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2025 Hagerty Festival Of The Unexceptional To Celebrate The Appeal Of Ordinary Cars
The Hagerty Festival of the Unexceptional, a unique event celebrating ordinary cars, will be held on 26th July 2025 at Grimsthorpe Castle. This festival, now in its 11th year, highlights the charm of everyday vehicles from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Unlike typical classic car shows, it focuses on cars that are relatable and often overlooked.
Grimsthorpe Castle offers a picturesque setting with its historic stately home and lush gardens. While many classic car events showcase high-value collectibles, this festival celebrates the mundane vehicles that many people have owned or seen in their daily lives. These cars are not about investment but about nostalgia and personal stories.
The Festival of the Unexceptional features a concours event called Concours de l’Ordinaire. Here, 50 cherished models are judged for their authenticity and preservation. Owners dedicate themselves to maintaining these cars despite their lack of glamour or financial return. The challenge of finding parts for these vehicles adds to their appeal.
One notable story is that of Amy Jaine, who drives her grandmother's 1998 Renault Clio. This personal connection adds depth to the festival's narrative. Similarly, a well-maintained Toyota Hilux won top honours in 2025 due to its compelling history and condition.
FOTU enthusiasts value originality above all else. In 2023, Sion Hudson spent two years restoring his Austin Metro to its original factory condition by removing previous modifications. This dedication reflects the passion these owners have for preserving automotive history.
The festival also fosters a welcoming environment where snobbery is absent. Many eligible vehicles can be acquired affordably, attracting younger generations to the classic car community. This inclusivity helps secure the future of car culture by inspiring new enthusiasts.
A Family-Friendly Event
The 2025 Festival promises to be a family-friendly occasion with live entertainment and thousands of unexceptional cars on display. Children under 15 can attend for free, and all tickets include access to a live recording of the Smith & Sniff podcast.
Mark Roper, Managing Director of Hagerty UK, stated: "Festival of the Unexceptional and FOTU-era cars offer a way for more people to enjoy owning a classic and to be part of a unique element of emerging car culture." He emphasised that each year the event grows larger and more exciting.
Tickets for next year's festival are available now, offering full access to this celebration of unremarkable yet beloved vehicles. The event will feature trade stands and presentations relevant to fans of these everyday classics.
Hagerty is dedicated to preserving driving culture through events like FOTU. They provide specialty vehicle insurance and expert valuation data while fostering a community passionate about cars across the UK, Canada, and beyond.
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