The 2024 Festival of the Unexceptional is gearing up to be the most entertaining ever. As FOTU celebrates its tenth anniversary we’ve got a spectacular schedule of activities on the main stage and in the glorious grounds of Grimsthorpe Castle in Lincolnshire.
We’re opening the gates at 7.30 am on Saturday 27 July and the first 50 arrivals will receive a special Festival Birthday Surprise. At 9 am our host for the day Wayne Scott will declare FOTU 24 officially started and the fun really begins.
Britain’s favourite motoring podcasters Smith and Sniff (Jonny Smith and Richard “Sniff Petrol” Porter) take to the stage at 10 am to host the first round of their quirky quiz game “Wheeltrim of Misfortune”.
Smith and Sniff will be testing FOTU fans’ knowledge of all things unexceptional in a brilliant battle of the car bores. If you think you’ve what it takes to out-geek the opposition then you can register to take part here.
At 11 am Smith and Sniff open the Superchod Swap Shop where banter meets barter as the duo connect car enthusiasts looking to trade. Perhaps you’re looking for some seat covers for your SEAT, or wheeltrims for your Wagon R? Maybe you’ve got a set of Mini mudflaps or a Maxi manifold you want to get rid of? Then register now for the Superchod Swap Shop and Smith and Sniff will aid with the exchange.
At 11.30 am join Wayne Scott for a FOTU Flashback to discuss the highlights of ten unexceptional years of Britain’s most ordinary car show.
Then at midday Smith and Sniff will be back for a live recording of their award-winning podcast. Frankly we have no idea what they’ll talk about or how long this will last – and, true to form, neither to they. All we do know is that it will be as eclectic and entertaining as always. Jonny and Rich will follow this with a Superchod Swap Shop update and then the FOTU house band RIOT will hit the stage,
Wheeltrim of Misfortune returns for round two at 2 pm and there’ll be a final update on the Superchod Swap Shop at 3pm. RIOT are back again just after that before Paul Cowland hosts a Completely Unexceptional Pub Quiz, despite the distinct absence of an actual pub. Paul will be giving away a plethora of prizes including a £200 detailing and valeting kit courtesy of Dodo Juice for the quiz winner.
At 5 pm comes the moment that enthusiasts of the ordinary have been waiting for – the Festival of the Unexceptional Awards. Chief Judge Danny Hopkins and his panel will reveal the winners for every class of mediocre motor.
The grand finale will be a Disco of the Unexceptional, with top tunes from the Eighties and Nineties and your chance to bust a move before the show closes at 7 pm.
To participate in this packed programme get your tickets here.
Remember the entry price of £35 is per car, so if you can pack a Previa that’s just £7 per person for a full day’s fun.
Timetable at a glance
7:30am Gates Open!
8am: FOTU Birthday Surprise…
9am: Stage Opens – Wayne Scott welcomes you to Festival of the Unexceptional’s 10th anniversary!
10am: Smith and Sniff Present: Wheeltrim of Misfortune!
11am: Smith and Sniff open the Superchod Swap Shop
11:30am: FOTU Flashback
12pm:Smith and Sniff, Podcast LIVE!
1pm: Superchod Swap Shop Update!
1:15pm: Live Music, courtesy of The Jacks
2pm: Smith and Sniff Present: Wheeltrim of Misfortune 2!
3pm: Superchod Swap Shop Update!
3:15pm: Live Music, courtesy of The Jacks
4:00pm: Paul Cowland’s Completely Unexceptional Pub Quiz!
5:00pm: 2024 Festival of the Unexceptional Awards!
5:30pm: FOTU Photos – Your chance to snap your car with the iconic FOTU letters, and in front of the iconic Vanbrugh Hall.
5:30pm: The Disco of the Unexceptional
7:00pm: Close of Show
Is the 1999 cut off based on model production year or registration date. (Can I bring a 2002 registered car that was in production in 1997?). It is exceptionally dull but does have an interesting history and is now fitted out as an estate car camper. We have owned it since brand new and its the only brand new car we ever owned
Why do we not see mention or features of one of the best car groups cars from years ago? ie Humber, Hillman Singer, etc, all far better build quality than Ford, MG, BMC ,Brtish Leyland, and far more reliable as I know from being in the car repair trade many years ago.