Santa Pod Bug Jam 27: More Dubs, more acts and more action
For an event that is fast approaching its third decade, the leviathan that is Santa Pod’s Bug Jam shows little sign of slowing down. For its 27th outing, the 2013 line-up boasts one of the strongest ever arrays of cars, acts, attractions, traders.. and of course, racing!
Nothing else on the calendar can quite match Bug Jam’s unique set of ingredients. At its heart, of course, it’s still aimed fairly and squarely at die-hard Volkswagen enthusiasts, but over the years, the event has grown and developed to offer a wide array of additional entertainment and attractions to make it a fantastic family weekend away, whether your idea of heaven is admiring Europe’s fastest, shiniest and coolest VWs in all their many varied forms, or raving the night away to the best in old-skool tunes.
On the most famous quarter mile stretch of tarmac this side of the Atlantic, expect to see the VWDRC and Outlaw Flat Four DRC wheel-standing amongst the road-legal hot rods of Street Eliminator, the vintage Fords of Outlaw Anglia, and the ever-entertaining Sportsman ET class. Don’t just leave it to the pros though! If you have your own VW on site – and your driving licence – make sure you sign up for ‘Run What You Brung’ sessions throughout the weekend. With separate classes for each genre of air-cooled ride, who knows? Your Bus, Bug, Ghia or Type 3 might even be the fastest example at the show!
After a hard day at the track (or a relaxing one chilling out on the spectator banking) you’ll be wanting to kick back with some corking nightlife. As ever, Santa Pod has been toiling away behind the scenes to ensure that this year’s acts are better than ever. Friday night kicks things off with a Ska & Reggae Night in the Retro Zone with Live band De Palma, Judge Jules in the Dance Zone and Hedfone Party in Fuelers Bar on the Friday.
Chart favourites, The Hoosiers headline on Saturday night with a capable supporting cast of 4th Street Traffic and Toploader on the main stage, and Ministry of Sound 90's Anthems with Live PA from Phats & Small in the Dance Zone. Reads more like a festival than a car show, doesn’t it?
Don’t spend all of your hard-earned partying the night away though, because each new day brings more traders, the autojumble, the cars for sale area and a plethora of catering outlets and watering holes to keep your energy up and party batteries fully charged!
Daytime entertainment is no less impressive, with both established and up-and-coming comedy acts to tickle your funny bones and the Live Stage boasting an eclectic mix of singers, entertainers and random talented souls. ‘Performing’ live once again will also be some immensely talented souls in the ‘Bug Jam Build Area’, racing against the clock to create a mobile masterpiece as a live performance art in just 3 days..
Famed for assembling Europe’s finest show cars, Bug Jam hosts TWO days of Show Car action this year, to allow the most amazing creations to shine (or moult rust!) in the main paddock. Saturday morning is for Rat-Look and Military vehicles, with the Autoglym enthusiasts venturing out on the Sunday.. After their party heads have cleared, of course..
Camping and clubs are a huge part of the Bug Jam experience, and all weekend tickets include free camping passes to allow club members and good friends to park up together and create their own little community. Until you’ve barbied with your clan to the unmistakeable sound of high-power flat fours, then you haven’t lived!
It’s not all about race action, of course. The Live Action Arena and display acts add a little spice to proceedings with the Jet Car, Monster Trucks, 2-Seat Dragster, Freestyle Motocross, Stunt Shows vying for crowd kudos as well as Low Riders and Radio Control cars providing something a little different for show-goers of all ages.
Whatever you need from a festival weekend, Bug Jam has it all in one laid-back, easy-going package. So, polish the show car, tune up the racecar, or simply pack up your tent and a few mates. Whatever you’re in to.. you’re going to love it!
For more information, visit bugjam.co.uk.
