Bug Jam 23 Report - Friday 17th to Sunday 19th July 2009

What have we done to deserve this? Another rainy Bug Jam was forecast, and that’s pretty much what we got too, but fortunately, the dedicated Bug Jam fans turned out en-mass to brave the inevitable mud and have a great time with fellow VW fans.  With great music, comedy, loads of trade stands, and brilliant people guaranteed, if some racing could be fitted in during a dry spell it would be a nice bonus.

View more photos from Bug Jam 23 on the Gallery pages.

Thousands of dubbers streamed in through the gates from first thing on Friday until well into the evening, and it was starting to become apparent that Bug Jam might reach capacity! The call was then made that Bug Jam was sold out, and with 32,500 people there, there was only room left for those who had bought advance tickets. The rain continued to lash down, but luckily that didn’t affect the hilarious comedy show or the eagerly-anticipated Guitar Hero competition which both took place on Friday afternoon. The Guitar Hero competition was won by the very skilled Jaymi, who had some serious competition from rockin’ 11-year olds and hardcore players alike.

As the evening approached, a most excellent line-up of music kicked-off, with superb tribute acts on the outdoors main stage, including the Antarctic Monkeys, the Modfathers and the Fillers. In the Retro Zone a brilliant night of Ska tribute acts including the Beatroots, SkaFace and Smaller Than You was followed up with an amazing live performance by Sonic Boom Six who blew the crowd away with a raucous performance of ska-punk. In the Dance Zone, the Ministry of Sound took over, and Baby D performed some of her club classics live on stage. In Fuelers Bar, Rockaoke was the order of the day, giving brave singers the chance to perform alongside a live band.

Saturday started with some much needed and very welcome sunshine! The track opened, and racers and Run What Ya Brungers brought the Pod to life with the sound of lairy flat-fours, roaring V8s and screaming fours. There were many highlights on track, but the wheelies were almost non-stop, even including a high-top splitscreen van getting some air under the wheels! Great work to Andy Waite too for running 10.0 in his Mk1 Golf.

Over in the Live Action Arena, Terry Grant, the UKFMX and Monster Trucks entertained with huge shows of breathtaking stunts and crazy vehicles. We especially loved Terry’s new donut stunt in his Beetle!

Saturday afternoon also hosted the Bug Jam’s Got Talent competition, where Bug Jam attendees each take it in turns to impress the crowd and judges with their talents. With a great mix of talents from beatbox harmonica to singers and juggling skills represented, it was tough picking a winner, but late-entrant Anthony blew us away with his wonderful soulful voice and gentle guitar strumming, deserving every clap of applause from the crowd and the coveted BJGT trophy.

Saturday night was another stormer of a night for music fans. Britpop legends Dodgy headlined the main stage, bashing out all their old hits to an appreciative crowd, supported by live bands Losers and The Lines. In the Retro Zone, Greased Up and Planet Abba played the hits of the 70’s and 80’s and Derrick Jay spun some retro tunes, packing the big top with disco-dancing nutters. The Dance Zone was hosted by DJ super-hero Anne Savage and Cream Ibiza, attracting those hungry for some dance beats. In Fuelers Bar, it was indie disco time, with Slim 47 playing current indie hits live in between DJ sessions.

Sunday morning came and the sunburn from Saturday was given a refreshing dose of cold rain. Although this was not welcome for either the Show & Shine competitors or the racers of course! There was still a great entry from Show & Shine competitors, and we’d like to say a massive thanks to everyone who made the effort to scrape mud off their cars and head over to the Show area- you put on a great display. The judging was tough as usual, with over 100 cars entered, but the final cars took home trophies:

Perfect in every way, with interesting and well-executed mods all round. Best of Show two years in a row!

An all-round great van, but the eye-catching paint was a true labour of love, extending even into the engine bay.

With suede dash, leather floor, custom interior lighting, and a monster ICE system, this van was all about the interior, and it could not have been more plush. Muddy boots were strictly forbidden!

A superb bug with mile-deep paint and lovely custom touches.

The work of a true perfectionist, with every aspect remarkably good, and head-turning paint.

Ok, so it’s not a true type 3, but we needed to give this amazing car a trophy, and with incredible engineering going into the mechanics and superb exterior, this was the deserved winner.

A painfully cool Ghia, slammed super-low and with a solid patina’d body.

With awesome racing looks and lavish amounts of carbon fibre, this car brings the Beetle bang up to date, with perfect attention to detail.

A superb vehicle in every way, and could have taken almost any trophy, but the interesting engine swap was done to perfection.

A sumptuous early cabriolet that didn’t shout too loudly, but was just a lovely all-round car.

Unrestored low-mileage car with original everything apart from low suspension and Porsche wheels.

A famous show car that has been kept looking as good as it did when it was first on the scene.

An early chassis, superb paint with lace work, and great smooth lines marked this out as a clear winner.

Stunning blue paint, a perfect undented load-bay and great stance made this a clear winner.

Every rat is different but this one certainly brought something new to the scene with a comic book bonnet and hubcaps.

A racy bug that had been loving built to an extremely high standard.

An early car with original features and awesome California style.

An eyecatching punk-rock hotrod, with crazy frame seats and wonderful gold-metalflake interior.

This car was picked because it was a crazy psychedelic trip into a world of endless optimism and sunshine on a rain-lashed day at the Pod.

Thanks to everyone who braved the rain and made this another great Bug Jam event. Thanks also to the staff who work at the event and put in a huge effort despite the weather. We hope to see you back at the Pod soon. It’s not long to go until Action www.vwaction.co.uk.

View more photos from Bug Jam 23 on the Gallery pages.

Rain Off Values:
Persistent rain on Sunday prevented eliminations from taking place on the track and therefore a Credit Value of £7 has been attributed to Sunday Day Tickets. View details of how to use Rain Off Values on the Essential Info page.