GOODWOOD REVIVAL: Annual event launches today

A group of youngsters from Year 6 will dressed up as evacuees and travelling on a vintage bus to the festival which celebrates the cars and culture of yesteryear.

Their trip included a Spitfire tour, a demonstration of cooking in an era of rationing, a tour of the BGC Earl's Court Motor Show attraction and a talk by a motor historian.

They will also get a tour of the Freddie March Spirit of Aviation attraction and have a chance to meet some of the actors who will help to create the authentic period look of the Revival.

Back at school, the rest of the children will be taking part in a 1940s day, dressing in period costume for a big street party which will also feature a Spitfire flypast.

This year's festival will celebrate Goodwood legend Stirling Moss's 80th birthday and plenty of celebrations will be held in his honour.

Actor and car enthusiast Rowan Atkinson will be helping celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Mini by arriving at the festival in character as Mr Bean. He will take part in a famous sketch from the show where he drives his green and black Mini sitting on an armchair strapped to the roof.

For the second year running, mysterious crop circles have appeared in wheat fields next to the motor circuit. The circles have made good timing as among the festival's special guests will be one of the first men on the moon, Buzz Aldrin, who will be judging one of the events.

The Revival is also celebrating the miniskirt and recreating the swinging sixties of Carnaby Street where women will be encouraged to wear their miniskirts as part of Ladies' Day on Saturday.

For full coverage of this year's Revival and to see video reports log on to www.chichester.co.uk

For more information about the festival see www.goodwood.co.uk

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