We look ahead to the must-see shows and events for classic car fans in 2026
2025 proved to be an historic year for classic car shows, with more memorable events for fans of all things old cars than ever before, with some standout new shows, revamps for old favourites and record attendance figures. 2026 looks set for more of the same, so here are the ones we’re most excited for.
VolksWorld Show
March 22
Location: South of England Showground, Ardingly
Website: classicsworld.co.uk/volksworldshow
A mainstay of the events calendar for decades, VolksWorld Show is run by VolksWorld magazine and celebrates Beetles, Karmann Ghias, T1/T2 campers and buses, plus all other air-cooled Volkswagens. Following a successful rehoming in 2025, next year’s show will return to the South of England Showground in West Sussex, a spacious venue with a great combination of indoor and outdoor space. Expect alluring displays, club stands, the famous international swapmeet and trade exhibitors, plus the inaugural VolksWorld Concours Collection for the very best VWs.
Special highlight will include various rare and one-off VWs, a return for the popular ‘Back to ’89 display’, a special lineup of aircooled Porsches and the chance to make a weekend of it by camping on the Saturday beforehand.
Japfest
April 19
Location: Silverstone Circuit
Website: events.fastcar.co.uk/japfest
Japfest prides itself as Europe’s most popular Japanese car event – and it returns to Silverstone, the home of British motorsport, on Sunday, April 19.
With over 3500 cars on display and 25,000 visitors, Japfest is a must-attend event for Japanese car enthusiasts. Visitors can expect a special display zone hosting the finest Japanese cars, alongside club displays, the ‘Street Elite’ competition and a huge retail village. Awards will also be given to clubs and individuals.
In addition will be passenger rides in ‘Drift Taxis’, while the event also allows attendees to take on the iconic Silverstone Circuit via several track sessions taking place throughout the day, split into two categories: Mixed Ability and Novice. To book your tickets to the show, as well as your track time and camping, check out the website.
Classic Ford Show
May 10
Location: South of England Showground, Ardingly
Website: fordshows.co.uk/classic-ford-show
For the fourth successive year, Classic Ford Show – Europe’s largest classic Ford event – will take place at the South of England Showground. Highlights include the Top 50, a selection of the finest classic Blue Ovals in the UK, as chosen by Classic Ford editor, Simon Woolley. Another Classic Ford Show staple is the Great Unveiling, where five builds will be revealed to the public for the first time. And who can forget the clubs? Enthusiastic owners will showcase their pride and joy from decades of Ford history.
On top of all that, the much-loved ICONS show and shine competition returns, while the large retail village gives you the chance to track down elusive original parts, brand new replacements and upgrades, as well as trinkets like a new t-shirt or model. Oh, there will be awards aplenty too, so get polishing!
Classic American Stars & Stripes
July 4-5
Location: Tatton Park, Cheshire
Website: theclassiccarshows.com/sas/
Returning once again to Tatton Park in Cheshire, the Classic American Stars & Stripes Show is set to be one of the standout events of the summer, bringing together the American car community in unforgettable style. More than 2000 vehicles are expected across the two days, showcasing an eclectic sweep of Americana from 1910s veterans to the newest Corvettes and Mustangs. Classic ’60s muscle cars, imposing Cadillacs and Lincolns, patinated pickups and a striking line-up of airbrushed Peterbilt trucks will all add to the spectacle.
The Classic American editorial team will be on hand to present awards to standout vehicles, and visitors can look forward to US-themed entertainment, including a Wild West re-enactment, a ‘Wall of Death’ motorcycle show and infamous hotdog-eating contest, along with trade stands, Ford UK displays of current offerings and a lively rev battle – all set to create a vibrant and action-packed weekend.
Bromley Pageant of Motoring
July 19
Location: South of England Showground, Ardingly
Website: bromleypageant.com
The revived Bromley Pageant of Motoring returns on July 19, following a successful move to the South of England Showground near Ardingly after leaving its long-time home at Norman Park due to London’s ULEZ expansion. Following positive feedback from the 2025 show, the event will retain its familiar feel, with a busy live-action arena, extensive club displays and the popular one-make parking area.
Around 2500 vehicles are expected, reflecting the Pageant’s reputation for celebrating every aspect of the classic motoring world. Traditional classics, pre-war models, commercial vehicles, modern classics, hot rods, tractors and stationary engines will all feature. With icons such as the BMW ’02, Triumph GT6, Alfa Romeo Spider, BMW E24 6 Series and Ford Fiesta Mk1 all celebrating anniversaries in 2026, we’d also expect strong showings from their respective clubs.
Rarities, trade stands, autojumble stalls and retailers in the Norfolk Pavilion – including Classics World – will complete the show.
Classic & Retro Car Revival
August 15-16
Location: Tatton Park, Cheshire
Website: theclassiccarshows.com/crcr
The Classic & Retro Car Revival is set to return to Tatton Park over the weekend of 15-16 August, where it is expected to draw thousands of visitors and welcome around 1000 cars through individual entries and more than 75 club stands across the scenic grounds.
The breadth of machinery on show promises to impress, with 2025’s show seeing everything from an impressive displays of Rolls-Royce and Bentley luxury saloons, to a remarkably original Vauxhall Nova SR rubbing shoulders with a TVR Tuscan and a fleet of Fast Fords from the XR Owners’ Club. Awards will span categories from supercar and fast saloon to pre-war, commercial and the coveted Car of the Show title.
With live music, freshly prepared food and a lively autojumble, the event is poised to provide a fitting finale to The Classic Car Shows’ 2026 calendar.
Ford Fair
August 23
Website: events.fastcar.co.uk/ford-fair
Now in its 40th year, Ford Fair – Europe’s biggest and best Ford festival – promises to be a highlight for Blue Oval fans. The club displays cover most of Silverstone circuit, with around 4000 cars expected to attend, offering everything from modified Fiestas to Capris, Escorts and maybe even the odd ST or RS.
The handpicked Fastest Fords Display will feature everything from 500bhp-plus street beasts to full-on race machines, while the Street Elite area sponsored by Auto Finesse plays host to some of the highest quality Fords on the show circuit, with awards for the best.
If you prefer driving your Ford, public track time is available throughout the day, and there are drift displays too. The trade area packs hundreds of retailer and specialists, and you’ll find yet more Fords to admire in the paddock area, where you’ll also find special displays from our colleagues at Classic Ford magazine.
Location: Silverstone Circuit
Classic Japfest
October 3
Location: Goodwood Motor Circuit, West Sussex
Website: fastcar.co.uk/classic-japfest
Building on the success of the hugely popular Japfest show, Classic Japfest spotlights Japanese classics that are 20 years old or more. Following two successful years, the event returns to the iconic Goodwood Circuit for 2026. Clubs and individual owners will fill the entire Goodwood site with their Japanese machines, showcasing everything from Skylines and Subarus to Lexus limousines and diminutive kei cars.
As with other Kelsey events, visitors can look forward to numerous highlights, including the Special Display, a wide range of exhibitors, awards for the best-presented and most standout cars, and more. Altogether, Classic Japfest is set to be an unmissable occasion for enthusiasts of cars from the Far East.
