MG
Fest '26: A New Chapter at Brands Hatch
There are some venues that simply feel right for MG, and Brands
Hatch is undoubtedly one of them. Steeped in motorsport history
and etched into the memory of generations of British racing
fans, the Kent circuit will play host to the MG Car Club when
it welcomes MG Fest ’26 on Sunday 16th August 2026.
This landmark event will serve as the MG Car Club’s official
national gathering for 2026, and promises to be a memorable
combination of competition, camaraderie, and celebration.
For the first time in a number of years, Brands Hatch will stage
a major event dedicated entirely to MG, and it feels
like a natural fit. Few marques can boast the same depth of
grassroots motorsport involvement as MG, and few circuits have
witnessed such a rich variety of club racing, saloon car battles,
and historic competition. Bringing these two together for a
national festival is a mouthwatering prospect for fans of the
marque.
At the heart of the day will be a full programme of racing
curated by the British Racing and Sports Car Club (BRSCC). Known
for delivering some of the most entertaining club racing in
the UK, the BRSCC’s involvement ensures that the on-track
action will be fast, competitive, and full of character. Topping
the bill will be the ever-popular MG Cockshoot Cup, a series
that has long been a cornerstone of MG Car Club motorsport.
The
Cockshoot Cup has always been about variety, accessibility,
and good-natured competition, and that spirit will be on full
display at MG Fest ’26. Expect to see an eclectic mix of
machinery, from nimble Midgets to brawny MGBs and later models,
all prepared for battle. Many of these cars are home-built and
lovingly maintained, which only adds to the charm. This is grassroots
racing at its best: close, noisy, and gloriously unpredictable.
But MG Fest ’26 will be about far more than just what
happens on the circuit. Spread throughout the venue will
be an enormous display of MGs from across the decades, creating
a rolling timeline of the marque’s evolution. From pre-war
treasures to post-war classics, from 1970s favourites to modern
MG Motor models, the sheer diversity of MG ownership will be
there for all to see. For visitors, this will be a rare chance
to see so many different models in one place, and to speak directly
with the people who own, restore, race, and cherish them. These
conversations – about rebuilds, road trips, first cars,
and lifelong passions, are often what make club events so special.
Adding
to the interactive feel of the day will be the MG Car Club
California Cup Autotest and Autosolo competitions,
taking place in a dedicated area of the venue. These disciplines
are high on skill and entertainment. Precision driving, tight
manoeuvres, and split-second decision-making make them captivating
to watch, while also reminding us that motorsport doesn’t
have to be about flat-out speed to be thrilling. There
will also be special MG motorsport demonstrations and curated
displays throughout the day, showcasing rare and historically
significant cars. For many spectators, this will be a chance
to see cars in motion that are normally only admired in static
displays.
One of the most ambitious plans for MG Fest ’26 is an
attempt to set a new record for the most MG cars on a circuit
at the same time. This mass parade lap will be a powerful
visual symbol of the brand’s enduring popularity and
the strength of its community. Imagine hundreds of MGs filling
the curves of Paddock Hill Bend, Druids, and Clearways, a
photographer’s dream and a moment that participants will
never forget.
MG
Car Club Chairman Lorraine Noble-Thompson captured the spirit
of the occasion perfectly: “In celebrating the MG Car
Club’s partnership with Brands Hatch, we celebrate not
just a venue, but a shared passion that transcends time. Here’s
to a remarkable MG Fest ’26, where history, excitement,
and the love of motorsport come together in a spectacular
celebration at one of the world’s most famous circuits.”
That
sense of shared passion is what makes this event so significant.
MG Fest is not just a show or a race meeting, it is a gathering
of people united by a common love for a marque that has meant
different things to different generations, as was seen at
last year’s MG Fest held at Croft.
Brands
Hatch itself adds another layer of magic. As part of the venue’s
Centenary of Power celebrations in 2026, MG Fest became a
tribute not only to the marque but to British motorsport culture
as a whole. MSV Group Motorsport Event Manager David Willey
commented: “We’re thrilled to host MG Fest at Brands
Hatch, which is another fabulous addition to the venue’s
Centenary of Power celebrations in 2026. MG machines have
a long history of racing at Brands Hatch, so it’s hugely
appropriate that this celebration will take place at the venue.”
With
its blend of high-quality racing, interactive activities,
historic displays, and community spirit, MG Fest ’26
is shaping up to be a must-attend event. Whether you’re
a long-standing MG Car Club member, a new owner, or simply
a fan of great British motoring, this will be a day to savour.
So mark
the date in your diary: Sunday 16th August 2026. MG Fest is
coming to Brands Hatch – and it promises to be one for
the history books.
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