A staple in the show diet for many UK Volkswagen fans, Santa Pod once again enticed dubbers from each corner of the country to the 28th Bug Jam. Anna and Alex both went along for the weekend. Here is how it went!

Not many shows get to 28 years old; let alone still have the enthusiasm and relevance to keep drawing the crowds. Bug Jam has mastered “moving with the times” with the right amount of “good old days” mixed in with a healthy helping of “up to date”. It’s no longer just about air-cooled VWs, a shame some might say, but reflecting the way the VW scene now embraces old and new, Bug Jam welcomes all. Anna reckons one day T4 and T5s will become the majority at this show, and probably others too.

The weather was pretty much on side, Friday was a lovely day, but the night played host to some mega lightening storms, which meant Saturday morning was a little damp. Nothing the sun couldn’t fix by lunch time though, and from then on in, it was sunburn o’clock for the fair haired and forgetful.

Bug Jam has always been 50% Bug and 50% Jam, and this year’s conserve was Judge Jules flavour. The legendary dance DJ was spinning tunes in the marquee on Saturday night, for those more partial to guitars a covers band played the “other stage” offering something for almost everyone. If you wanted it nice and chilled, well the “BugWams” were the shaded solution you craved.

The show and shine displayed a wealth of air cooled vehicles but if you prefer a moving target the 1/4 mile hosted all manner of Volkswagens from the VW DRC and VW Pro; plus Chris Lambourne’s Split vs. Touring car battle – the Split narrowly missing out on scalping the Audi of Rob Austin. Check out the video here.

Staying true to its roots is clearly important to Bug Jam, it still puts on a huge Fun Fair each year, and the diversity of show goers prove that this event really does attract all sorts, some surely have been to every one; teenagers, families with kids, and some pensioners too.

If this all sounds like your cup of tea.. you’ll find a whole load of like minded folk, same place same time next year!

Andy

The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of VW Heritage