Europe’s Biggest and best VW festival at Santa Pod - Friday 20th to Sunday 22nd July
Now firmly established as Europe’s biggest, best and most popular VW show and cruising towards its third decade as the summer VW event of choice, Bug Jam 26 is back once again with a line-up of both on and off-track action that reflects the history and heritage of this iconic event. Once more, it’s time for the incredible VW-inspired, weekend long party, where over 33,000 show-goers can expect to have fun in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Bug Jam 26 looks set to pack even more entertainment, fun, action and racing into 3 hectic days than ever before with an itinerary that means you can choose to soak up the sun and sights with a cold one, or run manically between the various stages, tents and arenas, availing yourself of an almost non-stop line-up of great things to do.
Often dubbed ‘Glastonbury On Wheels’, Bug Jam offers an eclectic selection of all things VW, wrapped in an intoxicating mix of music, comedy, nightlife and lifestyle. A true festival in every sense of the word, with a vibrant and fun atmosphere, bringing to life the very essence of VW culture. As ever, this year, all of the action is also being captured for a lifestyle documentary programme on Motors TV.
Naturally, Europe’s greatest, shiniest and fastest VWs will be taking centre stage – and, after it proved so popular in previous years, scene legends Type 2 Detectives will be performing a live custom build over the weekend. But even if that’s not your thing, there’s an incredibly diverse list of attractions to choose from, making Bug Jam a superb event for all sorts of enthusiasts.
As well as non-stop drag racing from the pros, there are numerous chances for you to have a go yourself in the many ‘Run What You Brung’ sessions held over the weekend. Running on the strip throughout the show will be Fireforce, Santa Pod’s resident 280mph Jet Car, a 7000 bhp Fuel funny car, the insane Jet Beetle and Wheelie Split, Eric Teboul’s Rocket Bike and of course, the 7-second quarter mile-turning 2 seat dragster for the very brave to ride in. Polishing buffs will also love the Autoglym ‘Show and Shine’ area, where Europe’s most beautifully finished creations compete for top honours.
Bring a full wallet, because not only will you find one of the biggest collections of VW traders in one place, but also the Autojumble is often known to throw up some real rarities. If you have been looking for that obscure part for months - you might just find it here. Better still, take a complete car home! The ‘For Sale’ area usually reveals a few genuine bargains.
Adrenaline junkies have plenty to keep them entertained. Not only will UKFMX be providing 2 days of gravity-defying action, but they’ll also be ably assisted by Podzilla, Santa Pod’s very own car-crushing Monster Truck, this year battling it out with the similarly able ‘Swamp Thing’. There’s also a superb BMX, Skate and Scooter vert display, the insane Vander Brother’s Quad Wheel and even a full off-road course for Baja and Buggy owners. Headlining as ever, will be Guinness World Record’s most decorated stunt driver, Terry Grant, who will be attempting set yet another World Record with his incredible driving.
Music fans will hit ‘tilt’ thanks to a packed itinerary of live bands across four stages. The music line-up so far includes some of the finest tribute acts in the country such as Beatlemania and The Complete Stone Roses on the main stage, with Haçienda in the Dance Zone, Carwash with Wham!Duran in the Retro Zone and Motown in Fuelers Bar. Event headliners are Simon & Oscar from Ocean Colour Scene ‘unplugged’ on the main stage with a Propaganda Indie night in the Retro Zone, a Super Hero themed night in the Dance Zone and an Ibiza-style Foam Party in Fuelers Bar. In other words, bring your best dancing pants. You’ll be needing them!
Bug Jam’s comedy line-up is always epic and this year’s Saturday headliner will be Rhys Darby (Murray from ‘Flight of the Conchords’) along with Joe Bor, Stephen Carlin, The Noise Next Door and many other great British comedians. You can bank on seeing plenty of familiar faces from the TV, as well as many up-and-coming stars of tomorrow. Catch them before they fill Wembley at £80 a seat!
But that’s STILL not all! There’s free camping on-site all weekend and better still, the under 13s get in for absolutely nothing! There’s a huge funfair and festival traders on site for all to enjoy and as a fitting tribute to our brave servicemen, The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will be making a fly past at Bug Jam with a WWII Dakota on the Saturday.
With a capacity crowd expected, show goers are advised to book their tickets early. Last years’ event was an early sell out, so DO NOT miss this one!
