Corporate Entertainment at Goodwood

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E N T E RTA I N I N G AT G O O D W O O D

A SEN SE O F BELO NGIN G For over three hundred years, Goodwood has simply been the place to be. In its early days, the 1st Duke of Richmond bought what we now know as Goodwood House as somewhere to stay when he, and his many illustrious friends, were hunting across his spectacular country estate. It was in the 1600s that Goodwood first earned its long-standing reputation for entertaining, for meticulous attention to detail, for looking after its guests and essentially for that something extra, that twist that made it and makes it to this day, somewhere that people wish to spend time.

Nowadays, Goodwood has much more to offer; it is at the forefront of international sporting e v e nts in hor s e r a c ing and historic motor racing, as well as hosting PGA golf tournaments, operating one of Europe’s largest fully organic farms, organising memorable weddings and business events and welcoming guests to its newly refurbished 91 bedroom hotel; yet amongst the 21st century trappings of business and pleasure, all of that early glamour and excitement coupled with effortless style, still remains. Goodwood’s special atmosphere, exhilarating sporting occasions, consistently high standards, attention to detail and sense of fun, makes it a place for entertaining that we believe, is hard to surpass.

A GOODWOOD HOUSE PARTY IN 1907 WITH EDWARD VII AS A GUEST

SPEED IS O F TH E ESSEN CE Goodwood’s first motorsport event of its season, the Festival of Speed is totally unique even in the fast paced world of motor racing. Nowhere else can the visitor get closer and more involved with the stars, cars, sights, smells and excitement of this incredible celebration of motor racing. Attracting visitors and media from all corners of the planet, Lord March’s vision of a spectacular motor event set against the backdrop of his home, Goodwood House, has now developed into the largest and most exhilarating, historic motor sport social gathering in the world.

Guests find themselves rubbing shoulders with major stars famous for their prowess on both four and two wheels. They can spot the often elusive superstars of the automotive world and the cars themselves, many of which are lent specially for the Festival of Speed by international private collectors and are rarely seen in public.

There is much to marvel at as Goodwood gets visitors closer to the drivers, the machinery and the action.

‘Impossibly glamorous – the sheer, blood-chilling speed’ The Times

Each day of this eagerly awaited three day event has its own unique atmosphere.

Friday - The tranquil gardens of Goodwood House are transformed with the arrival of an array of stunning cars and bikes, many of which are being prepared for and tested on, the famously challenging hill climb. Hospitality guests are perfectly positioned at trackside to see the fiercely competitive stages as cars and drivers get used to the difficult, steep track.

Demonstrations, exhibitions and many shopping opportunities add to the excitement. Perhaps one of the most tantalising purchase opportunities of the year is at the Bonhams Summer Sale where some of the world’s rarest and most valuable classic cars come under the hammer. Great music, great food and wine and a super-charged atmosphere work their magic on all guests, whether motor sport aficionados or casual visitors.

Saturday - World champions past and present from Formula One and World Super Bikes get behind the wheels of some spectacular vehicles and set the pace on the twists and turns of the demanding hill climb. The cool sound of jazz competes with the low growl of the combustion engine as action takes place on the track, in the air and at the awe inspiring rally stage.

Sunday - This is competition day. Nerves are shredded as drivers vie to take the laurels and well known faces and cars from different eras battle it out on Sunday Shoot Out to get the fastest time of the day. As the sun sets behind Goodwood House at the end of three thrilling days, Lord March awards the much coveted trophies to the victors.

I’LL SAY IT’S GLORIO US !

Mention the word Goodwood and horseracing springs immediately to mind. Unsurprising, as the Goodwood Racecourse, set high on the Sussex Downs at the heart of an area of outstanding natural beauty, has been at the forefront of British flat racing for over 200 years.

Often described as ‘the most beautiful racecourse in the world’, the setting couldn’t be better for a day’s entertaining at this memorable and internationally renowned venue. With its s p e c t a c u l a r v i e w s t o t h e s o u t h a c r o s s C h i c h e s t e r p l a i n , d o w n t o t h e I s l e o f Wi g h t a n d t h e shimmering sea and to the north across breathtaking undulating countryside, Goodwood Racecourse is the perfect backdrop to host an entertaining day’s racing.

Goodwood’s most famous race meeting is held in the last week of July when Sussex is at its most spectacular. Affectionately dubbed ‘Glorious Goodwood’ by the local newspaper a hundred years ago, it truly lives up to its name. A week-long festival of first class thoroughbreds battling it out for the honours and generous prize money, Glorious Goodwood attracts the world’s most c ompe titiv e a nd we ll-known jockeys, trainers and owners. Steeped in English tradition, yet carried out with Goodwood’s signature style, the occasion is replete with succulent strawberries, chilled Champagne, fine dining, picnics, fabulous hats and summer silks.

There are plenty of opportunities to bring guests or business clients to Goodwood as there a r e a t o t a l o f 2 1 c o m p e t i t i v e r a c e d a y s e a c h s e a s o n f r o m M a y t o m i d O c t o b e r. T h o s e e a r l y meetings in May herald the welcome return of summer to this idyllic corner of England, the June evening meetings celebrate the lengthening high summer days and the chance to dine al fresco long into the evening. The mellow days of early October, invite guests to enjoy the last drops of the summer season in good company. Frequent visitor, Edward VII called it ‘a garden party with racing tacked on’ and he would still find it so today.

‘The place to be and be seen.’

The Times

TIME TRAVEL For three fabulous, evocative days in September, The Goodwood Revival transports visitors back in time. The era is post war to the ‘60s, a time when the world changed dramatically and great strides were made in racing, aviation and fashion.

Filled with sights, sounds, fashion and food of the post war era, the focal point of the e v e n t i s the motor racing on the historic circuit. Star drivers fresh from Formula One jostle for position on the track with legendary drivers from the halcyon glamour days. Sir Stirling Moss, John Surtees and Sir Jackie Stewart, Damon Hill and Derek Bell get behind the wheels of some of the most historic vehicles still racing. The value of these rare machines can top £100 million and visitors can meander amongst them in the paddocks.

Celebrating the role that the circuit’s aerodrome played during the war, there are stunning aerial displays, including a ‘dog fight’ performed daily by wartime planes. On the ground, visitors can inspect the collection of fascinating historic planes from around the world in the Freddie March Spirit of Aviation concours d’elegance.

All aspects of this unique event embrace the period, women in tea dresses and perfect make-up, men in tweeds and Trilbies, shops and restaurants that are all in the retro style all ensure that for a few memorable days, the modern world is banished.

‘The attention to detail is crazy and wonderful. Great theatre.’

Rowan Atkinson

The event runs over three days, each with something different to offer: F r i d a y - G l o r i o u s h i s t o r i c c a r s a r r i v e a n d t h e p a d d o c k i s f i l l e d w i t h b r e a t h t a k i n g l y r a r e m a c h i n e r y, o f t e n s u p p o r t e d w i t h a f a n t a s t i c t a l e o f r e s t o r a t i o n a n d h u m a n e n d e a v o u r. I n t h e s k i e s a b o v e t h i s h i s t o r i c w a r t i m e airfield, the soul stirring sights and sounds of Spitfires, Hurricanes and Mustangs begin their three day d e m o n s t r a t i o n o f w a r t i m e a v i a t i o n s u p r e m a c y.

Saturday - The racing gets underway as the competitive spirit reigns supreme. A full programme of races e v o k e t h e g l a m o u r a n d e x c i t e m e n t o f r a c e s f r o m d a y s g o n e b y. T h i s i s t h e d a y w h e n d r i v e r s p u s h c a r s t o t h e i r limit as they fight it out for grid positions around the difficult, demanding corners of Goodwood’s circuit. The hospitality pavilions guarantee an unparalleled view of all the nail biting track action.

Sunday - The big race is the Royal Automobile Club TT Celebration which is fought over by some of the most valuable racing cars in the world. Motorcycle fans enjoy the historic bikes being put through their p a c e s b y s o m e o f t h e m o d e r n e r a ’ s m o s t a w e i n s p i r i n g r i d e r s . I n t h e a i r, t h o s e S p i t f i r e s a n d H u r r i c a n e s continue to evoke memories and not a few tears, as they recreate Goodwood’s wartime service. Prize giving is a lively occasion when the crowd is invited onto the start line itself to see the coveted trophies presented to their victorious owners.

AND RELAX W he n a ll of the high octane and fast paced business of the day is done, there are many places in which to relax and restore the body and mind.

The glittering jewel in the Goodwood crown is Goodwood House, home to the Richmond family for over 300 years. This magnificent building with its copper topped turrets and Sussex flint walls is the perfect place to host superb corporate dinners, product launches or media gatherings, as well as private weddings, civil partnerships, christenings and other special family celebrations.

The impressive Goodwood Hotel is home to 91 comfortable and well designed bedrooms and is situated at the gateway to the Estate. Its superb leisure facilities include a state-of-the-art gym, indoor pool and spa, as well as floodlit tennis courts and a very comprehensive range of cosseting beauty and therapeutic treatments. The contemporary Bar & Grill serves healthy food throughout the day, whilst The Richmond Arms provides a more formal restaurant serving great food, often sourced from Goodwood’s own organic farm.

More excellent cuisine is available at the beautiful restaurant at The Kennels, Goodwood’s s por ting me mbe r s ’ club. This Grade I listed building used to be home to the third Duke of Richmond’s celebrated hunting hounds. Today it features a relaxing drawing room, complete with open fires, a library adorned with contemporary art and there’s a sports bar showing all the latest sports action. The Kennels is the ideal destination after a round of golf on one of the two beautiful courses – The Downs or The Park.

Two s tunning venues, the Vitra Café and the Jackie Stewart Pavilion provide trackside opportunities for private catering. Both offer the ideal venue for private or corporate track day groups to relax, eat and unwind in good company.

From the splendour of Goodwood House, to the fuel-injected destinations at the motor circuit or aerodrome, there is a venue to suit different moods and occasions, with a dedicated team of event planners who are brimful of ideas and ready to help organise the perfect event.

‘Goodwood’s image and attention to detail perfectly reflects our corporate culture and clients expectations’ Dunhill