event Shitefest International 2025

[Saabnut]

As summer (ha!) draws to a close, time to think about next year. The last time I tried to do this, the world considered Shiters enjoying themselves abroad was a bad thing and dumped Covid on us, so lets try again.As you may be aware, I have a small farm in France which I try to spend as much time at as possible, which consists of a house, stables, barn, approx 6 acres and a river. The land is flat and suitable for camping! The house has 3 bogs and two showers so is suitable to support camping! Location is in the Sarthe, almost exactly half way between Lemans and Tours. The nearest neighbour is half a kilometer away, with the nearest village (two restaurants/pubs, butchers, shop, bakers etc) approx 1km away. Behind the house is a 40km Voi Verte (cyclepath). Nearest town in La Chatre sur le Loir (5km) where there is everything you could need including the Hotel de France which is where Aston and Triumph teams were based for the 24hr back in the 50s/60s.

So as much or as little to do as you want. My place is almost exactly 300 miles from Calais via Autoroute (so about 5 hours). About 120 miles from Caen. There is a choice of weekends so will try to add a poll. The Lemans 24hr weekend, the Lemans Classic 24hr weekend, the Marcon Classic weekend (Huge local very French show including fireworks, music, food etc) or any other weekend. I can offer lots of camping ground (a field!) and use of bogs/showers. BBQs will be fine but depending on weather may not be allowed in the field, just the garden. Fires will probably not be allowed as they are usually banned in the summer because of the fire risk, but as temps in the summer can make mid 30s and night temps can remain in the high teens, fires are less of an attraction than in the UK.

The cost? Nada. Nothing. Nowt. Get yourselves down there, pay your own booze and entertainment but the site for Shitefest is free. I hope someone else will organise a UK Shitefest as well, as not everyone can or will want to traipse across France. Please vote on a date and put your name on the list once it appears.

[loserone]

This might just work.

We weren't far at all upstream a few weeks ago, lovely area.

 

[dozeydustman]

There may be some big family event next April year so latter part of the summer to early autumn is better for me. I would bring the mrs as well if I can coax her into a tent. Even if it’s just a weekend break for us both.

[Back_For_More]

I've gone for anytime - but as Byrons birthday is 13th June I could be taking him to LeMans anyway. 

It'll be at least 2 of us in a tent.

[reb]

With any luck I may (very much *may*) be able to make this. With preference for later in the year for increased time to scrape together monies.

[fatharris]

May be worth seeing if you can tie it up with the EMwalhalla car show in Ramdonksveer, NL.

Amazing show for shite and should be on any AS bucket list.

[fatharris]

Never mind, just checked and it's an 800 mile round trip 🤣

[dome]

I've ticked for the main Le Mans race but the classic would be equally as good for me. Both are absolute bucket list stuff for me so sign me up👌

[EyesWeldedShut]

Pretty much anytime for us but least prefer August. If the stars align may bring some AS pulling CaravanShite  

[cort1977]

Very much looking forward to this, would prefer August due to school holidays.

 

 

[dome]

Bumping this up for @Tickman and @blackboilersuit👌

[blackboilersuit]

Up until Covid I was in France in 9 out of the 10 previous years but haven't been since so definitely count me in. Voted LeMans Classique but realistically most other times could probably be accommodated. Will take the Toledo for extra style and reliability points. 2000 miles in a 53yr old car WCPGW?

[juular]

We were just talking about spending July in France next year, so as long as it isn't in June this ties in nicely.

[Rust Collector]

My mrs suggested a trial run of camping in France next year, as we seek out ways to stretch the holiday budget out further.

Would bringing partners/kids etc. be ok?

[Weird Car]

I’ve been meaning to take Herbie to LeMans so that’d be a great excuse 😆

but anywhere is fine with me 

[blackboilersuit]

Tagging @davidfowler2000 in this one as it he'll definitely be interested.

[Minimad5]

IF i can get the time off, i'd love to attend something like this.
Very kind of you @Saabnut to offer this.

[davidfowler2000]

1 hour ago, blackboilersuit said:

Tagging @davidfowler2000 in this one as it he'll definitely be interested.

I'm currently off work for two weeks so when I get back I'll try and prod the union peeps to let slip what the annual leave blocks for next year will be.

Even if the annual leave doesn't fall for any of the dates, the rota might be grateful and have me on a long weekend or something. Plus I've got 27 or 28 lieu days in the book.

[catsinthewelder]

I'm definitely up for this, gives me 9 months to find my passport too!

[Saabnut]

I think that the poll has run long enough now with no clear winner other than "anytime". The least popular are the 24 hour race weekend and the "stick it up your erse" option, both with 2 votes  

So it seems a weekend in August is the most popular. The Marcon Classique weekend is around the 10th but there have been requests for later in the month. There is plenty to do in the area without a specific show with both Lemans and Tours both being about 45 minutes away. As an aside, I will be in France for both the 24hr and the 24hr Classic, so if anyone wants private camping for the event just let me know..

Back to Shitefest International. Put your name down and which weekend you would prefer. Also, if you want to stay longer than the weekend and make a holiday of it, that is no problem, just let me know. Families/children/dogs all welcome but please be aware children will need supervision as there is a river through the property but well away from the camping area.

[juular]

Anything later than the 1st weekend of August (1st,2nd,3rd) would be too late for us as I get fixed holidays.  If we miss it we would be up for dropping in sometime in July though.

[lesapandre]

Thanks. Anytime for me. 

[Rust Collector]

The weekend of the 9th/10th fits around the leave that I will likely be taking for my birthday. Assuming that my contract is extended of course 😅

[davidfowler2000]

I shall attend if I can no matter what the date is. My current annual leave block for around then is two weeks commencing 18th August so whatever the date of Le Merdefest, It's likely have to apply for lieu days to attend.

[Saabnut]

Any more suggestions/comments? I am currently in France and plan on fixing a date when I get back, certainly by Christmas. I realise we will not be able to please everyone, but will try to please as many as possible.

[LightBulbFun]

1 hour ago, Saabnut said:

Any more suggestions/comments? I am currently in France and plan on fixing a date when I get back, certainly by Christmas. I realise we will not be able to please everyone, but will try to please as many as possible.

uhhhh, whats the best Route for doing this by Invacar?  

13 hours ago, LightBulbFun said:

15 hours ago, timolloyd said:

Channel Tunnel it will have to be, in that case. Invacar day trip to Calais.

14 hours ago, egg said:

There's a regular car meet in Calais, 1st Sunday morning of the month in summer. I think a Model 70 might be a cause celebre! 

Although the M20 in an Invacar would be.....interesting....

https://www.facebook.com/groups/265704183556571

I was more thinking along the lines of  

https://autoshite.com/topic/60030-shitefest-international-2025/

after the above comment in my thread, I made the mistake of actually looking this up on google maps, and it says "8 hours" or "10 hours" if I tick the avoid motorways option LOL 

[lesapandre]

I'd recommend trailering it - it is a long drive and then using it when there. The roads are mostly quiet and some nice drives. Maybe take in the Le Mans Classic or the 24hrs - then trailer it back. It will attract a lot of interest.

[egg]

Is there a station nearby please, have no idea what my 2025 is looking like, but if rail travel is an option....?

[Saabnut]

By Invacar, best route would be Portsmouth - Caen  ferry after which it is only about 150 miles to me. Portsmouth is no further than Folkstone from London.

Train - yes, nearest station is Chateau du Loir but easier to get TGV to Lemans and a bus from there for around 4 euros and takes about an hour. With a bit of planning, collection from a station would be doable I am sure. Lemans is about 45 minutes each way, Chateau du Loir about 20 minutes each way.

[Weird Car]

4 minutes ago, Saabnut said:

By Invacar, best route would be Portsmouth - Caen  ferry after which it is only about 150 miles to me. Portsmouth is no further than Folkstone from London.

If you pick this as an option PM me and we can arrange you meeting me at my house I’ll act as your rear gunner, also storage for any spare parts you’ll want to bring