THRUXTON LAUNCHES RETRO FESTIVAL WEEKEND - 20-22 JUNE
SUPERFUNK FESTIVAL TO FEATURE RACING, LIVE MUSIC, DISPLAYS AND ENTERTAINMENT
Thruxton Circuit has unveiled an exciting new addition to its 2025 racing calendar with the creation of the Thruxton Retro – a fun-filled family-friendly weekend festival of live music and entertainment, all set against the backdrop of great racing of older period cars.
The theme of the inaugural Thruxton Retro is ‘Superfunk’ – a nostalgic nod to the 70s era of great music and questionable fashion. The site will be full of attractions, displays, great food and drink, and on-site camping is available for those looking to stay over and join the summer solstice party.
Headlining the music line-up on Saturday will be BJÖRN AGAIN, the internationally renowned Australian ABBA show. Supporting Bjӧrn Again and getting the party started will be Earth Wind for Hire, with their polished performance of classic 70s disco grooves that will have everyone dancing. Friday’s line-up features The Internationals playing some of the decade’s best known tracks, while Sunday moves into a Country & Western vibe with the 9 to 5 Show - Dolly Parton Trinute. Live DJ sets will keep the funky music coming throughout the weekend, while for those who want something a bit different, a silent disco will enable a choice of listening and dancing inside the Thruxton Pavilion.
Children under 16 go free, making this a great cost-effective family weekend where most of the activity is included in the price. Delivering the family element, Big Top Mania will bring a host of child-friendly entertainment, including circus skills and shows, activities and some wacky interactive inflatables, or get your creative head on and chuck some paint over an old car! A fun fair (at additional cost) will keep everyone entertained throughout the weekend, while the beer tent and food outlets will ensure that guests are able to purchase locally-produced quality fare.
On the track, cars from the 1950s through to the turn of the century will be in action with a packed timetable of quality racing on both Saturday and Sunday. Visitors can get up close to the glorious retro machinery in the open paddock or take their place on the grass banking or in the grandstands to watch the action. The Blue Riband event will be the Jochen Rindt Trophy for single seater race cars from the 60s, 70s and 80s, but a huge highlight will be the demonstration runs of historic F1 cars, bringing the nostalgic engine sounds and period liveries of these amazing cars to Thruxton once again. Bringing the speed down, but keeping the excitement level up will be a Soapbox Derby!
Around the Thruxton site will be vehicle displays from more than 30 different car clubs, while a collection of more than 150 classic motorcycles will be a stand-out attraction. Completing the activity will be an exciting on-site auction of classic cars and motorcycles taking place, with viewing of the lots available over the weekend.
In keeping with the venue’s flying heritage, the event will boast a display of aircraft courtesy of our friends at the Historic Army Aircraft Flight, and if any pilots wish to offer their planes for display, they should get in touch with the Thruxton airfield. The Navy Wings will provide a historic fly-by on both Saturday and Sunday, while pleasure flights will be operating throughout the weekend with both helicopter and fixed wing aircraft (at additional cost).
Thruxton’s camping pitches can accommodate up to 6 people per pitch and are available from just £40 for the weekend, including showers and toilet facilities. A very limited number of larger pitches and electric hook up pitches are still available and the on-site catering facilities stay open late into the evening. All parking for the whole event is free.
Ben Taylor, BARC Thruxton Chief Executive said:
“The Thruxton Retro is going to be a fantastic weekend full of fun, music and some great historic motor sport. There are loads of people who like old cars and bikes and planes; and there’s another group who love the festival vibe of music, food and drink. We’ve got all of that and more, as we show that Thruxton is not just for motor racing fans.”
The Thruxton Retro is the first collaboration between the existing circuit operators, BARC Thruxton, and the new owner, Alex Thistlethwayte, who purchased the race circuit and airfield last year. He said:
“Thruxton is a magical place and we are just starting out on a long-term journey to make it even more fabulous. This first ‘Superfunk’ event is going to be a whole lot of fun and that’s what this venue should be about – having fun with mates and family. There’s loads of stuff for the kids, pretty much everything is included in the price and it should be an amazing weekend. And if you’re really up for it, let’s get the fancy dress out and have a laugh.”
Tickets
Tickets are on sale now
- Friday £15 Saturday £35
- Sunday £35
- Weekend £60
- Children 15 and under go free