Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional Celebrates 10 Years at Grimsthorpe Castle
Bicester Heritage: 9th July 2024 – The eagerly anticipated Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional marks its 10th anniversary at Grimsthorpe Castle, Lincolnshire, on Saturday, 27th July. Renowned for its showcase of ordinary classic cars, the event will feature thousands of base-model vehicles and the iconic Concours de l’Ordinaire, highlighting the UK’s finest mundane motors.
The 2024 festival promises to be the most exciting yet, with a full schedule of activities and special guests. Gates open early at 7:30 am, and the first 50 arrivals will receive a special Festival Birthday surprise, setting the tone for a day of celebration.
Britain’s favorite motoring podcasters, Johnny Smith and Richard “Sniff Petrol” Porter, will bring their unique brand of entertainment to the main stage. At 10 am, they kick off with the first round of their quirky quiz game, Wheeltrim of Misfortune, where attendees can test their knowledge of all things unexceptional.
At 11 am, Smith and Sniff will open the Superchod Swap Shop, facilitating trades among car enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to swap seat covers for a SEAT or find a new home for your Maxi manifold, this segment is sure to be a hit.
The festival continues at 11:30 am with a FOTU Flashback, where motoring journalists Jeff Ruggles and Chris Pollitt join Wayne Scott to reminisce about the highlights of the past decade. At midday, Smith and Sniff return for a live recording of their award-winning podcast, promising an eclectic and entertaining session.
The afternoon features more from the Superchod Swap Shop, live music courtesy of RIOT, and the second round of Wheeltrim of Misfortune at 2 pm. Paul Cowland’s Completely Unexceptional Pub Quiz at 4 pm offers a chance to win prizes, including a £200 detailing and valeting kit from Dodo Juice.
The highlight of the day, the Festival of the Unexceptional Awards, will take place at 5 pm. Chief Judge Danny Hopkins and his panel will announce the winners of each class, celebrating the best of the ordinary.
The day concludes with the Disco of the Unexceptional at 5:30 pm, featuring top tunes from the Eighties and Nineties, offering a final chance to enjoy the festivities before the event closes at 7 pm.
Event Timetable at a Glance:
- 7:30 am: Gates Open
- 8:00 am: FOTU Birthday Surprise
- 9:00 am: Stage Opens – Wayne Scott Welcomes You
- 10:00 am: Smith and Sniff Present: Wheeltrim of Misfortune
- 11:00 am: Smith and Sniff Open the Superchod Swap Shop
- 11:30 am: FOTU Flashback with Jeff Ruggles, Chris Pollitt, and Wayne Scott
- 12:00 pm: Smith and Sniff Podcast LIVE
- 1:00 pm: Superchod Swap Shop Update
- 1:15 pm: Live Music by RIOT
- 2:00 pm: Smith and Sniff Present: Wheeltrim of Misfortune 2
- 3:00 pm: Superchod Swap Shop Update
- 3:15 pm: Live Music by RIOT
- 4:00 pm: Paul Cowland’s Completely Unexceptional Pub Quiz
- 5:00 pm: 2024 Festival of the Unexceptional Awards
- 5:30 pm: FOTU Photos – Snap Your Car in Front of Vanbrugh Hall
- 5:30 pm: The Disco of the Unexceptional
- 7:00 pm: Close of Show
Since its inception in 2014, Hagerty’s Festival of the Unexceptional has become a beloved event, dedicated to celebrating the classic everyday cars of the 70s, 80s, and 90s. It stands as a unique celebration of the ordinary vehicles that hold a special place in our hearts and memories. Tickets are now available, with media accreditation open for those who wish to cover this extraordinary event.
