Bug Jam 18 Report (2004)

Bug Jam celebrated its 18th birthday party in unforgettable style this weekend with Europe 's largest gathering of Vee-Dubs and the crazy people who drive them!

Bug Jam has been a massive phenomenon with dubbers for many years now, but the 18th 'Jam broke new boundaries when the site was nearly full by Friday afternoon! Every inch of the site was covered with gorgeous bugs, campers and other air-cooled favourites, from beautifully restored show-winners to rusty daily-drivers being held together through love alone.

Outside of the camping areas, the rest of the site was filled by hundreds of traders, side-shows, freebie stalls, BMX half-pipe and dirt-jumps, our largest ever entertainment marquees and out-door stage, a massive fun-fair and the largest ever-VWDRC pit area. We only just about managed to pack it all in!

Once everyone had had a chance to set up their campsite, catch up with old friends, and watch a bit of RWYB action, the music started up in the entertainment zones. There was something for everyone, with music by Triple Dub, G-Spot, M*A*S*H*E*D, 11c and the brilliant Bad Manners who stole the show on the mainstage with their unique 80's pop tunes and massive personalities. Bad Manners must have made a lot of new fans this weekend, and made a lot of OLD fans very happy too!

Saturday started bleary-eyed but blindingly hot and sunny, and once again, there was loads to do, starting with more track-action and music by the brilliant Ragmop with their swampy blend of country-fried blues and good-time rock 'n' roll. Shortly after that, the Bound & Gagged comedy tent opened its flaps to entertain the huge crowd who had gathered to watch the UK 's top comedic talent. The hugely talented Johnny Panic took to the main stage once the comedy had finished- never has a Saturday afternoon at the 'Pod rocked so hard!

On the track the crowds were entertained with more RWYB action and stunt displays with the amazing Terry Grant, Fireforce and "Blue Max" the jet beetle. The evening entertainment once again started up as the sun went down, and tunes were provided by the Deckshufflers, G-Spot, the ever-popular Raindance and Carwash. Killa Kela's Spitkingdom Soundsystem lit up the main stage with an incredible human beatbox and hip hop show.

Sunday morning arrived with a little bit of drizzle, which held up things on the track for a while, but fortunately it didn't dampen the enthusiasm of the Show & Shine cars arriving over by the main stage. Joining the Show & Shine entrants were the "Back to '89" nostalgia cars and the Type 3 line up, pushing the show car contingent to well over 100 cars! It was great to see so many new cars on the scene and so many old cars returning to Bug Jam over and over again, just like their owners.

The winners were picked as follows by Volksworld magazine and their partners:

Back on track, the largest ever VWDRC and Super Mod field battled away once the track was dry through a series of thrilling eliminations. Click here for Eurodragster's VWDRC report: Click here for Eurodragster's on-track photos of the VWDRC action. Click here to see Sharkman's personal pictures from Bugjam!

Sunday afternoon saw the arrival of the all-new Mr & Miss Bug Jam, and despite a nasty nip in the air, these crazy guys aren't afraid to take their clothes off! There isn't much point in reporting on this other than to say that you should check out the pictures!

This was surely the best Bug Jam ever with over 30,000 attendees at the Santa Pod Drag Racing site, and we hope you all had a great time and a safe journey home. A big thanks go out to everyone involved in the show, and everyone who attended.

Back on track, the largest ever VWDRC and Super Mod field battled away once the track was dry through a series of thrilling eliminations. Click here for Eurodragster's VWDRC report: Click here for Eurodragster's on-track photos of the VWDRC action. Click here to see Sharkman's personal pictures from Bugjam!

Sunday afternoon saw the arrival of the all-new Mr & Miss Bug Jam, and despite a nasty nip in the air, these crazy guys aren't afraid to take their clothes off! There isn't much point in reporting on this other than to say that you should check out the pictures!

This was surely the best Bug Jam ever with over 30,000 attendees at the Santa Pod Drag Racing site, and we hope you all had a great time and a safe journey home. A big thanks go out to everyone involved in the show, and everyone who attended.