VW BusFest 2016 - what an experience!
A couple of years ago hubby developed an interest in VW camper vans, despite us being loyal caravanners for 16 years. We still have our caravan and get as much use out of it as we can but hubby bought a VW T5 transporter camper van which he has spent much time and money on. I call it his 'mid-life crisis vehicle.' I love it too...it's great for getting away for just a night or two, and as it's hardly any bigger than a car, it doesn't restrict where we park. However, I don't think you can beat the comfort of the caravan for longer getaways.
Last weekend we went to the 'sold out' VWbusfest at Malvern 3 Counties showground for 2 nights. This is the largest VW Transporter bus festival in the world with over 25,000 people attending and over 300 trade stands. What an experience it was! We queued to get in from 10.30 on Friday morning along with hundreds of other VW's and their owners. There was a feeling of great anticipation and many people, young, old and inbetween had already started on their cans or bottles of alcohol, whilst we waited to be directed in to our camping fields. Call me boring but all I wanted at that time of day was a cup of hot coffee!
Eventually we were directed to our 7 X 7 metre pitch and watched everyone putting up tents and awnings, and soon the fields were covered in a mass of VW's, old and new and a sea of wind socks! There were even a few caravans and coach build motor homes. I resisted the urge to wish we'd brought the comfort of our caravan!!
We soon headed over to the festival site..nearly a mile away to see what was going on. Hundreds of stalls selling spare parts, VW accessories, clothing, and everything imaginable connected with VW camper vans and the lifestyle that goes with it. Various businesses were displaying their selection of campers for sale which were interesting to look around, and expert advice was available to people considering a purchase. Also, various food and drink outlets, live music and entertainment for children, along with lots of fairground rides as well. There was certainly too much for a day visitor to be able to see in one day. After getting tired feet, we returned to our van AKA Buggles the Bus, for a much needed rest and some refreshments before heading out again in the evening to watch the evening entertainment, which was a Michael Jackson tribute act by a guy called Anthony Edwards who has performed all over the world and was very good. There was also 'adult' entertainment in a 'Zombie themed form' which we decided against.
It was very late before we got to sleep due to the noise from music and people returning to their outfits in high spirits.
The weekend consisted of more of the same really. 'Cooking in a Camper' competition on Saturday which disappointingly, only 2 campers entered! I realised if I'd entered and only cooked beans on toast I would've at least got a trophy for 3rd prize! The zombie theme continued with people having their faces made up to look like they had horrific wounds!! There was a 'Synchro obstacle course' every hour which entertained spectators with these 4X4 VW's expertly tackling a variety of obstacles around a course. Also there were family games and competitions and vehicle sales. As it rained most of the day, I think it put some day visitors off attending. Saturday night saw us watching a superb 'Queen' tribute act called 'The Bohemians' opting for this over the adult themed 'Zombie Apocalypse' show fronted by 80's band 'Doctor and the Medics' who had the famous hit 'Spirit in the Sky.'
We spent some time in the evening walking around the camping fields and were amazed at how close together some outfits were pitched. Even the most cramped CC site would seem spacious compared to this! Also, despite being against the rules, we saw several open fires - some dangerously close to awnings or even under the shelter of a gazebo! The 2 security men we saw patrolling the several fields certainly had their work cut out!
Another noisy night on Saturday night, but greeted by much nicer weather on Sunday morning. The first sight which greeted me when I pulled back the curtains was that of a tall yellow 'caution wet floor' sign sitting proudly in the middle of a gazebo next door to us. It made me chuckle, thinking of a person probably having too much to drink the previous night and dragging it back!
Sunday was a busy day, looking around the 'show and shine' field which held a vast array of VW's from the very old split screen campers to the new T6 ones and everything in between. Hubby felt this was his favourite part of the weekend. We looked around more stalls; bought mats for Buggles; Aquakem, T-shirts and other souvenirs, before queuing up to start the journey home at 5pm.
The weekend was fun and a great experience. Certainly different to any caravan site we'd ever stayed on, and we often chuckled at what the CC wardens would say to some of the practices we observed! As for the toilets and chemical disposal areas, I don't think any review of these would be printable! There were showers if you were prepared to walk about a mile to reach them. I did....once! Hubby decided to embrace the festival spirit completely and made good use of wet wipes until we returned home, where he was promptly sent for a long hot shower!
Peace and Quiet - (no ticks!) 😬
Facilities and cleanliness - ✔️
Location - ✔️✔️✔️✔️
Great for families - ✔️✔️✔️✔️
Comments
-
Interesting account, just a shame there are no photos.
David
0 -
Many people seem to suffer difficulties with an iPad. The Story Section (unlike the forum) will allow direct uploads. Are you not able to upload from a location on an iPad? With a laptop its pretty straightforward although can't be done retrospectively. If you have any photos that have an url, ie from the likes of photobucket I could try and add them into the comments section. Adding the url in the comments box won't produce a picture like on many forums.
David
0 -
Not having any luck David..as you can see from my 2 blank messages! I copied a photo but then when I send it, it disappears and I'm left with a blank which I can't delete!
Even
my 21 year old computer savvy son is at a loss so if I write another story, I'll use the slow desktop!0 -
Jood
I have started a discussion
here to check out how other iPad users manage but, so far, it seems they don't. Clearly CT is not compatable with loading from an iPad.Call me old fashioned but I much prefer a desktop/laptop. Obviously years of typing minutes of meetings which would have been almost impossible on an iPad!!!
David
0
