Has the FOS become too big, too commercial ?

[graeme4130]

I understand entirely that this opinion won't be popular amongst the Goodwood fans, but I was quite disappointed after yesterday's FOS
Maybe it's just a natural evolution, but it seems to have grown into a large commercial motor show rather than what used to be a hill climb for real enthusiasts
Don't get me wrong, on the actual hill and in the rally stage, there was some great stuff, but it was all the other stuff that's my concern

I'm sure anyone else that went in its early years right up to around 6 or 7 years back would've laughed at the possibility of ford having a 4 storey show stand, Eco cars going up the hill and two hours queues to get in and this is before I get started on the Chav element and, from what I understand, car park thefts and pick pockets

What do people think, do they still enjoy it as before but in bigger scale or is t just me ?

[marshalla]

It's not about the cars, it's all about the money.

[graeme4130]

marshalla said:

It's not about the cars, it's all about the money.

That was exactly how it felt
Especially as they stop the big screen and radio coverage every 20 mins or so to 'hear from their partners' ie listen to adverts

Edited by graeme4130 on Saturday 13th July 10:29

[Guyr]

Nothing has changed in recent years and it's the best car event there is IMHO.

Is it cheap to get in and buy food, hell no, but neither is Silverstone GP and it's only once a year. It was extremely well organised and I think the fact it's become a car-show as well as a hill-climb makes it even better.

[MartynVRS]

There's no doubt it's become bigger and it's very well organised. Last year was my first year and I loved it. Ok it is a bit commercial now but that's to be expected. It's definitely about the money no doubt

[Roy C]

I'm glad I went in the early years before it became the "Festival of Greed". Both the FOS and the Revival seems to be victims of their own success.

Fortunately there are proper hillclimbs and other motorsport events where pursuit the pound and the cult of the celebrity have not taken over.

[aycee]

You can always ignore the Commercial bit and get into the cars and atmostphere.
Anglesey was buzzing last night!!!Everybody was HAPPY!

My only gripe was the Breakfast by the supercar paddock could have done with a couple of extra beans and a coffee for £12 and the screen commentry really does not give enough information ,accurately.I want to know exactly who is driving, what, as it goes by, without missing the last few seconds of a fast run!!!

[9.3]

Festival of Chav it's fast becoming. IMO.

[petemurphy]

found it interesting most beer was £4.20 - the exact amount a beer cost at glastonbury to the penny - price fixing anyone?

£5.80 for a sandwich was a bit steep i thought but it is a rich crowd.

thursday is free as tickets are easily available so u cant complain too much imho.

anything successful will become too big and commercial. they could possibly limit the numbers a bit more to make it a bit less frantic and shoot any autograph hunters who are just doing it for ebay. ( sniper on the roof of the house )

[sparks_E39]

I don't see a problem.

[Luftgekuhlt]

graeme4130 said:

and, from what I understand, car park thefts and pick pockets

Any more info on this? In a way I'd be surprised if an event of this size didn't attract thieves. I did notice a bit more police activity on Friday than I've seen before, but nothing else.

[MrReg]

After having stands at numerous shows I would say that Goodwood still appears to have the classier of visitors.
At either the FOS or the revival I could leave an ipad on our stand without worry that it wouldn't be there. At the autosports at the NEC for example, I couldn't leave a can of coke on a table without it going missing!

[Cyder]

I went to the first 7-8 in a row, then again about 6 years and today and it most certainly hasn't changed for the better.

It's gone from relaxed garden party to quite the corporate event, more's the pity.

Mind you, it is still pretty special and if it was your first visit you'd be we'll impressed I think.

[va1o]

I was a bit overwhelmed by it yesterday, simply too much to see in one day so ended up missing quite a lot of. Also found the level of traffic on the road entering and leaving to be quite ridiculous, adding well over an hour each way to the journey time.

It's in incredible event but perhaps getting too big and popular for its own good.

[scutt11]

i noticed an increase in food outlets but i think the weekend is a bit of a bargain for the entertainment but i am local so go all 4 days.at the end of the day it is a business so good on the earl of march

[wfarrell]

...the good bits are as good as they've ever been -- the race car paddocks, the hill climb, super car area, Style et Lux, the stunning views from the top of hill etc

Sure it's been commercialised and scaled up - but you know what, i'd much rather go to Charles March's house for a car show rather than a soulless exhibition centre and there is something for everybody... ...it's one of the finest car events in the world for gawd's sake !

Friday is def the day to go if you can't stomach massive crowds/queues etc.

[Stevanos]

If you live nearby then you will know that this is one big fiscal mining exercise by one of the richest people in the south of England. It is a good day out, no doubt. But the level of pretentiousness is pretty vomit inducing, particularly when you learn how they treat their staff, not just this weekend but all year round.

[ewolg]

Roy C said:

I'm glad I went in the early years before it became the "Festival of Greed". Both the FOS and the Revival seems to be victims of their own success.

Fortunately there are proper hillclimbs and other motorsport events where pursuit the pound and the cult of the celebrity have not taken over.

Have to agree and having been to the first editions of both events they have just got too commercial. A friend who runs Wicked Art didn't go for the first time as it would have cost him over £3500 in fees and hotels.
I also prefer Gurston (which hasn't changed) and now Wilton over Goodwood breakfast club. Just my humble opinion!

[GangstaNun]

We can all remember the 'good old days' but unfortunately with events like this, the moment an opportunity to make money is there, then greed and commercialisation will take over. I agree that it was much more pure and petrol head friendly back in the first few years but as the FoS has evolved so has my perception of it. I no longer see it as a hill climb with classic cars, rather i see it as Britain's Premium Car Event and a jolly good day out.

I do agree with the increase in chavs but that's rather snobbish and a lot of people would take offensive to that. I would prefer it didn't turn into Santa Pod or a Max Power fairy light display.

[PompeyM3]

Also, the demise of a UK motor show has also put more focus by the car companies to exhibit, sponsor and be involved with the whole feel good factor that is the Goodwood FoS.

Just a thought, but is there any health and safety limits on the capacity, which means it can't get any bigger now ?.

My last day of 4 tomorrow and I've got to say I've really enjoyed it. Just a shame it's work again on Monday.