Thruxton Retro
From £15
A weekend filled with iconic 80s music, family friendly entertainment, racing action, car and motorbike clubs, legendary machines, fun fair and much more, all at the fastest race circuit in the UK.
The theme of Thruxton Retro for 2026 is ‘Back to the 80s’. A nostalgic nod to the 80s, an era of big fun, big hair and even bigger tunes. The site will be full of attractions, displays, great food and drink, and on-site camping for those looking to stay over and join the party.
- On and Off Track Entertainment
- Live Music, Food Stalls, On-site Camping
- Two days of action-packed racing
Ticket information
ADULT TICKETS
Friday - £15
Saturday Day & Evening - £35
Saturday Evening only - £20 (from 17:30)
Sunday - £25
Three-Day Pass - £50
TEEN TICKETS
Friday - £6
Saturday Day & Evening - £6
Sunday - £6
Three-Day Pass - £8
CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER GO FREE
CAMPING
Standard Pitch - £42
Standard Pitch with Hook Up - £80
Large Pitch with Hook Up - £95
GRANDSTAND SEATS
Saturday - £5
Sunday - £5
WHAT TO EXPECT

An unforgettable weekend of 80's retro live music, entertainment for everyone, classic motorsport and drag racing - an immersive festival experience packed with activities for all ages.
Across the weekend, festival-goers can enjoy live music from bands and DJs, a vibrant fairground, food & drink stalls and the roar of iconic racing cars on the UK's fastest race circuit.
The atmosphere will be buzzing with craft beers, fizz, cocktails, and great food. Headline music acts will make the Thruxton Retro the ultimate destination for those looking to party at a unique, high-energy festival.
New for 2026 - Drag racing
Race your own car down the Thruxton runway over an 1/8 mile, with awards and prizes up for grabs.
Classic car lovers won’t be disappointed, as the event features stunning displays of vintage, classic, and historic cars and bikes from some of the UK’s top clubs. Whether you’re there for the music, the motorsport, or simply to soak up the festival vibes, there’s something for everyone.
To make the most of the experience, weekend camping is available, keeping you at the heart of the action, day and night.
Join us for a one-of-a-kind 80's retro festival!
Main Stage Line Up

Saturday Headline: UKQUEEN
Enjoy iconic music throughout the weekend.
Friday
Opening the Thruxton Retro will be THE INTERNATIONALS who will blast out the best tracks from Bruce Springsteen, Prince, Bon Jovi, Spandau Ballet and many more! Then closing out Friday night are local legends THE TORN OFF STRIPS who'll set the stage alight with iconic 80s rock and pop.
Saturday
Saturday kicks off with THE 80s BAND. Expect a feel-good, sing-along set packed with 80s anthems and pop-rock favourites. Taking you from synth-era classics, through to big stadium anthems.
Saturday’s headline act, UKQUEEN will bring the sound, look and atmosphere of Queen to life with a big, crowd-pleasing set. Expect pitch-perfect performances of the band’s most iconic songs, fronted with all the charisma and showmanship you’d hope for. From soaring vocals and huge guitar riffs to those hands-in-the-air choruses everyone knows.
>>>BUY THRUXTON RETRO TICKETS
ENTERTAINMENT

The Kids Paddock
The Kids Paddock will feature non-stop fun! From bouncy castles, fairground, crazy carts, kids rides, there's endless fun to be had. Creative kids can also get hands-on with car painting

Fancy Dress
Thruxton Retro is going full 80s, and we want you to bring the look as well as the energy. Dress up in your best 80s party gear, think neon colours, shell suits, shoulder pads, leg warmers, double denim, big hair and classic 80s film or music-inspired outfits. We’ll be running a Best Dressed competition on the Saturday, with a bundle of prizes up for grabs for the entry we judge to be the standout winner. Come dressed to impress, strike a pose, and you could leave Thruxton Retro with more than just great memories.

Kids Car Painting
Let your little ones unleash their creativity with the Kids Car Painting activity at Thruxton Retro! Armed with brushes and bright paints, children will have the rare chance to decorate a real car with their own artistic flair. It's messy, colourful, and loads of fun - perfect for budding car fans and young artists!

Food and Drink
Craft Beer Tent
Relax and refuel in the Craft Beer Tent, where you’ll find a carefully curated selection of independent brews and local favourites. Whether you’re into hoppy IPAs, smooth lagers, or something a little different, the beer tent is the perfect place to kick back, soak up the festival atmosphere.
Cocktail Bars
Add a touch of glamour to your Thruxton Retro weekend at the Cocktail Bar, serving up expertly mixed drinks and festival favourites. From classic's to bold and colourful creations, our mixologists will keep the good times flowing, who's going to ask for a Babycham first?!
Street Food Village
Packed with a mouth-watering variety of food options to keep you fuelled throughout the weekend. From global flavours and sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every appetite.
On Track Action

Two days of action packed racing
Retro Racing comes to life throughout the weekend with an exciting mix of retro and historic racing, celebrating iconic cars from motorsport’s golden eras. Watch legendary machines from decades past, battle it out on the UK’s fastest race track.
Racing will feature:
- The Jochen Rindt Trophy
- Classic Touring Car Racing Club
- Gerry Marshall Trophy
- Dunlop Allstars
- Classic Alfa Challenge
- Jack Sears Trophy
- MG Owners Club Championship
- Scottish Classic Sports & Saloon Championship
- Heroes of FF1600

Car Displays and Parades
Witness a stunning showcase of classic, historic and vintage cars, motorcycles and other vehicles from a range of car clubs, each with their own unique style and history.
The lunchtime parade is an exciting opportunity to see these cars in action, as they take to the track and showcase their power and performance.
Drag Racing on the Runway: Your Turn to Run the Strip
NEW for Thruxton Retro: drag racing on the historic Thruxton runway!
This is a rare opportunity to experience the thrill of straight-line acceleration in your own car. Over an 1/8-mile course, you'll line up, launch, and discover just how quick your car really is.
Alongside public runs, a selection of dedicated drag racers in highly tuned machines will be competing throughout the weekend.
What's Included?
For just £30, your ticket includes everything you need to take part:
- NORA licence
- Three timed runs down the drag strip
- Personalised timing card with your results
Awards will be presented for the quickest times each day, along with class awards, giving everyone something to aim for.
Please note: A separate Thruxton Retro admission ticket is required.
What do I need?
- Be 18 or over
- Hold a full driving licence
- Wear a helmet and clothing that covers your arms and legs
- Bring a roadworthy car
Check out our FAQ's below for full details, rules and regulations.
Book Drag Racing Tickets >>
Want more track time? Once you've completed your three runs, you can upgrade to unlimited runs for an additional £30 on the day.
Spaces are limited so book early.
Car Clubs

A key part of the Thruxton Retro is the incredible display of vehicles brought along by over 40 attending car clubs from across the UK.
Everything from classic British icons and rare vintage machines to retro performance heroes and enthusiast-owned treasures. There will also be an opportunity to see the best of the best car club vehicles in action as part of the car club parades each lunch time on track.
Part of a car club? Find out how to register for the Thruxton Retro
Thruxton Car Club
Not part of a car club and have something unqiue and interesting? We've set up the Thruxton Car Club for those who want to display their vehicle, but are not part of a register car club. Register now!
FAQ's
Ticket Information
All tickets are sent by email to the email address used to purchase the e-tickets. Please keep an eye on your junk/spam folders. If you have ordered your e-tickets and can't find them, click here and click 'Redeem Reservation'. Alternatively, call the ticket office on 01264 882200 option 1, and we will try to help you.
Yes, you can buy tickets at the gate on arrival. However, we advise purchasing tickets prior to the event to avoid additional queues.
We now use an e-ticketing system which sends your tickets by email. However, if you would like us to send you a ticket in the post, please call our ticket office on 01264 882200, option 1. PLEASE NOTE: There is a £3 charge for postal tickets.
Children 12 and under accompanied by an adult (max 5 children per responsible adult) are admitted to the event free of charge. Children 13 - 15 will need a teen ticket.
Children aged 12 and under are admitted free of charge (max 5 children per responsible adult).
If you are purchasing more than 10 tickets for the same day/event, we offer a corporate rate. Please contact our office on 01264 882200 (option 1).
We understand that some guests will not be able to access the circuit without the assistance of an Essential Companion.
We are pleased to be able to offer an Essential Companion ticket for those guests who require additional assistance.
Unfortunately not. Tickets are available to purchase in advance - for the quickest way into the venue. Alternatively, tickets can be purchased at the gate on arrival.
Camping at the Thruxton Retro
Yes. Camping is available for the Thruxton Retro.
The campsite is open from 12pm (Midday) on Friday 3 July. The latest arrival is 9pm, to avoid disruption to the other campers. There will be a holding area for late arrivals with access granted the following morning.
Camping pitches are limited and must be purchased in advance. Maximum of six adults per pitch (children 12 and under do not count). All equipment and vehicles must fit inside your pitch. If not, vehicles can be parked in the public car park. Your pitch will be yours for the duration of the event and will be allocated to you on your arrival.
Prices
Standard Regular Pitch 10m x 5m - no electric hook up - £42
Standard Premium pitch 10m x 5m with electric hook up - £80
Large Premium pitch 10m x 7.5m with electric hook up - £95
Additional Information
Max of six adults per pitch (children 12 and under do not count) Each camping pitch will be yours for the duration of the event. All equipment/vehicles must fit within your camping pitch Camping pitches will be allocated on arrival on a first come first serve basis Pitch numbers are limited Showers, toilets, freshwater supply, and waste facilities are available at the campsite
ADDITIONAL CAMPING INFORMATION
PLEASE NOTE: Camping is only permitted in the designated campsite. Camping in the car parks is strictly prohibited.
The campsite will open at 12pm on Friday 3 July and will remain open until Monday morning after the event. The campsite is manned 24 hours a day but the latest arrival is 9pm, to avoid disruption to the other campers. There will be a holding area for late arrivals with access granted the following morning
PLEASE NOTE: Camping is only permitted in the designated campsite. Camping in the car parks is strictly prohibited.
Event Information
Parking is free of charge.
The gates will open at 8am each day.
The last act on the main stage will end at 23:00 on Friday and Saturday.
Circuit action will end no later than 18:30 each day.
Thruxton is an active airfield and race circuit and as such, there is a strict no dogs/pets policy on site, except for registered guide dogs and assistance dogs who are allowed, providing they are kept on a lead at all times and are easily identifiable as guide dogs. All intended visits to Thruxton Circuit for this race meeting must be notified to the circuit via completion of the online form at least 7 days prior to the event. Any dogs/pets found to be locked in a vehicle will be removed.
More information on our Guide Dog and Assistance Dog policy is available here
We have a designated banking area for Blue Badge holders, which is accessible via Gate 4. This is a raised bank for you to park your car, providing a view over the 'Complex' section of the circuit. There is also disabled parking at the top of car park A. Ask a member of the security staff to direct you if you're unsure. All passengers/driver must have relevant admission tickets.
Drag Racing
RWYB is a chance to run your own road-going or competition vehicle down a drag strip in a controlled environment. It’s designed to be welcoming for first-timers while still allowing serious machinery to take part.
Yes. The RWYB format is intended to remove a lot of the nerves that can come with competitive high-speed events. There will be clear signing-on and officials on hand to guide you.
Drivers must be 18 or older and hold a full DVLA driving licence.
Yes. All vehicles must pass Technical Control (scrutineering). At a minimum, cars are checked for obvious fluid leaks, a secure battery, a clearly identified ignition or power-on switch, tight wheel nuts (none missing), and secure seats and seatbelts.
For car drivers, you must wear clothing that covers you from the neck down, including arms to wrists and legs to ankles. You also need a crash helmet that is MSUK-approved. Open-face helmets are permitted in closed cockpit cars (with goggles), or full-face with a visor in open cockpit cars. Motocross-style helmets are not accepted.
Yes, they must be 16 years or older. There is a £25 fee, which gives them access for the entire day. They must also wear a helmet.
Yes, please contact Straightliners directly to book in
Yes, Straightliners provide a full explaination of the rules for Run What Ya Brung events on their site
Yes, on the day you'll be able to purchase unlimited runs for the day for an additional £30.
2025 HIGHLIGHTS

Live Music
We took the audience on a musical journey back to the 70s with an incredible lineup of live acts. Crowds danced the night away to Björn Again, grooved with Earth Wind for Hire and sang along to classic hits from our very own Dolly Parton tribute, plus many more fantastic performers.
Kids Zone
Retro’s Kids Zone was bursting with fun for our younger visitors. Children tested their talents with circus skills, zoomed around in Krazy Karts and even got creative with car painting, alongside plenty more activities. It was the perfect place for families to play and have fun together.
F1 Demos
We brought legendary machines from the sport’s past back to life on the UK’s fastest circuit. These iconic cars were certainly fast and certainly loud, giving spectators a rare chance to experience them up close. It was a highlight of the weekend and a true celebration of Formula 1 heritage.
Car Clubs
Hundreds of cherished machines spanning every era, make and model lined the banks of the track, creating a living, breathing celebration of automotive history. From timeless classics to modern icons, the car clubs added colour and character to the entire weekend, giving visitors the chance to get up close to beautifully preserved and lovingly maintained vehicles.
Historic Racing
The legendary Jochen Rindt Trophy lit up the track with evocative single-seaters from the 60s, 70s and 80s, while the MG Owners Club Championship and Superformance Ferrari Club brought beautifully prepared classics back into wheel-to-wheel action. Mighty Minis delivered their trademark door-to-door excitement, and the GT & Sportscar Cup added stunning variety with a grid full of historic endurance legends. And that was just the start, fans enjoyed an even wider mix of historic categories throughout the weekend, ensuring there was something special on track in every session.
Helicopter Rides
Another highlight was the unforgettable helicopter rides, giving fans the chance to take to the skies and experience the circuit like never before. Taking off from the heart of the venue, passengers soared above the track, enjoying panoramic views of the racing below and the beautiful Hampshire countryside beyond.
Food & Drink
Food and drink played a huge part in the 2025 atmosphere, with a wide variety of options to suit every taste. The brand-new Beer Tent and Cocktail Bar quickly became fan favourites, offering refreshing drinks throughout the weekend. Visitors enjoyed everything from a classic hog roast to gourmet street-food stalls, sweet treats and much more
Fancy Dress
One of the standout moments was the fantastic Fancy Dress Competition, where fans embraced the full 70s spirit with outrageous outfits, bold colours and plenty of disco flair. The paddock came alive with retro fashion as visitors helped elevate the festival atmosphere. The highlight was the epic dance-off on the main stage, where enthusiastic participants battled it out with their best moves and one lucky fan was crowned the 2025 Fancy Dress Champion, taking home some brilliant prizes and bragging rights for the year.
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