Hagerty’s internationally acclaimed Festival of the Unexceptional is set to return to Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire on Saturday, July 25, promising its largest and most impressive event to date.
Now in its 12th year, the festival draws owners and enthusiasts of ordinary vehicles from across the globe, establishing itself as an annual gathering for those who appreciate the charm of everyday motoring. The event showcases everything from family hatchbacks to saloons adorned with colourful ‘Limited Edition’ decals, highlighting vehicles that once populated driveways and supermarket car parks but have since become automotive rarities. With thousands of Festival of the Unexceptional-era cars on display, along with food and a diverse lineup of entertainment, the festival has become a must-attend event for fans of unremarkable motoring history.
Adding to the appeal, Jonny Smith and Richard Porter, hosts of the popular automotive podcast Smith and Sniff, are slated to return, bringing their signature irreverent style to the festival’s main stage.
Smith and Porter are scheduled to present a variety of live entertainment, game shows, and automotive antics across two, one-hour segments. The duo will also record a live episode of the Smith and Sniff podcast and host an audience Q&A session. Previous festival attendees have recounted the unscripted humor and interactive fun from past live podcast recordings, which have covered topics ranging from drag racing dogs to podcast pies and unfortunate wheeltrims.
While Smith and Sniff live podcast recordings typically sell out rapidly, attendees of the 2026 Festival of the Unexceptional will have the opportunity to experience the show as part of the event’s standard admission, further enhancing the festival’s reputation for value.
Tickets for the 2025 Festival of the Unexceptional are currently available for £25, with Hagerty Drivers Club members eligible for a discounted rate of £18.75.
Mark Roper, Managing Director of Hagerty International, described the Festival of the Unexceptional as “more than just an event, it is an automotive movement that attracts more and more people with every year.” He added that Hagerty is proud to have initiated the celebration of unexceptional cars 12 years ago, and that Smith and Sniff’s return is highly anticipated due to their strong connection with the festival’s ethos and audience.
