The Goodwood Revival is one of Goodwood House’s premier events alongside the Festival of Speed. On Sunday, the racing at Goodwood Circuit paused for a while as the track organized a block party on the course to commemorate the 80-year anniversary of World War II’s conclusion in Europe.

The party was intended to replicate the celebrations that took place on May 8, 1945, shortly after Nazi Germany’s surrender to the Allies. London in particular was the site of mass jubilation in the streets and even an address by Prime Minister Winston Churchill.

The Revival is often the site for such anniversary ceremonies since it’s specifically designed as a vintage event (as opposed to the Festival of Speed in July, which balances between historic and modern) with everyone in period-accurate vehicles and clothing. For example, the 2024 Revival commemorated the 80th anniversary of D-Day with a parade of Second World War vehicles—including Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery’s personal vehicle in France during Overlord, a Rolls-Royce Wraith restored by Richard Hammond—prior to the Sunday slate.

The estate previously celebrated the 75th anniversary of VE Day in May 2020. It was supposed to take place in person but was replaced by a livestream due to COVID-19.

Following the Barry Sheene Memorial Trophy for 1948–1966 Grand Prix bikes, the circuit was cleared for the party. Attendees, dressed in 1940s-styled civilian and service attire (some getting in character), walked onto the course with tables and food or danced together, intending to replicate the jubilation in the streets. Many carried and waved the Union Jack. A handful of attendees were also those who lived through the Blitz and war.

Around them, vehicles paraded around the track. The military convoy included—but was certainly not limited to—trucks like the GMC CCKW and AEC Matador, M1A1 wrecker, voluntary aid detachment (VAD) and medic ambulances, and motorcycles and even a Norton Big 4 sidecar. Civilian pieces that were common in London in 1945 were also present such as Tilling-Stevens B10A2 and Leyland Titan TD1 buses.

Charles Gordon-Lennox, the Duke of Richmond and owner of Goodwood House, gave the following address amid the festivities:

80 years ago, on the 8th of May 1945, Britain and her allies poured into the streets to mark victory in Europe. After nearly six long and grueling years, a war of extraordinary sacrifice and outstanding bravery, the conflict in Europe was finally over.

Of course, the war was not yet finished in the Pacific and there were still difficult months ahead before the final end of fighting on August the 15th, but here in Europe, it was a day when joy and togetherness returned, a moment of relief, gratitude and hope for the future.

Across the nation, there was a spontaneous collective euphoria. Tables were laid out in the streets. Bunting was strung between lampposts. Neighbors gathered to dance and sing. For the first time in nearly six years, people allowed themselves to celebrate.

In London, an enormous crowd gathered, using whatever transport they could lay their hands on, as Sir Winston Churchill appeared with the King and Queen on the balcony of Buckingham Palace. The imagery from the day captures an outpouring of emotion, the like of which has perhaps never been seen before or since in human history.

That is the spirit that we are remembering here today. It is the chance not only to reflect on the hardship of those times, but to honors the values that carried people through them: resilience, unity, and an unshakable belief in brighter days ahead. Those lessons remain as important today as they were then.

I’m especially so delighted to see so many children with us at the tables this afternoon. It is through you, the next generation, that these stories will be carried forward, and that the courage and sacrifice of those years will never, ever be forgotten.

So please, join the party and embrace the jubilation. Have a dance, raise a glass, enjoy the music, the laughter and the spirit of a street party such as our parents and grandparents experienced in 1945.

The party lasted roughly an hour. Following a group rendition of “God Save the King”, racing resumed with the Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration.

Goodwood House was used as a military hospital during World War II, while the surrounding area was the Westhampnett airbase for the RAF. After the war, the latter was converted into a race track. The first races took place three years later in 1948.

Featured image credit: Kieran Cleeves / PA Media Assignments