I arrived at Volksfest bright and early on Friday morning, parked in my spot next to the beach with VW Heritage and watched in the sunshine as a constant stream of traders and campers set up their pitches. As an experienced show goer, I could see that this year’s event was going to be big, little did I know just how big.
By lunchtime the sun was blazing and the fields were filling up, the entertainment had started and the atmosphere was buzzing, kids played in the sand whilst parents checked out the impressive entertainment line up of live bands and local mix DJs put on oh so professionally by the students of Weston College University Campus. The smell of BBQ’s filled the air as people danced or explored every happening corner.
Saturday started similarly, campers and day visitors packed the fields in the morning sun before eagerly rushing to scout the auto jumble, check the ICE demo and sound testing arena, car photo studio, media van demo’s or just chill out in the bar listening to various acts. There was even a Weston College fashion show.
It was great to see kids with painted faces at the art school, learning to draw on huge art walls whilst others made sandcastles or pictures for the competitions. Older children competed in the treasure hunt, raced the quad bikes or learned how to mix music, ahh to be young again!
Lunchtime was spent watching several dog agility displays in a backdrop of the daily driver show and shine, I’d never seen this variety at a car show before but the crowd seemed to love it as they took part in the doggie quiz that followed.
Throughout the day I could hear the sound of thunder resonating from the off road areaH here too, large crowds gathered to watch, buggies, sand rails and syncros be put through their paces, there really was something for everyone.
As darkness fell, it was time to dress up for the beach party and head off to see the reggae band Troy Ellis and the Longshots, who had everyone moving to some chilled out vibes. There were grass skirts, inflatables and beachwear everywhere as the party spilled outside to watch the late night legendary POI circus tricks and fire dancing with floating lanterns and lasers, I had an awesome night.
By Sunday morning, the day visitors car park was bustling, the show and shine arena was full of quality V-dubs as well as mod scooters, some impressive Hotrods and even a custom hearse. The clubs put on several impressive displays and the trade village was packed.
I sat next to the beach where Caribbean band "Jungle Red" played and watched as the urban street artists demonstrated their skills, body painters enjoyed their jobs and pinstripers demonstrated this clever black art on several show vehicles.
As the afternoon sun beat down, everyone seemed to be having a great time, I watched as the show and shine results were announced and some fantastic vehicles made their way to the winner’s enclosure. VW heritage showed off their special ABT tuning T5 along with some other special models and I watched with intrigue as someone had a head massage at the pampervan.
The camping fields remained busy as it seemed like no-one wanted to leave this scenic sunshine however, eventually it was time to pack up and head home.
I had a fantastic time and was really impressed by the recycling service and toilet/shower attendants who kept things clean and running all weekend but then again, what do I know, I’m just an old bus!
Don't worry Andy - we've no intention of changing direction - Volksfest is a family show run by us as a family and we intend keeping it that way!
Hi Volksfest!
I'd just like to e-mail on behalf of my club (Aimee Motson) and everyone who camped with us this weekend and say what a good time we had!
Upon arriving on the Friday lunchtime I was already amazed at the level of organisation of the taped off club areas and camping zones. And by Friday evening and Saturday morning, the arrival of hundreds more people didn't disrupt the fantastic layout you guys had made.
As you may be aware this was my first year at Volksfest and I'll tell you now it's going to be penned on my calendar for years to come!!
Keep up the fantastic work and I really can't wait until next years event!!
Adam