4 days ago
The Sun's ultimate motoring festival guide – from race day where kids go FREE to best track days for every supercar fan
THE UK hosts some of the world's greatest car events - ranging from family-friendly festivals to petrol-fuelled gatherings.
With the sun shining, it's the perfect time to start planning your car-themed outing - and Sun Motors has pulled together the ultimate guide for petrol-heads this summer.
Whether you're a serious car enthusiast or simply looking for an event for the entire family, there's something for everyone happening across the country between now and the end of August.
Tom Jervis, Consumer Editor at Auto Express, revealed his top picks for the best car shows, meets and motorsport weekends that are coming up.
Best for Families
British Grand Prix, Silverstone – 4–6 July
The iconic Silverstone circuit, located in Northamptonshire, is the home of British motorsport.
Its pinnacle event, the British Grand Prix, is the ultimate summer spectacle.
But it's not just for the F1 superfans, as the weekend's action is varied and tailored for everyone - from hardcore racegoers to casual attendees - with something for the whole family.
Tom says: 'Yes, it's loud and packed, but the British Grand Prix is one of the ultimate shared experiences for motorsport-loving families.
'With child-friendly zones, merchandise galore, live music from acts like Sam Fender, RAYE, Becky Hill, and Fat Boy Slim, and a weekend of thrilling track action, this is a must-see event.
'Watching British talent like Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris compete on home soil is unforgettable.
'While it's not the cheapest family weekend, the atmosphere and excitement make it worth it.'
Tickets for the British Grand Prix went on sale last September, with prices ranging from £99 for a single day (Friday) to £349 for the full weekend.
For those on a budget, general admission offers generally excellent views around Silverstone as well as roving access to most grandstands on Friday.
The most affordable grandstands include Vale and Village A.
For those on a mid-range budget, grandstands that are recommended include the Hamilton Straight - located on the start/finish line and pits - as well as the iconic Woodcote A-B, and Becketts.
Fans can buy tickets through the Formula 1 Ticket Portal via the official F1 website, the Silverstone site, or secondary markets like StubHub.
London E-Prix, ExCeL London – 19–20 July
Racing action in the capital? You bet.
Formula E is rapidly becoming a hugely popular form of motor racing, with the unique, all-electric series bringing the action to major cities across the world - including London for the season finale.
'The all-electric Formula E championship brings a high-speed spectacle to London on a unique indoor/outdoor circuit at the ExCeL centre,' adds Tom.
'It's perfect for families interested in greener motoring, with less noise than traditional motorsport."
This quieter nature of Formula E is one of its big advantages over Formula 1 and allows races to be held in urban areas with less disturbance to residents.
Indeed, parents often find Formula E events more suitable for families, as the reduced sound levels create a more comfortable and enjoyable experience for all ages.
Tom added: 'The Fan Village offers racing simulators, live music, driver meet-and-greets, and a Kids' Corner with games and activities.
'It's ideal for tech-savvy children and eco-conscious parents.'
Tickets for the London E-Prix start from £21.00 for single-day admission (Saturday or Sunday), with weekend tickets priced from £110.25 - a cheaper day out for those on a budget.
Category tickets range from £52.50 to £187.95, depending on seating and age group, while children under 3 years old can attend for free if seated on a parent's lap.
For those seeking premium experiences, hospitality packages are available - including the aptly named Platinum Suite which is priced at £920.00 for single-day access (Sunday) or £1,325.00 for the weekend.
British Motor Show, Farnborough – 14–17 August
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The British Motor Show, held in Farnborough, aims to cater to both car enthusiasts and families alike, blending entertainment, interactivity and a range of family-focused exhibits.
'Quickly becoming a staple of the family motoring calendar, the British Motor Show offers new car launches, driving experiences, and live stunt shows,' said Tom.
'Kids will love attractions like face painting, a magician, Lego zones, and giveaways, while adults can enjoy celebrity guest appearances and exciting displays like the Supercar Showdown and the Red Devils Parachute Display Team.'
Known for offering great value for money, tickets for the British Motor Show start at just £24.95 for an adult single-day pass, while a family single-day ticket - for 2 adults and 2 children - costs £59.90.
For those planning to attend across all three days, an adult three-day pass is £49.90, with a family three-day pass priced at £119.90.
CarFest, Hampshire – 22–24 August
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Described as 'a celebration of fast cars, comedy, music, and more', CarFest - created by DJ Chris Evans to raise funds for children's charities - is held at Laverstoke Park Farm over three jam-packed days.
Tom added: "It features rare high-performance cars, live music from artists like Travis and Madness, and family attractions like KidsFest, complete with appearances from Hey Duggee and Pudsey Bear.
'SpaFest and FoodFest add wellness and culinary experiences to the mix, making it a well-rounded family weekend.'
Weekend camping tickets for CarFest cost £234 for adults aged 17+, while it's £67 for children aged 6 to 16.
A family weekend camping pass, consisting of two adults and two children, starts at £566.
Non-camping weekend tickets are £200 for adults and £55 for children.
Single-day tickets range from £89 to £102 for adults and £21 to £26 for children, depending on the day, with children under 6 able to attend for free.
Caravans and campervans are welcomed too, with permits available for £275.
Silverstone Festival, Silverstone – 22–24 August
Silverstone isn't just about Formula One, with the Silverstone Festival - taking place over a month after the British Grand Prix - hosts one of the country's most popular motoring events.
Held over the August Bank Holiday weekend, the festival offers a celebration of motorsport and music.
This year's event is set to be extra special as the F1 championship celebrates its 75th anniversary.
Tom said: 'The Silverstone Festival offers 30 hours of track action, junior racing, and Classic GTs, alongside three nights of live music featuring Natasha Bedingfield and Craig David.
'The Foodie Fest adds culinary flair, with chef demos and tasting experiences to suit every palate.
'It's a brilliant day out for the whole family.'
The Silverstone Festival's general admission for adults starts at £50 for Friday, £75 for Saturday or Sunday, and £145 for a three-day weekend pass.
Children under 16 can attend for free.
Car club members intending to display their vehicles can take advantage of a 2-for-1 ticket deal, with prices varying by booking period.
For instance, during the Super Early Bird phase, a three-day pass was £145, rising to £155 during the Standard period.
All tickets are digital and accessible via the "Silverstone Tickets" app.
Best for Enthusiasts
London Concours, The Honourable Artillery Company, London – 3–5 June
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This week's London Concours is described as 'an automotive garden party in the heart of the city' - filled with your favourite motors and a few other fancy things, too.
Featuring exquisite displays like 'A British Icon', which celebrates Aston Martin, and 'The Greatest Marque', showcasing 50 Mercedes-Benz models.
It's not just about cars, either, with flowing drinks, gourmet food and live music alongside over 100 of the UK's rarest cars.
What's more, for those looking to fix up a classic, the Restoration Showcase hosts some of the UK's finest craftsmen - offering insight into the specialist world.
Tom added: 'With luxury retail chalets, artisan goods, and gourmet food, it's a standout event for corporate gatherings and car enthusiasts alike.'
Tickets for the London Concours are priced at £60 for an adult day admission and includes a complimentary catalogue.
Children get in at £30, while student's are charged £40.
Afternoon-only tickets are available for £40, which grants entry from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, or 7:00 pm on Thursday.
For those looking for something extra plush, "Cocktail @ The Concours" tickets cost £35, including entry from 4:00 pm and a complimentary Jim and Tonic cocktail.
Additionally, tickets for the "Smith and Sniff Live" event are £40 and include automatic entry to the London Concours.
Goodwood Festival of Speed, West Sussex – 10–13 July
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The Goodwood Festival of Speed is the ultimate celebration of motorsport - and something every petrolhead should experience at least once.
A mecca for racing enthusiasts set against the backdrop of idyllic British countryside, this year's FOS pays tribute to 75 years of the F1 Championship and 125 years of motorsport history.
But our personal highlight? The little-known forest rally stage, tucked away in the shade of the wooded area at the far side of the site, is great for those who prefer their motorsport with a taste of rough surfaces and the occasional jump.
Tom said: 'Despite rising costs and traffic challenges, the Goodwood Festival of Speed remains a highlight of the motoring calendar.
'It's where you can see the latest road cars, air displays, and sporting exhibits like BMX trick competitions.
'While it's geared towards petrolheads, children under 12 get free entry, making it a potential family day out too.'
First and foremost, petrolheads should know that only tickets for Thursday, July 10, remain on sale.
All tickets to the 2025 FOS include roving access around the Goodwood House grounds - and that means you can get up close and personal with some of motor sport's greatest machines.
Access also includes the Future Lab, Electric Avenue and the Supercar Paddock, as well as standing areas alongside the hillclimb and the forest rally stage.
General admission tickets vary in price depending on the day, ranging from £67 for Thursday, £81 for Friday, £108 for the action-packed Saturday and £89 for Sunday per person.
Roving grandstand passes are also available for £45 each, while general admission and grandstand packages range from £130 to £183 per person.
Festival of the Unexceptional, Grimsthorpe Castle – 26 July
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The Festival of the Unexceptional, dubbed by Hagerty as a classic car show like no other, does exactly as advertised: it celebrates all the motors considered delightfully unremarkable.
Tom said: 'This event celebrates the everyday cars we grew up with.
'Think pristine Austin Allegros and lovingly restored Ford Orions. With its relaxed vibe, picnic-friendly setting, and low ticket prices, it's a nostalgic treat for enthusiasts and families alike.'
Tickets for the Festival of the Unexceptional start at a bargain £25 for general admission, with children under 15 entering for free.
Early bird tickets, which were available earlier in the year, were priced at £20.
For those keen on access to the Hagerty Drivers Club Members Area, it costs £10 per person, with free entry for children accompanied by a paying adult.
For those selling their unexceptional cars, the "FOTU For Sale" package is available at £30, which includes car entry and driver admission.
EVO Track Days – Various Locations and Dates
Details:
Organised by EVO Magazine, EVO Track Days offer car enthusiasts the opportunity to drive their own cars on famous race tracks across the UK - with focus on a friendly, non-snobby environment that caters to a range of drivers, from beginners to experienced racers.
Tom said: 'For those who love noise, grip, and G-forces, EVO's Track Days are second to none.
'Held across top circuits like Goodwood and Donington Park, these events offer expert instruction and camaraderie.
"They're also a brilliant gift idea for Father's Day.'
As you can probably expect, prices for Evo Track Days in the UK vary depending on the track and the type of session.
Typically, evening sessions at tracks such as Donington Park, Bedford Autodrome, and Brands Hatch cost £219, while full-day experiences at Goodwood Circuit are priced at £449.
For 2025, confirmed events include an evening session at Donington Park on June 24 and an evening session at the Bedford Autodrome on August 8 - both priced at £219.
Later in the year, drivers can head to Brands Hatch for an evening session on September 3 - also priced at £219 - while a full day at Goodwood Circuit, at a cost of £449, takes place on September 25.
Petrolheads can generally bring most standard cars, provided they are in good mechanical and structural condition and meet the track's requirements.
This includes working seat belts, brake lights and indicators, as well as being free of fluid leaks.
Noise limits apply and are strict, so your motor must pass a noise test to be allowed on the circuit.
There are restrictions on certain types, including single-seaters, open-wheel cars and sports prototypes like Radicals, depending on the event.
Slick tyres may be permitted at some track days, but only if the car has roll bars or a roll cage.
It's best to ensure your car complies with the specific event's regulations before booking - including relating to noise limits and safety standards.
