FuelFest returns to the UK July 25th after six year absence
A celebration of car culture returns to the UK this weekend as FuelFest rolls into town at Manston Airport in Kent.
The event was founded by Cody Walker in 2018 to honour the legacy of his brother, the late Paul Walker. It sees live drifting demonstrations and quarter-mile drag racing combined with the appearance of celebrities, iconic movie cars and live music to create the dream Saturday for any petrolhead.
Paul Walker was best known for his appearance in the early Fast & Furious films, which were groundbreaking in the early 2000s and the reason that many young people became interested in cars. The franchise has continued to prosper for over 20 years, with each film getting bigger and more daring, culminating in the final film of the series, Fast Forever, due to be released in 2028.
This summer is also a big one for fans of the original film in the series, The Fast and the Furious, with it set to return to UK cinemas on August 21.
FuelFest continues busy 2026 — helping causes in Venezuela
FuelFest has had a busy 2026, touring the world with 11 events in the United States, along with further dates in Tokyo and Qatar. Proceeds from the event support the charity Reach Out WorldWide (ROWW), which was founded by Paul Walker in January 2010 after Walker took a trip to Haiti following the devastating earthquake there. The charity responds to natural disasters, with groups of volunteer professionals in the medical and construction fields joining the emergency response effort.
This weekend’s event will contribute towards those affected by June’s earthquakes in Venezuela, as well as other causes.
Over 700 vehicles will be at this weekend’s event, from ultra-rare supercars to heavily modded streetcars, with a few classics also thrown in as a melting pot of drifting and drag races take place. Some of the most recognisable cars from the Fast & Furious franchise will be there, along with FuelFest founder Cody Walker, who will meet fans throughout the day.
Popular areas like Taste of Tokyo — a recreation of an authentic Japanese underground car meet full of JDM builds — return and the event also sees the introduction of the People's Choice Judged Paddock. Here, fans become the judges and vote for the UK’s favourite build before the winner is crowned on stage.
There will also be a performance from London rapper Giggs in front of an expected 10,000 attendees.
“The UK has one of the most passionate car communities anywhere in the world”
"Bringing FuelFest back to the UK is something we've wanted to do for a long time," said Cody Walker, Founder of FuelFest.
"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."
Tickets for FuelFest UK start from £50.70, with children aged 12 and under admitted free when accompanied by a paying adult. Gates open between 1pm and 8pm.
words: Mike Booth
pictures: FuelFest