Entries open for Big Day Out 2026

Yes, it’s that time again – the Big Day Out is ready to roll (writes John Griffiths). This year’s day of track action at Castle Combe circuit near Chippenham will be held on Wednesday 15th April and a link to the entry form can be found here. When completed please return the form either via email or by post to John Griffiths, 18 Old Ferry Drive, Wraysbury TW19 5EW.

The day has a new principal sponsor for 2026 – following many years of stalwart support from Alun Parry and Suzuki, for which we offer huge thanks, new to the UK brand Geely Auto has taken up the baton, its PR operation now led by another major supporter of the Guild, Simon Branney.

Thanks greatly to Geely, entry fees are unchanged from last year despite the circuit fees having almost doubled. So it’s £75 for Guild members, £125 for their guest drivers and £15 for passengers. These fees remain at an exceptionally low level compared with commercial track days – the Big Day Out is a strictly non-profit event, with any surplus that may arise being directed to the Guild Benevolent Fund.

Because of his extensive overseas commitments with his band A Saucerful of Secrets, we don’t yet know whether our President, Nick Mason, will be able once again to host another of his greatly-enjoyed end-of-play teas at his nearby home – a highlight of the day for us all (huge thanks Nick). What we are pretty sure of is that if our greatly-respected President can, he will.

As regulars know, Castle Combe allows a maximum of 12 cars on track in any one session. In order for all participants to have adequate track time (2 x 15 mins in the morning, 2 x 15 mins in the afternoon plus 2 ‘free’ sessions at end of play) the total number of drivers is limited to 60. 

Would all intending participants note that Guild members have first call on these places, and that only if driving slots remain vacant can guest drivers be accommodated. Past experience, however, suggests that such places are likely to be available and guest drivers and passengers will be heartily welcomed.

It is inevitable that some entrants may wish to make changes/substitutions to cars, Guild or guest drivers or passengers as the day itself draws near. We’ll do our utmost to accommodate, as in the past, but we do request they be minimised. Entrants may also enter more than one car, subject to spaces being available.

A reminder that helmets are mandatory on circuit. Please bring your own if possible – the circuit may have some for hire, with disposable liners. 

Final instructions will be issued a couple of weeks before the day itself. Please get your entries in as early as you can. There will be no formal closing date but a flood of entries in the final week or so won’t be all that welcome! The ‘final’ will cover timings, noise testing (under 100dB), the mandatory safety briefing, refreshment arrangements and other relevant details. 

Formal proceedings will start around 9am with the driver briefing and the circuit opening for first sessions at 10am. All drivers and passengers are required to sign on at race control, with drivers also being required to show driving licences.

Should you wish to arrive during the afternoon/evening before the event, the circuit paddock will be open until 6pm (latest!) and motorhomes/trailers are welcome to occupy it overnight, as per a normal pre-race meeting evening. At 6pm, however, the circuit gates will be locked, no ifs or buts.  

For others planning to arrive the evening before, there are four hotels within easy or relatively easy reach of the circuit: Travelodge (M5 services) and Premier Inn, Chippenham (both modestly priced) plus the Castle pub/hotel and Manor House Hotel, both in Castle Combe itself (the latter two a lot more credit card-melting). The Castle has 12 bookable rooms and an excellent restaurant, with lots of parking at the Manor House golfing hotel, which also owns the Castle. If enough participants book rooms, it may be possible to have an informal pre-event social evening/dinner there or at an alternative venue elsewhere. 

Entry fee payments should be made to the bank account of the Guild of Motoring Writers Ltd, sort code 20-72-33, account no. 90429309.

The Big Day Out is always a great deal of fun – if you haven’t joined us before, why not come along this year?