A journey back through a century of motoring
Next event: 3 May 2026, Grant Park, Forres
This established annual event showcases vintage, veteran, and classic vehicles and is one of the largest such events in the area attracting a variety of exhibits including cars, vans, lorries, motorcycles, and steam-operated machines. It’s also the first of the season for many exhibitors, so it’s a good chance for them to get their vehicles out of storage!
Entry to spectators is free. Around 250 entries are expected, and it promises to be a fun day for all the family with stalls, food vendors, and plenty of picnic spots!
It is traditionally held on the Sunday before the Spring Bank Holiday in early May.
Former chairman of Forres Theme Day, Robbie Paterson, said: “It really is something to see all the vintage cars on display in Grant Park while enjoying all the food stalls and entertainment on offer.”
Typical programme of events
- 9am to 12:30pm – Vehicles assemble in Grant Park
- 10am to 2pm – Judging
- 12:30pm – Programme of musical events
- 4:30pm – Announcement of cup winners and prize-giving; winners’ parade
- A selection of side shows and stands will be available throughout the day.
Categories
- PRE-WAR and VINTAGE CARS – until 1959
- CLASSIC CARS from the 60s 1960 – 1969
- CLASSIC CARS from the 70s 1970 – 1979
- CLASSIC CARS from the 80s 1980 – 1989
- CLASSIC CARS from the 90s 1990 – 1999
- FUTURE/MODERN CLASSICS 2000 – Present
- PRE-WAR and VINTAGE MOTORCYCLES – until 1959
- MOTORCYCLES from 1960 to Present
- STEAM, MILITARY AND SPECIAL INTEREST VEHICLES
- COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
- SHOW AND SHINE
- EVENT THEME WINNER – Working Classics
- BEST CAR CLUB (SEE ABOVE ON HOW TO ENTER)
Pictures from Forres Theme Day 2023
News about theme day
- 28 Apr 2023 – Local classic car lover will take his ‘family’ to Forres Theme Day (Forres Local)
- 24 Feb 2023 – Moray event which showcases vintage cars set to return for first time since 2019 (Northern Scot)
- 24 Feb 2023 – Forres Theme Day set to return for first time since 2019 (Forres Gazette)
- 22 Feb 2023 – Return of Forres Theme Day to give people the chance to exhibit ‘cherished’ historic cars (Press and Journal)
- 20 Feb 2023 – Show will shine again as Forres Theme Day gets the green light (Forres Local)
- 4 Oct 2022 – Theme day chairman in desperate drive to save show (Forres Local)
Highlights from previous years
Photographs by Billy Laing
Forres Theme Day is supported by Forres Local Event Services and Visit Forres