The racing!

Each of the three days of DHF 2025 is packed with superb track action, with 17 races showcasing 12 world-class historic racing grids. And, for the first time in the event’s history, racing will take place on the Donington Park GP circuit, adding to the excitement for spectators and competitors alike. 

Formula 1 demos

Historic Formula 1 cars will take to the track on the Saturday and Sunday of the event, thrilling Festival visitors. The F1 cars include this mighty Williams FW22  which was originally driven by Jenson Button in his debut F1 season.  Few of those present on May 3 and 4 will ever forget the unmistakable sound of that 800+bhp BMW E41 V10 engine echoing around Donington Park in the more-than capable hands of six times Indy 500 entrant James Davison! The FW22 will be joined by a 1998 Benetton, ex-Giancarlo Fisichella Chassis1 –  driven by Rob Spencer.

Super Touring demos

DHF is always a fabulous experience for tin-top fans, with its plethora of grids featuring touring cars from the 1950s to the late 1990s. This year we're going one step further, with track demos from a gaggle of Super Tourers on the Saturday and Sunday of the event, a glorious reminder of what is often thought of as one of the BTCC's finest eras. And when they're not out on track, you'll be able to see these potent machines on display in the paddock.

Get up close in the Paddock - and take a Pitlane walk

If you want to have a look what’s under the bonnet of these classic racers, this is where you need to be – and don’t forget to take a peep inside the pit garages for more race preparation action during the lunchtime pitlane walks. The Paddock is a great place to get some terrific photos as well - fancy a selfie of you and the kids with a D-type? Or perhaps a quick video of a pre-War Bentley engine roaring into life? Another excellent spot for photos and video is the Assembly Area in the Paddock near Redgate - the spectacle when the grids fire up and start making their way out onto the track is definitely well worth experiencing!

Car clubs on display

Don’t forget to head to the Infield, where dozens of car clubs large and small will have hundreds of cars on display. And this year you will also find hundreds of Porsches from Porsche Club GB on display at The Launchpad building in the paddock.  The owners love to show off their treasured vehicles, so if you’ve always wanted to have a look inside a Lotus Elan or to peep under the bonnet of a Datsun 240Z, this is your chance! Who knows? You might be inspired to invest in your own classic or sports car and bring it along to DHF 2026! Watch out for the lunchtime parades, when dozens of these classics take to the track - and for the lunchtime parades from Supercar Driver members, with their stunning supercars.

Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypasts

Eyes to the skies on the Saturday and Sunday of the Festival, when we are treated to a flypast from an iconic Spitfire from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. You'll spot this wonderful warbird at 13:16 on the Saturday and 14:52 on the Sunday - and they're always on time!

Image: Darren Harbar

Children's Entertainment

There's plenty to keep the little ones entertained on the Saturday and Sunday, with the fairground, circus skills workshops and face painting (Sat/Sun)!

Go to the movies!

This year we have a very special visitor in the race paddock. Audrey is a beautifully restored 1967 mobile cinema. Originally one of seven such vehicles, employed by the Ministry of Technology to travel the UK educating engineering companies on the latest technology, today this 22-seater spends her time entertaining people with vintage movies. Don’t forget your popcorn!

Brass bands!

We have not one but two brass bands entertaining us over the weekend. Just head to the Infield and follow the sound of the music!

Shopping at the Festival

To take home more than just happy memories of a wonderful weekend, head to the trade stands in the race paddock and Infield, where you’ll find everything from clothing and accessories to memorabilia, artwork, photographs and motorsport and motoring books. You might even make a (very!) early start on the Christmas shopping…

Take a Sporting Bears classic and supercar Dream Ride

We're delighted to welcome the Sporting Bears back to the Festival for another year. You’ll find them based just inside the entrance to the Paddock – so make sure you check them out, and hopefully go for a spin! This year’s Festival visitors will be able to make a donation to benefit the Rainbows Hospice for Children and Young People and the Me & Dee children's charity, in return for a 10-mile passenger ride around local roads in a very special car. 

Race simulators and slot car racing

Fancy getting behind the wheel of a classic racer? We have the next best thing at DHF 2025, with Perfect Acceleration simulators in Garage 39. These were a huge hit at the event last year. And don't forget to check out the slot car racing at the stupendous 1/32nd scale Donington Park run by Speed Lovers & Petrol Weds, which you'll find in the paddock, near Garage 39.