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.
MG Mass Parade - 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'26 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'26 will be a tribute not only to the MG 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'26 is coming to Brands Hatch and it promises to be
one for the history books. Flyer
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