PLEASE READ! Vanfest 2008

[no 6]

Well, I enjoyed Vanfest this year, and thought it the best show of the year. There were loads of great vans, and although the autojumble was disappointing, it was still possible to pick up most things I wanted.

Didn't want to effectively pay £50 (£70 - 2x day tickets) for a night's noisy, shower-deficient, fire-bomb and water-bomb ridden camping, and entertainment we didn't want so we camped behind a pub not far away and spent the difference in the pub. There are loads of campsites within striking distance, so it shouldn't be difficult to find space. Obviously, that's no good for people who value the overnight entertainment or have large networks of people they hope to meet overnight (so to speak!), but it works for us.

I fall into the category of people who don't plan too far in advance (just ask the wife!), but how about nominating an offsite camping facility for EB rebels next year ?

 

[Araon]

Hello No 6 which site did you stay at then we did the same having only one nite......

 

[no 6]

Wasn't really a site - just a space out the back of a pub (might have been the Pheasant, or Partridge or something like that). Access to toilets overnight, but no showers. Excellent beer (Wye Valley HPA and Dorothy Goodbody's Golden Ale), and decent breakfast for sensible money. Nice people behind the bar and in the pub. We stayed Saturday night (shared with a v. nice split (can I say that here ?) and a newer VW of some variety. Apparently they had 17 vans there on the Thursday night.

 

[Araon]

We were just down the road in a pubs back garden very good food considering doing it next year

 

[easy]

Also, is it true that all clubs wishing to camp together must have their own 3rd party insurance next year.

We have been told this aswell, but if your club is part of the Asssociation of VW owners Clubs then you are covered anyway you will also have to do a risk assessment on your pitch aswell! health and safety sucks!

I dont think that its to bad an idea to do advance bookings, its only one show and the biggest, everything else you have to book in advance, like holidays and the time off for going to shows on a friday.

Not sure how i feel about it really cos it was so busy on saturday and sunday that i didnt venture out much cos it took ages to get anywhere through the crowds. Much better shows about, but i will probably still go as it is one show where i get to meet me mates from the 4 corners of blighty, not all the other shows are like this for me.

Better bands are a must! come on book Bad Manners or The Wurzels! someone who appeals to everybody, not just my mum!. Just my opion please dont shoot me down :wink:

 

[speedwell68]

I'd be up for alternative EB camping at Vanfest '08. But will day visitors still be allowed no it is advance booking only.

 

[Araon]

Day visitors still welcome - I wouldnt ba adverse to a little cheaper and cleaner with good beer camp site theres a few pub camping sites within 5 mins of the showground

 

[speedwell68]

Day visitors still welcome - I wouldnt ba adverse to a little cheaper and cleaner with good beer camp site theres a few pub camping sites within 5 mins of the showground

The trouble that I can now see is that with Vanfest being all advance booking, at a premium price, these small local sites are going to fill up really quickly.

 

[Clem]

I welcome the move to advanced booking. I know ill be going so Im happy to book, no big deal.
Itll help contain the show and secure its future, the way its going could have caused its downfall and that would be a shame.
Equally there has to be some sort of contingency ... the risk is that people will turn up with no camping and then end up wild camping in the area which will cause complaints which may then lead to the end of the show.
As for the vfm issue .... its a mega event and there will always be some gripes that there wasnt anyone to wipe my backside, or the wrong fragrence of face moisturiser was put in the complimentary basket etc. I found the loos fine, and always had some loo roll, wipes and soap in my camper (ah-ha!) if needs be. The number of traders and jumblers was greater than at ANY other show Ive been to this year. Entertainment didnt do much for me, but its a sideshow, the day 'proper names' are booked is the day the site gets filled with 'fans' for the wrong reason.

McVanfest? Da da da da daaaaa ......... I'm Lovin' It!

 

[easy]

i agree, it was a great show and the loos were fine everytime i went :shock:

I dont agree with booking big names aswell for the same reason, but showaddywaddy are plop! i dont think bad manners or the wurzels are that big that they attract hoards of fans :wink:

 

[Clem]

I saw the Wurzels at Vanfest in about '98 or '99 I think. They were pretty funny. I bet Bad Manners could bring in a different crowd though? I get your drift though, for sure.

I didnt see Showaddywaddy, but, honestly thought The Commitments were dire ... only 2 of the original line up? Covering soul tracks from some of the best singers ever is always a challenge.

The real treat of Vanfest is the Brian Collins Band. I always check the main man out. I remember when he could stand up and play!

 

[VWAIRCOOLED]

Being a show novice,I thought it was a good show,but I don't have years of experience of going there,could it be that it gets boring if you go there every year? I most likely will advance book for next years show,it's easier for me being self employed I can take the days off whenever.But I can see it can be a problem for people who find it hard to get the time off or getting there buses ready though.

 

[churchy]

I only managed to get my engine on Friday so didn't arrive until later Saturday morning. Enjoyed the weekend but bloody busy