Downpour fails to deter Guild Big Day Out 2026 fun

A capacity complement of drivers and guests made for a memorable Big Day Out at Castle Combe on 15th April (writes Guild Chair Simon Harris).

And despite a lunchtime downpour hitting the Wiltshire circuit, many were keen to explore the limits of their cars in the wet.

Event sponsor KGM Motors UK was unable to attend as logistics and previous commitments made some cars and staff unavailable, but the Guild is extremely grateful to KGM Communications Director Vanessa Cox for effectively saving the event at the 11th hour.

The eager crowd of members and friends was welcomed to the circuit by Castle Combe Racing Club Chair and Guild member Ken Davies, and were then given a safety briefing before being allowed on the track.

Notable vehicles among the entry included an RML GT Hypercar, brought along by member Richard Postins. This was tried by various attendees either behind the wheel or in the passenger seat, many reporting to be blown away by its capability.

Unusual attendees also included an Aston Martin DBR1, Ferrari 612 and Allard P1, alongside a strong complement of Mazda MX-5s, Alfas, BMWs and Porsches.

More than half of the drivers this year were guests, although there were still many familiar faces among the non-Guild member attendees.

While the weather made those out on the track more cautious in the afternoon, there were still vehicles circulating at 4pm before the group decamped to Guild President Nick Mason’s nearby home where he hosted tea.

Huge thank-yous go to Vanessa Cox at KGM, John Griffiths for taking on the arduous task of registrations and coordinating track sessions, assisted by non-Guild member Olly Sanders, who many will know from previous events at the circuit.

We are also grateful for Nick for again hosting a splendid tea – as a token of appreciation we presented him with a canvas image of the EMKA BMW M1 he raced at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1982, taken by Guild photographer Jeff Bloxham.

The Le Mans image was particularly memorable as that year, one of Nick’s co-drivers was Pink Floyd manager Steve O’Rourke.

Early indications are that Big Day Out will run again in 2027, as it continues to represent unrivalled value as a friendly and convivial track day for members and guests.

Photos by Jeff Bloxham and Michael Stokes