Bug Jam 25 Report

Bug Jam 25 is over, and what a Bug Jam it was! It was without a doubt the busiest event in Santa Pod’s history, and the site was almost full of campers before it got dark on Friday!

New arrivals set up camp, took a wander around site and got their bearings. But darkness came early when a big cloud came over at around 5pm and started to give everyone an early shower. Bug Jammers piled into the Bound and Gagged comedy tent and Fuelers Bar to stay dry and get a taste of the early entertainment. Fuelers Bar hosted the Guitar Hero competition, where a very high standard of playing lead to a face-off final between the top players. In the end, it was Shaun Kidner who not only topped the qualifying tables, but also won his elimination rounds to take home the first trophy of the weekend.

Friday night came around and it continued to rain, but that didn’t dampen the spirits of hardcore D:ream fans who gathered round the main stage, the Hat Club ravers in the dance tent, the metalheads enjoying Born To Be Jovi and Limehouse Lizzy in the Retro Zone and the funk and ska nuts enjoying the action in Fuelers bar.

Saturday morning unfolded to a slight headache, a muddy camping field… but most interestingly, bright sunshine! Bug Jam was in full swing, and the Rust and Rat Show was just opening in front of the main stage. It wasn’t long before rust had completely taken over the show area, and there were some truly glorious old rotters on display as live music drifted around the paddock. The judges had a tough job picking the cars that would take away trophies, but the following were victorious:

Rust & Rat Winners

This slammed bug featured original 50-year-old paintwork that had the perfect amount of degradation, and was packed with original features and period accessories. It even smelled lovely.

An almost complete covering of rust on the body, but nice and solid underneath. So cool it sends a shiver down your spine.

We dunno why, but this Caddy was the pick of the bunch. It didn’t try too hard or shout too loud, it was just effortlessly cool.

Early Trekker that has become a great big Tonker toy. Packed with action-man inspired accessories and huge fun all round.

Original paint and accessories – much like Aaron’s Beetle, this splitty was a perfectly aged antique, and getting better with age like a fine wine.

Naturally aged and totally worn-out interior, with a hilarious one-off gearstick.

This insane creation was the work of a sick mind, but everyone who looked up close was mesmerised by the combination of Beetle chassis and Citroen Dyane body dropped super-low with all its guts on display. Amazing.

Run What Ya Brung Winners

Saturday afternoon also hosted another comedy show in Fuelers Bar, and as laughed-out punters emerged blinking into the daylight, they had their funnybone twisted even further if they stopped by for the Bug Jam’s Got Talent competition. A mixture of talent took to the stage, including some very gifted musicians and singers, a couple of comedians who never even got a word in before being heckled, and finally, the top act and winner of the competition was Keith Tatum who impersonated Frank Spencer and had the crowed roaring with laughter.

Human Powered Racing also came to Bug Jam for the first time. This Big Bang phenomenon has expanded into multiple classes at Bug Jam, and there was a winner for fastest bike, fastest skate, fastest runner and even the most imaginative entry. But the winners were in a way irrelevant, since it was definitely the taking part that counted!

Saturday also had two Live Action Arena stunt show sessions, were Terry Grant, The UKFMX crew, Ronnie Picardo’s Jet Beetle, and the monster trucks all took their turn to entertain the crowds. Joining them was Joseph Peace’s crazy fiery freak show, where a half-naked man jumped a BMX through a wall of fire. Mad? Certifiable.

Saturday night and it was all going off, with an incredible music line-up. Top of the bill were The Wonderstuff who headlined the main stage with a set packed with all the fan’s favourites… and they certainly had a huge number of fans in the crowd. Over in the Retro Zone, urban beats filled the air, with human beatboxers, b-boys and DJs. The Dance Zone featured Cream Anthems Addicted To Bass tour, and Fuelers Bar hosted an amazing silent disco until the wee hours.

Sunday morning started warm and just got warmer and warmer. By lunchtime, it was a blazing summer’s day! The Autoglym Show & Shine competition was taking place in front of the main stage, and the quality of vehicles entered was exceptional. Both Ultra VW and Volksworld were called in to give expert input for selecting the winners, but it was still an immensely tough job. Congratulations to the following for taking home the trophies.

Autoglym Show & Shine Winners

An incredible car throughout, packed with custom features and a motor with a big punch. Flawlessly clean inside and out, this was a true work of art and engineering.

A nice van all-round, but the interior was of a seriously high quality. Fantastic gloss kitchen units and nice entertainment install.

An incredible nut and bolt resto job combined with an impeccable attention to detail and immaculate cleanliness meant this was a real best of show contender. Stunning throughout.

An absolutely lush van throughout. Perfect straight panels and glowing paint combined with a lovely high-quality interior.

A fairly stock van with perfect bodywork, great interior and all-round loveliness.

Lovely bodywork, and interesting choice of wheels and some unique and inspired custom touches made this the standout custom ride of the show.

A perfect stance, a few choice mods and a good body and interior brought this Ghia to the top of the pile.

This beautiful bus was once leading a hard life as a Parisian taxi, but now has been brought back to showroom condition.

This Andy Parrott-built bug has been perfectly looked-after by its present owner and the flawless presentation lifted it above “former showcar” status: It’s a top showcar in its own right.

Deep blue metal-flake paint on the body and in great condition all over, this was the stand-out off roader.

A set of unusual chrome wheels, tucked into the custom body with a serious air-ride kit combined with superb bronze metal-flake paintjob made this rise above some very nice mk1 Siroccos and Golfs.

A huge and comprehensive restoration has resulted in this work of automotive art. More Resto than Cal, but we loved it and it needed a trophy.

Perfect inside and out, this subtle beige bug sat low on airbags, and was pure Resto Cal.

Rich paprika red paint, a few custom touches and a unique camper interior made this van really stand out.

Luscious pink pearlescent metalflake paint was technically difficult as well as seriously eye-catching.

This unique custom van is a brave and exciting revival of the “New Wave” VW Scene. Everything is over the top, including suicide doors, targa top, VR6 turbo motor and custom interior.

During the Show & Shine winner’s announcements, the winner of the “Win-A-Bug” competition was also announced. An overjoyed Mark Whiteman took possession of our freshly pimped-out Beetle, complete with Bug Jam 25 graphics and sweet performance upgrades.

Over on the dragstrip, the serious business of racing eliminations was taking place. The spectator banks were not only a great place for sunbathing, they were also the best place to watch the action unfold.

The Drag Race Winners are as follows:

Huge thanks go out to everyone who attended the event and made it one of the busiest ever. Thanks for your patience with getting in and out. We hope to see you back at the Pod soon.

BUG JAM 25 GALLERY

View more photos from Bug Jam 25 on the Gallery pages.

Dear Bug Jammers,

You are probably aware that Bug Jam 25 was EXTREMELY busy. We were caught unaware by the huge demand for tickets on the gate combined with an increase in the amount of space being taken up by campers. As a result, we released a statement on Friday of the show advising people not to travel to Santa Pod. This action was required to address serious problems with traffic management and camping space and was not a decision we took lightly.

We sincerely apologise to those who were adversely affected by the popularity of Bug Jam this year, and we will have systems in place to deal with this in a more effective manner for future events.

If you purchased advance tickets but did not get to attend Bug Jam 25 we would like to thank you for your loyalty and custom by not only refunding your advance ticket cost, but also offering a complimentary ticket to Big Bang or Bug Jam in 2012.

Further information and refunds please call 01234 782828 or complete the Contact Form.