MGFest ’26 Puts MG Centre Stage

The MG Car Club is celebrating the success of MGFest ’26, which brought together hundreds of MG enthusiasts for a superb day of racing, displays and Club activity at Brands Hatch on Sunday 16 August.

With the famous Kent circuit providing the backdrop, MGFest showcased the remarkable breadth of the MG marque, from cars approaching their centenary to the very latest models carrying the octagon into a new generation.

Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed an excellent programme of racing organised by the BRSCC, with the combined grid of the MG Cockshoot Cup and MG Metro Championship taking centre stage. Close and competitive action provided a fitting reminder of MG’s long association with motorsport and created a fantastic atmosphere around the venue.

Away from the circuit, there was more competitive action in the hotly contested California Cup Autotest, hosted by the South East Centre. There was no shortage of tyre smoke as competitors tackled the course in a wonderfully varied selection of MGs, from Midgets and MGFs to 1950s Magnettes.

The MG Car Club’s Registers and invited clubs were at the heart of the event, with volunteers welcoming owners, answering questions and sharing their considerable knowledge and enthusiasm. The MGs gathered around the Register flags and marquees demonstrated the extraordinary variety within the Club.

Another highlight was the Special MG display, bringing together cars representing some fascinating chapters in MG history. These included a Sebring MGC, the spectacular Metro 6R4 from the Group B rallying era and the extraordinary MG ZT-T 765 X-15, which achieved 225.609mph at Bonneville in 2003 to become the world’s fastest estate car.

The venue itself was transformed by a wonderfully colourful selection of over 600 MGs, stretching from the main entrance along Colin Chapman Way. Pre-war cars and much-loved post-war classics sat alongside MGBs, Midgets, MGFs, Zeds and the latest generation of MGs.

The trade area also proved popular, with traders and exhibitors adding another dimension to the event. Representing the modern face of MG alongside the Club’s MG Motor Register was Ancaster MG, who displayed a selection of the latest MG Motor range, from the recently introduced MG4 Urban through to the IM6.

Perhaps the most memorable moment, however, came after the final racing of the day, when owners were invited onto the Brands Hatch circuit in an attempt to establish an unofficial record for the largest number of MGs on track at the same time.

The response was tremendous, with 223 MGs taking to the circuit. The oldest was a 1929 MG M Type, while the newest was a 2026 MG Cyberster – putting almost a century of MG history on the Brands Hatch track together.

It provided a spectacular conclusion to MGFest ’26 and perfectly summed up the day: bringing together the competition, cars, people and enthusiasm that make up the MG Car Club.

The Club would like to thank MSV for their support both before and during the event, along with everyone who helped make MGFest ’26 such a success. Our thanks go to the competitors and marshals, the Registers and their volunteers, traders and exhibitors, Ancaster MG, MG Motor and, of course, the many MG owners and enthusiasts who joined us on the day.

MGFest ’26 proved a wonderful celebration of the marque, and the sight of 223 MGs spanning almost 100 years circulating together was a fitting way to bring a memorable day to a close. Keep an eye out for details of MGFest ’27…