After a seven-year absence, the internationally acclaimed festival returns to the UK on Saturday, 25 July 2026, transforming Manston Airport in Kent into a full-throttle celebration of performance cars, motorsport and automotive culture.
Part of FuelFest’s expanding global tour, the UK event joins 11 American dates alongside international festivals in Tokyo and Qatar. Founded in 2018 by Cody Walker, the festival has evolved into one of the world’s leading automotive lifestyle events, celebrating the legacy of his late brother, Paul Walker, while raising funds for humanitarian charity Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW).
A Full Day of Adrenaline-Fuelled Entertainment
From the moment the gates open at 1.00pm, Manston Airport’s historic runway will become the backdrop for an action-packed programme featuring:
- Continuous live drifting demonstrations
- High-speed passenger drift ride-alongs
- Quarter-mile drag racing
- Professional motorsport displays
- Live music and entertainment
- Interactive automotive experiences
- Sponsor exhibitions and exclusive merchandise
More than 700 vehicles are expected to be on display, ranging from rare supercars and exotic hypercars to heavily modified performance machines, classic vehicles, American muscle cars, Japanese imports and several instantly recognisable Fast & Furious movie cars.
The combination of motorsport, entertainment and automotive lifestyle attractions makes FuelFest unlike a traditional car show, creating an immersive experience for enthusiasts and families alike.
Cody Walker Headlines the UK Return
FuelFest founder Cody Walker will attend the event, meeting fans throughout the day and celebrating the worldwide automotive community that has helped FuelFest become one of the fastest-growing festivals of its kind.
Speaking ahead of the event, Walker said:
“Bringing FuelFest back to the UK is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time. The UK has one of the most passionate car communities anywhere in the world, and Manston Airport gives us the perfect stage to create an unforgettable day of racing, drifting, music and incredible cars, all while supporting Reach Out WorldWide.
“Whether you’re into JDM, American muscle, European performance or movie cars, FuelFest is about bringing everyone together through a shared passion.”
New Attractions for 2026
This year’s event introduces several fresh experiences designed to increase visitor involvement.
Making its debut is the People’s Choice Judged Paddock, where visitors vote live throughout the day to decide the UK’s favourite show car before the winner is crowned during the main stage presentation.
Also returning is the hugely popular Taste of Tokyo display, recreating the atmosphere of a Japanese underground street meet with a carefully curated collection of outstanding JDM machinery.
Celebrating Fast & Furious Heritage
FuelFest UK arrives at an especially fitting moment for fans of the Fast & Furious franchise.
The festival takes place less than a month before the original Fast & Furious film returns to UK cinemas on 21 August, offering enthusiasts the chance to celebrate the cars, culture and community that inspired one of the world’s most influential automotive film series.
Supporting Reach Out WorldWide
Beyond the excitement on track, FuelFest continues its commitment to charitable work through Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW), the disaster relief organisation established by Paul Walker.
Proceeds from every FuelFest event help fund emergency humanitarian missions worldwide, including ongoing recovery operations following the devastating earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela last month.
For many attendees, the festival provides an opportunity to enjoy world-class automotive entertainment while contributing to a meaningful global cause.
Vehicle Entries and VIP Experiences
Enthusiasts wishing to become part of the show can:
- Register vehicles for the main display
- Apply for the exclusive Taste of Tokyo showcase
- Book drift ride-along experiences (18+, long trousers and closed-toe footwear required)
For visitors looking for a premium experience, VIP packages include:
- Meet & Greet with Cody Walker
- VIP Platinum Lounge access
- Early admission
- Exclusive FuelFest merchandise credit
- Drift ride-along opportunities
- Premium viewing areas
- Additional VIP benefits
Organisers expect more than 10,000 visitors from across the UK and overseas, making FuelFest UK one of the country’s largest automotive gatherings this summer.
Tickets start from £50.70, while children aged 12 and under receive free admission when accompanied by a paying adult.
The festival runs from 1.00pm until 8.00pm.
Motoring Echo Top Tips
Planning your FuelFest visit? Here’s how to make the most of the day:
🏁 Arrive early
VIP guests receive early access, but general admission visitors should also arrive well before opening to avoid queues.
📸 Bring your camera
With more than 700 vehicles expected, there will be countless opportunities for photography throughout the day.
👟 Dress appropriately
Comfortable footwear is recommended, while drift ride-along participants must wear long trousers and closed-toe shoes.
☀️ Prepare for the weather
Much of the event takes place outdoors on an active airfield, so sunscreen, waterproof clothing and plenty of water are advisable depending on conditions.
🎬 Movie car fans should plan ahead
Some of the most popular Fast & Furious vehicles are expected to attract large crowds throughout the afternoon.
🚗 Display your own pride and joy
Owners interested in exhibiting should register early, as showcase spaces are expected to fill quickly.
Motoring Echo Verdict
FuelFest’s long-awaited return to Britain looks set to deliver one of the standout automotive events of the summer. Combining high-octane motorsport, world-class show cars, celebrity appearances and a genuine charitable purpose, the festival offers considerably more than a traditional car show. With anticipation building and visitor numbers expected to exceed 10,000, Manston Airport will once again become the centre of UK car culture for one unforgettable day.
