Engines will roar to life this summer as FuelFest returns to the UK for the first time since 2019, transforming Manston Airport into a celebration of horsepower, speed and car culture this month.
Part of FuelFest’s expanding 2026 world tour, the Manston event on July 25 joins 11 stops across the United States alongside international dates in Tokyo and Qatar. Founded by Cody Walker in 2018, FuelFest has grown into a globally recognised automotive lifestyle festival, combining world-class cars, live motorsport, music and celebrity appearances while honouring the legacy of his brother, the late Paul Walker, and supporting charity Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW).
When the gates open at 1pm, Manston’s runway will come alive with tyre smoke, roaring engines and non-stop action. Fans will witness live drifting throughout the day, experience heart-pounding passenger ride-alongs with leading professional and local drivers and watch quarter-mile drag racing thunder down the airport’s landing strip.
More than 700 vehicles will fill the festival grounds, from rare supercars and meticulously built performance machines to heavily modified street builds, classics and some of the most recognisable cars from the Fast & Furious franchise. There will also be live music, interactive experiences, automotive art, sponsor activations and exclusive merchandise.
Making a special appearance will be FuelFest founder Cody Walker, who will meet fans throughout the day.
New for 2026 is the People’s Choice Judged Paddock, where the crowd becomes the judge, voting live for the UK’s favourite build before the winner is crowned on stage. Returning by popular demand is Taste of Tokyo, recreating the atmosphere of a Japanese underground car meet with a hand-picked collection of JDM builds.
“Bringing FuelFest back to the UK is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time,” FuelFest founder Cody Walker said. “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.”
Every event supports Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW), the humanitarian disaster relief organisation founded by Paul Walker. Proceeds from FuelFest help fund ROWW’s emergency response efforts around the globe, including recovery initiatives following the devastating earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela last month.
Visitors can register their own vehicles for the main car show, apply to display within the Taste of Tokyo showcase, or sign up for drift ride-along experiences (available to guests aged 18+ wearing closed-toe shoes and long trousers).
The event also offers VIP packages.
FuelFest UK is expected to attract more than 10,000 enthusiasts from across Britain and overseas.
Tickets start from £50.70, with children aged 12 and under admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Gates open 1pm – 8pm.
For tickets, vehicle registration, and updates, visit www.FuelFest.com or follow FuelFest on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.
FROM £ 50 .70 ! good luck with that in thanet , its daylight robbery – still the people will vote with their feet , lets see how many families fall for this one ?
Kids under 12 go free , tickets are a good price
Well there we go – one person thinks its extortionate – the next person thinks its a bargain !
Obviously it depends on personal circumstances, disposable income and individual priorities.
By comparison, tickets to events at Dreamland are more expensive and yet many thousands are attending every weekend. Despite there supposedly being a cost of living crisis – significant numbers of people have funds for costly leisure activities.
Greene will probably block it with a judicial review….
Green and Nixey with Dawes will block it
Fuel fest OK.
Manston air show not
Ummm
Will it be only for those within 60minutes of Freudston?