RADwood UK celebrates the flamboyance of the ’80s and ’90s with a unique mix of cars and culture. Here’s what to look forward to on September 7
Celebrating the cars and culture of the 1980s and ’90s, RADwood UK takes place on Saturday, September 7. It’s a show like no other, where hi-tops and hot hatches go hand-in-hand, and shell suits meet side-skirts in homage to the flamboyance and excess of the era.
Organised by Hagerty and taking place at the Chatham Historic Dockyard in Kent, visitors can expect a festival of fabulous RAD-era cars, along with the music, fashion and entertainment of the time. There will be four featured RAD display areas, along with a host of features to celebrate ’80s and ’90s culture. Here are some of the many highlights you can expect:
Star Cars
This will showcase some of the most exotic automobiles of the RADwood era, including a BMW 850 CSi, Ferrari F355, Ferrari F40 LM, Honda NSX, Porsche 959 and a Porsche 911 Turbo S – plus everyone’s favourite Athena poster car, the Lamborghini Countach.
RAD to the Future Collection
The RAD to the Future area dramatically showcases how much automotive progress has been made over the years. It will provide a unique opportunity for RAD showgoers to see 1984 classics alongside their 2024 equivalents. The display will include old and new Minis, Golf GTIs and Lotus models.
Show ‘n’ Shine
The 50 entrants to the Show ‘n’ Shine will have a dedicated display zone where judges Joe Ward from White Goods Racing and content creator, Faye Young, will be checking out the side skirts and three-spoked wheels to pick a RAD-worthy winner. For £35 you can enter your car, but you’ll need to move fast as just 50 slots are available.
RAD Display Cars
Turn up in any period-correct car from the 1980s or 1990s and you’ll be able to park with your peers in a further display area. A General Admission ticket includes entry to the display area if you’re driving something RAD.
Vintage Fair
Drivers who arrive in a period-correct car will be able to park with other RAD cars in a dedicated display area. Dressing up in 80s or 90s attire is encouraged, but guests don’t have to worry if they forget to wear their neon leg-warmers or Sergio Tacchini top, as Rokit Vintage will be selling their coolest retro clobber in the main boathouse. There’s even an award for the best-dressed guest.
RAD Sounds
The sounds of the RADwood years will be on sale at a record fair. It’s a great place to find that elusive Depeche Mode album on vinyl, a long-lost RunDMC cassette or the best of BritPop on MiniDisc.
Retro Arcade
At the video game arcade you’ll be able to get your initials immortalised on the likes of Outrun and Sega Rally and apply your special moves to finish your opponent on Streetfighter. Better still you’ll never run out of pound coins as the games are all set to free play!
Tickets
General Admission tickets cost £25 per car or £15 for a motorcycle, which includes entry to the display area if you’re in something period-correct.
You can also use the code KELSEY24-15 to receive 15 per cent off your ticket!
BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE
Location
RADwood will take place at the Chatham Historic Dockyard in Kent, meaning the show not only offers some of the best in ’80s and ’90s cars and culture, but a day out for the whole family too!
Chatham Dockyard is home to the HMS Cavalier and the Ocelot submarine and has been used as the filming location for dozens of film and TV productions, including Marvel Studios’ Disney+ shows Loki and Secret Invasion. The postcode for Chatham Historic Dockyard is ME4 4TZ
