Hesbaye Historic Festival 2025

On August 16 and 17, 2025, Markethings will be hosting the Hesbaye Historic Festival. It will be a two-day event for all classic car fans at the centuries-old Veulen Castle in Belgium. With numerous activities, Niels Schoenmakers and his team bring a bit of that vintage vibes, you’d normally associate with Goodwood to the European mainland. The colorful program with classic car meetings, a Concours d’Elegance and exciting rallies leaves nothing to be desired.

A journey through the history of cars and motorcycles

The Hesbaye Historic Festival is not an exhibition, but a living festival that brings contemporary history to life. Its focus is on driving experiences on and off paved roads, live music and even demonstrations of classic craftsmanship. On the 20-hectare grounds of Veulen Castle, all participants can take a journey back in time through the automotive and motorcycle history of the 20th century.

The Venue – Ceulen Castle in Hesbaye

In the east of Belgium, between Brussels and Liège, lies Veulen Castle in the Hesbaye region. It was built in its present form in 1747. The castle, which was lovingly restored between 2001 and 2009, originally belonged to the De Mercy-Agenteau family and provides an impressive venue for the Hesbaye Historic Festival.

The 20-hectare site becomes a wonderland for petrolheads for an entire weekend in mid-August. Rally stages and off-road courses await participants directly in the castle park. In terms of craftsmanship, culinary delights and atmosphere, the Hesbaye Historic Festival is a reminder of the golden age and the spirit of optimism surrounding mobility in the mid-20th century. And best of all: In some categories visitors can experience the thrills from the passenger seat!

Hesbaye Historic Festival – Whether participant or spectator, the program has it all!

A packed program is on the agenda for Saturday and Sunday. After the gates open at 9 am, the so-called Crafts in Action will start. Then, you can witness live demonstrations in which professional restorers will show you their craft. At the same time, the Classic Rally Stage will also pick up speed. There are still places available to drive your classic rally car in several sessions throughout the day on the stage through the castle’s surroundings. Please note, that an FIA Historic Technical Passport and a valid racing permit is required.

On the Classic Rally Tours, on the other hand, you’ll come across varied stages through the Hesbaye region. North of the Meuse, you’ll drive through unspoilt, agricultural regions with plenty of fantastic sceneries. The lovingly designed roadbooks – there are tours of 80, 100 and 120 km to choose from – take you along the most beautiful roads in the area. On Sunday, the Belrose Classics Rally with a length of 160 kilometers is the crowning finale. Of course, there will also be plenty of culinary delights with a variety of refreshment stops along the way on both occasions.

There is also plenty to experience at the Hesbaye Historic Festival for those who want to take it a little easier. Anyone arriving with a classic car that is at least 50 years old, i.e. built in 1975 or earlier, is entitled to take part in the Classic Car Meeting. For lovers of sparkling chrome, there will also be a Concours d’Elegance competition from 10 am on both days. On the stage in front of the castle you can also see live-acts, an auction and even hot air balloon rides starting next to the entrance.

Markethings has also thought of off-road and motorcycle fans

If you already have a rally track and off-road terrain at your disposal, why not make use of it? That’s what Niels Schoenmakers thought when preparing the Hesbaye Historic Festival. During the day, all drivers of classic Land Rovers and Minervas will have the opportunity to dig through the dirt in the off-road area for a total of four hours. If that’s not enough, you can take part in the Classic 4×4 Tour. In addition to a few laps of the off-road area of the castle park, you will receive a road book for an off-road tour in the castle’s surroundings.

Markethings also has an ace up its sleeve for motorcycle fans. From the early hours of the morning, historic flat-track motorcycles will be making a splash on the castle’s own circuit. The races in various classes start at 9 am. Fans of the golden Dakar enduro motorcycles can also make the off-road park unsafe in three separate sessions. The prerequisite here is an enduro or rally raid bike that is at least 30 years old.

Tickets and Pricing

All tickets include admission day tickets for the Hesbaye Historic Festival. For day visitors without participation in tours or rallies, a day ticket costs 25 euros, the weekend ticket 35 euros. *) Participants in the Classic Rally Stage and the Land Rover Trail can take co-drivers from the public with them. Tickets for this Co-Pilot Experience cost 20 euros per ride. The proceeds will be donated to a local charitable organization.

Tickets can be booked directly via the Hesbaye Historic Festival ticket shop. There you will also find further information about the activities on the festival site and the offers for motorcyclists.