MG Fest North 2025

The MG Car Club’s 95th anniversary was marked in fitting style at Croft Circuit, near Darlington, on the weekend of September 6-7 2025, with the inaugural MG Fest North. The two-day celebration drew Club members, families, and motorsport fans from across the UK and further afield, including members of the Kobe MG Car Club of Japan, to enjoy a festival that blended racing thrills, social camaraderie, and entertainment.

From the moment the first cars rolled through the gates on Saturday morning, it was clear this was going to be something special. The sun tried to break through over North Yorkshire, the flags of the Club fluttered proudly, and the car park soon started to buzz with the unmistakable sound of MGs from all eras. This wasn’t just another event on the calendar – it was a historic moment for the MG Car Club, and one that many will remember as a milestone in our shared story.

Racing at the Heart

For many, the headline act was the packed BRSCC racing programme, with MGs front and centre. The Cockshoot Cup and the Hickford Construction MG Metro Cup joined forces on the grid, creating a spectacular showcase of MG history in action. From the charm of MGBs to the sharp handling of ZRs and the lively agility of the Metros, it was a colourful and competitive field that entertained the crowds with close racing and plenty of drama.

The combined grid proved inspired, and every lap demonstrated why these series remain fan favourites – competitive yet friendly, spirited but respectful.

Beyond the MG focus, the Croft weekend hosted Mazda MX-5 Championships, including Clubman, SuperCup and Kent Models Shocks, delivering their trademark close finishes. The CityCar Cup and Student Motorsport Challenge added youthful energy, while the BMW Compact Cup and BMW 1 Series SuperCup injected high-speed spectacle, and the Mini Sevens and Miglia added the charm that only Minis can.

Special mention must go to the Ginetta Junior Championship, whose fearless youngsters in identical G40s offered some of the most exciting racing of the weekend. Their commitment through Croft’s technical sections was remarkable – a glimpse of the sport’s future stars, right alongside MG’s proud history.

The atmosphere trackside was superb: grandstands filled with cheering families, and members took to the banking near the hub of the MG entertainment to cheer on the racers.

More than Motorsport

Yet MG Fest North was never just about the racing. Off-track, Croft transformed into a vibrant festival celebrating everything MG.

The Main Arena, expertly hosted by Wayne Scott, kept crowds engaged with anniversary displays, interviews, and rolling parades of MGs through the ages. The Pride of Ownership and Show & Shine competitions drew admiring crowds, while the CarKhana event proved a surprise highlight. Organised by the Scottish team of Ken, Billy, Katie, and Rod, this grassroots challenge had competitors grinning ear to ear as they tackled tight, technical courses. Many commented it was the most fun they’d had behind the wheel all year – a reminder of how accessible motorsport can be.

For those looking to stretch their MG’s legs beyond the circuit, road runs through the Yorkshire countryside offered breathtaking scenery and a relaxed chance to enjoy MG motoring at its best. Dedicated Register parking told the story of the marque’s evolution, from vintage Oxford-built machines to the very latest SAIC models of the newly-formed MG Motor Register, and courtesy of the local MG dealer Drive Darlington MG. Walking through the lines of cars felt like stepping through time, a living history lesson, brought to life by proud owners eager to share their stories.

Festival Vibes

No festival is complete without food, drink, and entertainment – and MG Fest North delivered in style. A variety of mobile food and drink vendors and the onsite café ‘Hangar 50’ kept everyone fueled, while the licensed bar proved a popular gathering spot. The Saturday night dinner and entertainment was a standout part of the weekend for many, with a buzzing crowd enjoying live music, dancing, and camaraderie.

The musical line-up was eclectic and top class. The Score, a Birmingham-based pop/rock covers band, headlined with a barnstorming set spanning hits from the 1960s to today. Their energy was infectious, and the dance floor was never empty. StoneVein, bringing raw grunge-rock power from Wakefield, gave the weekend a heavier edge, while Robson Field, a gifted singer-songwriter from County Durham, charmed audiences with heartfelt originals and fresh covers. Together, they ensured there was something for everyone, and the music carried the festival atmosphere long into the night.

Elsewhere, classic bus rides to nearby Northallerton offered a nostalgic trip for families, while the trade stands and car boot stands proved a treasure trove for parts hunters, collectors, and bargain seekers. The MG Car Club marquee was a hive of activity, selling everything from books and models to the coveted 95th anniversary merchandise, a must-have memento of the weekend.

Community Spirit

What truly made MG Fest North shine was the spirit of friendship. From Devon and Cornwall to Scotland and everywhere in between, members came together in a way that echoed the very earliest gatherings of the MG Car Club.

One comment on social media summed it up perfectly: “It felt like how Club events used to be – and still can be.” Smiling faces were everywhere, whether catching up with old friends or welcoming newcomers to the fold.

The sense of community was reinforced by the volunteer effort that underpinned the event. Members from the Tyne Tees, Yorkshire, and Caledonian Centres, along with the tireless Yellow Army of marshals, ensured everything ran smoothly. Their contribution was enormous, and rightly applauded by attendees when Wayne called them in to the arena.

Special mention must go to Lorraine Noble-Thompson, whose leadership and vision brought the event to life, and to Noel Lindford, described by many as her right-hand man and a powerhouse behind the scenes. Their dedication, along with the support of Kimber House staff and countless local volunteers, was the bedrock of MG Fest North’s success.

Voices from the Weekend

“A great weekend MG Festival. Lots of cars, racing, and meeting so many new people. Many thanks to Lorraine, the committee, and all the marshals – a big well done to the Scottish team assisting with the CarKhana. Great laughs!”
“Congratulations to all involved in organising and delivering such a super weekend. A leap of faith to put on a very different major event for the MGCC, and it worked brilliantly.”
“Croft was a lovely venue and it was nice to be able to enjoy good racing alongside the festival. If you weren’t there, you missed an excellent event.”
“Huge congratulations to Lorraine, Noel, and the Yellow Army for the immense work behind the scenes, then landing a fantastic and fun weekend.”
“It was lovely meeting people face to face who we’d normally only see on social media. Here’s to the next one!”
“Thank you to everyone involved today. I had a cracking day, and I’m now a paid-up member – can’t wait to get back out next year.”

These voices echo a common theme: MG Fest North was more than just an event – it was an experience, a memory, and an MG Car Club milestone.

Looking Ahead

The inaugural MG Fest North has set a new standard for MGFest gatherings. It showcased what is possible when tradition meets fresh ideas, when motorsport sits alongside music, and when history is celebrated in a modern, engaging way.

As we look towards the centenary of the MG Car Club in 2030, events like this will be crucial in keeping the Club vibrant, relevant, and welcoming to new generations. MG Fest North 2025 was a powerful statement: our heritage is alive, our community is strong, and our future is bright.

On behalf of all who attended, a heartfelt thank you goes to everyone who made it possible – organisers, volunteers, marshals, racers, entertainers, and of course the members who brought their cars and their passion. Together, we created a weekend that truly lived up to the Club’s motto: The Marque of Friendship.

As one departing member put it with a smile: “It was a fantastic weekend – and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.”

Here’s to many more.