in? The first year I went I barely took a photo because there was so much to see and do. You can also tell who they are, because they're all currently complaining about the dust/price of beer and ice-cream......this isn't new, it's mostly always been a thing.
I go for the cars and I must say that this year wasn't particularly exciting nor did I enjoy it as much as previous years. Maybe time to give it a miss for a year or two.
I go for the cars and I must say that this year wasn't particularly exciting nor did I enjoy it as much as previous years. Maybe time to give it a miss for a year or two.
It's easy to deal with 'Influencers'.
Be visually uninteresting. Provide no content. Provide no audio.
They have a reasonable right to film in a Public Place. One could argue the toss as to whether it becomes business related and thus requires permits.
Equally, they have no sway over what you do.
In the past I'd acquiesce to a family taking a photo, or someone trying to capture a moment on camera.
These days, crack on. Ignore everyone. You're of no interest, if you are of no interest. We've streamlined the crack-head internet culture to such a degree that only the very peak of interest will be worthy, and as such, us General Public are once again free to bumble.
Be visually uninteresting. Provide no content. Provide no audio.
They have a reasonable right to film in a Public Place. One could argue the toss as to whether it becomes business related and thus requires permits.
Equally, they have no sway over what you do.
In the past I'd acquiesce to a family taking a photo, or someone trying to capture a moment on camera.
These days, crack on. Ignore everyone. You're of no interest, if you are of no interest. We've streamlined the crack-head internet culture to such a degree that only the very peak of interest will be worthy, and as such, us General Public are once again free to bumble.
I went back in the mid 90s and it was busy then. And you had to look over the hay bales. I stopped going when I realised that the amount you see if directly proportional to the amount you spend. As someone who isnt bothered about the chance to meet a driver.. I watched the thing on the big screen. So I'll watch at home.
normalbloke said:
Revival.
I gave up on FOS some years ago. Too commercial, too crowded, too much of a car show. Good TV highlights.Revival I've attended almost every year, although again it's turning into a massive village fete and shopping centre. The days when I used to go down in November and buy tickets from Lord March in person are long gone. I also abandoned GRRC membership some years ago. By the time you've done a few Revivals and a few Le Mans Classics the reality is you're seeing the same cars in the same races with more or less the same outcomes over and over again.
In many ways these events end up becoming a victim of their own success.
It's been some years since I went, but I don't think I'd go again, even watching the youtube feed got a bit tiresome, with commentators feigning interest in yet another ugly electric SUV going up the hill.
Still letting fast electric stuff run but not ICE too.
I think its morphed from a classic/retro motorsport event to a car event with a bit of old stuff thrown in.
I wonder if some of the other smaller classic/retro events will start to grow.
Still letting fast electric stuff run but not ICE too.
I think its morphed from a classic/retro motorsport event to a car event with a bit of old stuff thrown in.
I wonder if some of the other smaller classic/retro events will start to grow.
You need grandstand passes really, decent views and somewhere to get out of the relentless sun otherwise there aren’t many other options. It was the same last year, the weather was fantastic.
The best vantage points of the hill climb are the crossing points, for some reason they never seemed busy yet other parts of the hill lined with hay were rammed.
You’re right about the schedule, they were an hour behind by 1pm yesterday which meant we spent a LONG time sat in the grandstand wondering what was going on.
It’s also majorly busy in general, but not much you can do about that.
One thing I’d implement is more staff in the Performance Parking section, it’s a destination in it’s own right for car spotters and there’s always a few people that have zero respect.
I can back to hand marks, even an arse print on the side where someone had leaned against it, with all the dust it’s not good for the paintwork and from memory it was £90 to park there.
The best vantage points of the hill climb are the crossing points, for some reason they never seemed busy yet other parts of the hill lined with hay were rammed.
You’re right about the schedule, they were an hour behind by 1pm yesterday which meant we spent a LONG time sat in the grandstand wondering what was going on.
It’s also majorly busy in general, but not much you can do about that.
One thing I’d implement is more staff in the Performance Parking section, it’s a destination in it’s own right for car spotters and there’s always a few people that have zero respect.
I can back to hand marks, even an arse print on the side where someone had leaned against it, with all the dust it’s not good for the paintwork and from memory it was £90 to park there.
I went today as well. It was incredibly busy, more so than I ever remember previous years (and I must have been to 20+ now). The site really must be at capacity now.
It gets a little more commercial each year and, as a result, loses a little more of its soul. I did wonder what the original founders (back in 1993 I think) would think of it now. It is undoubtedly very profitable for the Goodwood Estate which is all they really care about I suspect.
I thought the “additional” commentator in the F1 paddock was a complete pillock. Sitting in the Members’ pit stop area, Goodwood managed to cock up the PA system by having the “additional” commentator and John Watson piped in over each other at the same time.
My other thought was how poor some of the car stands were. The Porsche stand was really a shadow of its former self and the Audi stand was next to nothing. No real opportunities to sit in the cars either. That said, I did manage to book a slot for the Land Rover experience, which was good.
I have bought tickets for the 2027 Members meeting (still a jewel which I hope they don’t ruin) and will make a decision on the Revival just before the event as I’m sure it won’t sell out. Going to FoS next year will also be a last minute decision.
It gets a little more commercial each year and, as a result, loses a little more of its soul. I did wonder what the original founders (back in 1993 I think) would think of it now. It is undoubtedly very profitable for the Goodwood Estate which is all they really care about I suspect.
I thought the “additional” commentator in the F1 paddock was a complete pillock. Sitting in the Members’ pit stop area, Goodwood managed to cock up the PA system by having the “additional” commentator and John Watson piped in over each other at the same time.
My other thought was how poor some of the car stands were. The Porsche stand was really a shadow of its former self and the Audi stand was next to nothing. No real opportunities to sit in the cars either. That said, I did manage to book a slot for the Land Rover experience, which was good.
I have bought tickets for the 2027 Members meeting (still a jewel which I hope they don’t ruin) and will make a decision on the Revival just before the event as I’m sure it won’t sell out. Going to FoS next year will also be a last minute decision.
Was my first one after being a fan for years. First time Ive been able to economically afford it personally, as I’m probably far below when it comes to net worth compared to the average PHer 
.
Went with my girlfriend and our 2 year old toddler, who truth be told behaved impeccably. My criticism would echo the OP regarding signage (we parked up in general and we’re like, where do we go now?) and crossing the track with a pushchair wasn’t easy (thats our choice to bring a toddler, but I did think if youre a wheelchair user going to before the start line or waiting potentially an hour to get ‘into the middle) isn’t great. We had some great people around us when we carried our push chair over the start line bridge, but thats not an option in a wheelchair. Easy for me to say, but they need tunnels under the track IMO.
Hospitality/Concierge gave us (and others with a pushchair) a lift back to our car in a genuinely lovely Citroen C5 which was nice.
Was an incredible event. The best car related thing Ive ever done. But more signs, and in a wild dream, more track crossing points please!
. Went with my girlfriend and our 2 year old toddler, who truth be told behaved impeccably. My criticism would echo the OP regarding signage (we parked up in general and we’re like, where do we go now?) and crossing the track with a pushchair wasn’t easy (thats our choice to bring a toddler, but I did think if youre a wheelchair user going to before the start line or waiting potentially an hour to get ‘into the middle) isn’t great. We had some great people around us when we carried our push chair over the start line bridge, but thats not an option in a wheelchair. Easy for me to say, but they need tunnels under the track IMO.
Hospitality/Concierge gave us (and others with a pushchair) a lift back to our car in a genuinely lovely Citroen C5 which was nice.
Was an incredible event. The best car related thing Ive ever done. But more signs, and in a wild dream, more track crossing points please!
My first time since 2019 and before that I have been several years.
Main issues are the lack of car content. Which seems an odd thing to say. I guess cost of living hurting everyone.
You used to have 50-60 cars during the shootout. This year was very lack luster.
EV's can go up full tilt but F1 and single seaters are banned?
Can only echo with the hay bails. You need a grandstand pass to see anything.
Crazy how quickly it can all change in just 5 years. Especially with influencers. Absolutely everywhere.
Rally stage has always been my favourite and still great however. Although again not as many as before. (I guess everything is just getting old now)
I realise I must be getting old but the one positive I have seen from the weekend is that the online viewing gets better and better every year. Most likely better to sit at home with some mates and a BBQ and watch it on the screen.
I do like the tip of carrying a portable stool around. Deffo one to do if I ever come back again.
Main issues are the lack of car content. Which seems an odd thing to say. I guess cost of living hurting everyone.
You used to have 50-60 cars during the shootout. This year was very lack luster.
EV's can go up full tilt but F1 and single seaters are banned?
Can only echo with the hay bails. You need a grandstand pass to see anything.
Crazy how quickly it can all change in just 5 years. Especially with influencers. Absolutely everywhere.
Rally stage has always been my favourite and still great however. Although again not as many as before. (I guess everything is just getting old now)
I realise I must be getting old but the one positive I have seen from the weekend is that the online viewing gets better and better every year. Most likely better to sit at home with some mates and a BBQ and watch it on the screen.
I do like the tip of carrying a portable stool around. Deffo one to do if I ever come back again.
Edited by BricktopST205 on Sunday 12th July 19:34
The online channel is brilliant, makes it harder to justify going!
I will make the effort to go next year after an absence of about seven years now (went each year before) though I think judging from the comments I may be disappointed.
Used to get free tickets to the moving motor show which was brilliant as it was really quiet. You could mooch around all the dealer stands and the paddocks on the Thursday and there was loads of cars on all the big stands that you could hop in and out of plus the Porsche driving experience in the Cayenne round the field then go again on Saturday or Sunday and watch the Hill climb all day.
Due to the increasing cost, I would only be able to justify one day to cram in as much as possible now. Will give it a go again next year as I only live just over an hour away so not to far to go and am lucky to have such a great event so near.
I will make the effort to go next year after an absence of about seven years now (went each year before) though I think judging from the comments I may be disappointed.
Used to get free tickets to the moving motor show which was brilliant as it was really quiet. You could mooch around all the dealer stands and the paddocks on the Thursday and there was loads of cars on all the big stands that you could hop in and out of plus the Porsche driving experience in the Cayenne round the field then go again on Saturday or Sunday and watch the Hill climb all day.
Due to the increasing cost, I would only be able to justify one day to cram in as much as possible now. Will give it a go again next year as I only live just over an hour away so not to far to go and am lucky to have such a great event so near.
Dog Biscuit said:
It always happens with things like this - something starts up and is a good thing, word spreads and popularity increases. Then all of a sudden the corporate world descends and rips the arse out of it, exploiting every oppertunity to make money.
You’ve hit the nail on the head. Gassing Station | Goodwood Events | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff