There are some venues that simply feel right for MG, and Brands Hatch is undoubtedly one of them. Steeped in motorsport history and etched into the memory of generations of British racing fans, the Kent circuit will play host to the MG Car Club when it welcomes MG Fest ’26 on Sunday August 16 next year. This landmark event will serve as the MG Car Club’s official national gathering for 2026, and promises to be a memorable combination of competition, camaraderie, and celebration.

For the first time in a number of years, Brands Hatch will stage a major event dedicated entirely to MG, and it feels like a natural fit. Few marques can boast the same depth of grassroots motorsport involvement as MG, and few circuits have witnessed such a rich variety of club racing, saloon car battles, and historic competition. Bringing these two together for a national festival is a mouthwatering prospect for fans of the marque.

At the heart of the day will be a full programme of racing curated by the British Racing and Sports Car Club (BRSCC). Known for delivering some of the most entertaining club racing in the UK, the BRSCC’s involvement ensures that the on-track action will be fast, competitive, and full of character. Topping the bill will be the ever-popular MG Cockshoot Cup, a series that has long been a cornerstone of MG Car Club motorsport.

The Cockshoot Cup has always been about variety, accessibility, and good-natured competition, and that spirit will be on full display at MG Fest ’26. Expect to see an eclectic mix of machinery, from nimble Midgets to brawny MGBs and later models, all prepared for battle. Many of these cars are home-built and lovingly maintained, which only adds to the charm. This is grassroots racing at its best: close, noisy, and gloriously unpredictable.

But MG Fest ’26 will be about far more than just what happens on the circuit. Spread throughout the venue will be an enormous display of MGs from across the decades, creating a rolling timeline of the marque’s evolution. From pre-war treasures to post-war classics, from 1970s favourites to modern MG Motor models, the sheer diversity of MG ownership will be there for all to see.

For visitors, this will be a rare chance to see so many different models in one place, and to speak directly with the people who own, restore, race, and cherish them. These conversations – about rebuilds, road trips, first cars, and lifelong passions, are often what make club events so special.

Adding to the interactive feel of the day will be the MG Car Club California Cup Autotest and Autosolo competitions, taking place in a dedicated area of the venue. These disciplines are high on skill and entertainment. Precision driving, tight manoeuvres, and split-second decision-making make them captivating to watch, while also reminding us that motorsport doesn’t have to be about flat-out speed to be thrilling.

There will also be special MG motorsport demonstrations and curated displays throughout the day, showcasing rare and historically significant cars. For many spectators, this will be a chance to see cars in motion that are normally only admired in static displays.

One of the most ambitious plans for MG Fest ’26 is an attempt to set a new record for the most MG cars on a circuit at the same time. This mass parade lap will be a powerful visual symbol of the brand’s enduring popularity and the strength of its community. Imagine hundreds of MGs filling the curves of Paddock Hill Bend, Druids, and Clearways, a photographer’s dream and a moment that participants will never forget.

MG Car Club Chairman Lorraine Noble-Thompson captured the spirit of the occasion perfectly: “In celebrating the MG Car Club’s partnership with Brands Hatch, we celebrate not just a venue, but a shared passion that transcends time. Here’s to a remarkable MG Fest ’26, where history, excitement, and the love of motorsport come together in a spectacular celebration at one of the world’s most famous circuits.”

That sense of shared passion is what makes this event so significant. MG Fest is not just a show or a race meeting, it is a gathering of people united by a common love for a marque that has meant different things to different generations, as was seen at last year’s MG Fest held at Croft.

Brands Hatch itself adds another layer of magic. As part of the venue’s Centenary of Power celebrations in 2026, MG Fest became a tribute not only to the marque but to British motorsport culture as a whole. MSV Group Motorsport Event Manager David Willey commented: “We’re thrilled to host MG Fest at Brands Hatch, which is another fabulous addition to the venue’s Centenary of Power celebrations in 2026. MG machines have a long history of racing at Brands Hatch, so it’s hugely appropriate that this celebration will take place at the venue.”

With its blend of high-quality racing, interactive activities, historic displays, and community spirit, MG Fest ’26 is shaping up to be a must-attend event. Whether you’re a long-standing MG Car Club member, a new owner, or simply a fan of great British motoring, this will be a day to savour.

Mark the date in your diary: Sunday 16 August 2026. MG Fest is coming to Brands Hatch – and it promises to be one for the history books.