West Northamptonshire set to welcome biggest-ever British Grand Prix
03 July 2026
Visitors from across the world are set to visit West Northamptonshire this weekend as the British Grand Prix returns to Silverstone (3–5 July), bringing world-class motorsport, global talent and a festival atmosphere to the area.
With more than half a million spectators expected, this year’s event is set to be the largest Formula 1 race weekend in the world, delivering an action-packed programme both on and off the track.
More than 60,000 people are expected to stay at local campsites, while around 160,000 attendees will travel to the circuit by bus from neighbouring counties, highlighting the scale and popularity of the Grand Prix and its importance to the local economy. The event is expected to generate a significant economic boost for West Northants, supporting local businesses, hospitality venues and tourism across the area.
West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) has been working closely with Silverstone Circuit, emergency services and partner agencies to support the safe and successful delivery of this major international event.
Public Health and safety
Public health and regulatory teams from West Northants and Buckinghamshire will be on site throughout the weekend, carrying out inspections of campsites and food providers to ensure high standards are maintained across the event.
WNC has worked in close partnership with police, fire and ambulance services to support a coordinated response, with enhanced emergency service presence and well-established safety plans in place.
The council's Emergency Planning Team has played a key role in preparations, working with event organisers and partner agencies to develop robust contingency plans and ensure appropriate arrangements are in place to respond effectively to any incidents or disruptions that may arise during the festival.
Travel and traffic management
Residents and visitors are advised to plan journeys in advance, as roads in and around Silverstone are expected to be particularly busy. A comprehensive traffic management plan will be in place, including road restrictions, signed diversions and additional stewarding, to help keep traffic flowing and minimise disruption.
Where possible, attendees are encouraged to use pre-booked park and ride services and public transport options. Find more travel and transport information on the Silverstone website.
Resident communications
A dedicated British Grand Prix residents’ information leaflet has been delivered to local homes, with further guidance and regular updates available via the Silverstone website and partner channels to help residents plan ahead.
Waste and environmental services
Household waste collections will take place as normal across the local area, with no disruption to scheduled services on Wednesday. Additional street cleansing and litter collection teams will be deployed throughout the weekend to help keep communities clean and tidy.
Cllr Mark Arnull, Leader of West Northamptonshire Council, said: “We are incredibly proud to host what promises to be the biggest British Grand Prix yet, right here in West Northamptonshire – an area renowned across the globe for its sporting excellence.
“I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all our local partners, organisers, and the many teams working behind the scenes to bring this world-class event together. It promises to be an unforgettable weekend for everyone attending.
“We are especially grateful to our residents for their continued support and patience, as our roads and local services experience increased demand. Their understanding plays a vital role in helping us showcase West Northamptonshire at its very best to visitors from around the world.”
Stuart Pringle, CEO of Silverstone, said: "We're looking forward to welcoming what we expect to be a record crowd for this year's British Grand Prix, making it the biggest Formula 1 race weekend in the world.
“The event is much more than a race – it's a celebration of world-class sport, innovation and entertainment that attracts fans from across the globe. We're proud to work alongside West Northamptonshire Council, the emergency services and our many partners to deliver a safe, memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone.
“The support of our local communities is invaluable, and we're excited to showcase Silverstone and West Northamptonshire on the world stage once again."
Explore things to see and do around the local area on the Discover Northamptonshire website. Stay up to date on the latest news by following Silverstone’s social media.