A Damp, Monochrome 2023 Festival of Speed
Returning to the Festival of Speed this year was a damp disappointment. Not just because of the weather but because something didn’t sit right with me. My last visit was in 2019, which I thoroughly enjoyed, like all my previous visits. After such a break, did I expect too much from the 30th edition of the Goodwood Festival of Speed?
Unleashing Porsche Passion – a Quick Road Trip to the FlatSix Show at Goodwood Motor Circuit
Last year’s inaugural FlatSix Show displayed a high standard through the images and reports which surfaced after the event, making it a definite on my calendar for this year. With all good intentions, the day was blocked out in my calendar, but for some reason, I hadn’t purchased a ticket. Two weeks before, I was still sat on the fence. It took a message from a good friend about an early morning B-road jaunt down to Goodwood before I committed and bought my ticket. With the meeting place agreed upon and time set for ‘oh-my-it’s-early’, another Porsche adventure was ahead of us.
Sizzling Sunshine, Vintage Volkswagens and Good Vibes
Following close on the heels of Lavenham, the Käffer Nation UK show provided another opportunity to indulge in the wonderful classic Volkswagen scene. With a very different approach, this event focuses on bringing together wonderful people and vehicles in the Surrey hills and caters for every taste, whether you like stock, custom or race cars. There were even a few hot rods and other classics squeezed into the stunning lakeside location, which even has a small sandy beach that adds to the cool vibes.
Lavenham Vintage Volkswagen Show
Lavenham’s old, crooked buildings make for a visually spectacular backdrop on any day. Add to this a fantastic collection of vintage Volkswagens displayed in different areas of the mediaeval village, and the result is a ready-made photoshoot alongside one of the best displays of historic Volkswagens outside of Germany.
Bike Shed Show, Tobacco Dock, London 2023
The Bike Shed Show has become one of the most significant and diverse motorcycle events worldwide. This year, the show curated over 300 new custom motorcycles from all over the world. Add to that Shed Talks, live music, high-quality street food and drinks, multiple bars and lounges, gallery spaces, tattoo artists and a traditional barbershop. There were plenty of wheels, art, and adventure on offer.
Sartorial Elegance from the Concours on Savile Row
It’s hard to believe that this spectacular display of bespoke tailoring and sensational cars is only in its second year. Run by the wonderful Magneto magazine and its partners, this two-day event oozes elegance and sophistication. There’s plenty of glitz and glamour to get rolled up in. Sited in the middle of Mayfair, during the week, the Concours on Saville Row offers a visual feast of automotive and tailored elegance.
Ready, Retro Rides Player One?
Surprising as it may sound, this was my first visit to Retro Rides Weekender. In all honesty, it was my first Retro Rides event, but having lived previous gatherings through digital and print media I thought I had a good understanding of what to expect. Was I right? Let’s say that disappointment was at a big fat zero and every other sense was at 11. With such a wild mix of rides, a fantastic venue and a great vibe throughout the event, all I can say is I’ll be back for more.
Tide’s out, and the flag drops for the Malle Beach Race
With a bucket and spade full of excitement, it was time to head down to glorious Margate to enjoy the annual tradition of watching inappropriate motorcycles racing along the golden beach. That’s right; it’s Malle Beach Race time of year, and with warm sunny weather predicted, it could be a scorcher…
356 Spring Drive, tulips through Kent
Over the course of our local car night dinner, the discussion turned to the following week’s 356 Spring Drive. Not owning a 356, I felt a little envious of those who would enjoy this adventure. Desperate to not miss out, I asked the organiser, and long-time friend of mine, Richard, if he’d be happy to share the route with me. I offered to capture some images of all the cars as they traversed the quieter roads of Kent and Sussex. ‘Why don’t you jump in with me?’ was his reply—this offer took milliseconds to decide on. Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to spend a day riding around the countryside in a beautiful 1965 Porsche 356C?