We’re always up for friendly family VW meets – and Santa Pod’s recent Big Bang event had just the right mix of laid back camping frolics, general partying, displays of cars and drag strip shenanigans – plus a rather unusual ‘human powered’ race along the famous Santa Pod quarter mile. Our Anna Richardson went along for an inaugural weekend away in her new silver T5 to grab some snaps and check out the craic!

Like all the best Dub events, it’s crucial to go along with the right care-free attitude and a can or three of beer to properly enjoy the spectacle – and that’s precisely what most people did from Friday 11^th to 13^th April at the Big Bang Camper & Bus Show.

It basically involved three days of VW-themed fun with RWYB racing, music, entertainment and car displays – with early spring sunshine providing perfect conditions for taking it easy and enjoying all the different activities.

 

As well as track events down the famous Pod strip, a family highlight of the weekend was the human powered race where people took to the quarter mile on bikes, skateboards, roller blades and all manner of other weird contraptions. There were the inevitable spills along the way, but we’re pleased to report that there were no serious mishaps!

 

Besides a spine tingling BMX display and successful charity auction (which raised an impressive £340 for Macmillan Cancer Support), perhaps one of the coolest activities was the Rust & Rat display on Saturday which attracted some of the rattiest Dubs in the scene. Lewis Savage won Best Beetle, while Jay Turnock took the Best Van honours with his early Bay. Best Other Air-Cooled went to Matt Ward with his ultra low Ghia convertible.

Things got back to normal again on the Sunday with a more traditional show and shine competition, with Jason Bond taking the Best of Show award with his spectacular 1962 Splitscreen Devon.

 

While everyone else was tyre kicking, the Pro Drag racers hit the strip with James Hodson grabbing the top spot the VW Pro series in his Mk2 Golf with Jacob Bailey  runner up in his Jetta.

The next biggie at Santa Pod, of course, is Bug Jam on 18-20 July – so scribble a note in your diary now!

Ian