‘The Revival’ is a unique event, taking the visitor back in time to a world of classic vehicles, vintage aircraft and re-enacted street scenes. Moreover the public are encouraged to join in with the theme and attend wearing period costumes, and do so in such great numbers that the visitor becomes a part of the event, creating an atmosphere unlike any other. The motor racing around the historic track is quite rightly the centre of attention but the Revival also hosts a static aircraft display and a number of flying items – both of which are of the highest quality.
The Freddie March Spirit of Aviation enclosure offered some stunning pre-1966 aircraft, many of which are rarely seen elsewhere. There are no barriers to spoil the views, with the public trusted to behave in keeping with the transition back to simpler times.
With the layout at Goodwood not allowing the necessary safety margins the flying displays are restricted to passes along the ‘A axis’, but the pilots make the most of it by offering close top side passes with extremely tight formations from the multi-aircraft routines. Each day opened with a Dawn Patrol by either or both of the OFMC’s Spitfire IX MH434 and Mustang ‘Ferocious Frankie’, and on the Saturday evening these two aircraft performed a sunset display before taxiing in to greet the specially invited guests to the Ball. The pair also took part in other sequences during the event, along with the Fighter Collection’s P-40B and P-40F.
The BBMF are also regulars, though sadly Lancaster PA474 couldn’t beat the weather to appear as part of the Dambusters 70 commemoration.
Perhaps one of the most anticipated display items of the year was the debut in its new colours of Midair’s Canberra PR9. The classic jet looks stunning in its silver scheme, and will be the star attraction of any event it attends in 2014.
Track action included everything from pedal cars to machinery worth many millions of pounds – with most raced without limits, resulting in some serious repair bills for an unlucky few. The weather contributed to much sideways action, especially on the Sunday afternoon.
And then there is the atmosphere. Hopefully the following will offer some idea of what makes the Revival so special:
And, if you’ll excuse me, that brings this report to its end:
Avpics - Phil Whalley 
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