What can I say! I’ve lived in Cheddar for over 20 years and have never seen Broadway House campsite so busy. Friday afternoon sunshine saw a string of colourful VW campers making their way up to their pitches, plugging in their hookup and cracking open a beer before wandering around to check out the facilities on site. These included, proper showers and toilets, the heated pool, huge adventure playground, tennis, basketball and football courts, crazy golf, BMX and Skate parks, shop, restaurant and lots more, many people were saying that it was a real luxury for a VW event and felt like they could have been in France.
After darkness fell, there was a music quiz and competitions which led into “God Save The Queen”, a local punk band which everyone seemed to enjoy dancing to into the early hours.
After a dismal forecast, Saturday morning saw the rain stay away and allow for the show to really begin, people still arrived to camp whilst day visitors explored, the huge ‘free’ Zip wire was experienced by many whilst others enjoyed the luxury of a prearranged breakfast or made full use of their static caravans and cooked their own.
The trade aisles got in full swing with an assortment of parts and odzies, and led up to the daily driver/club displays which were a contrast next to the European spec BMX track. During a few afternoon showers, adults seemed content to lounge around, relax and make use of the facilities whilst safely leaving the kids to do the same.
By early evening, some of the clubs got dressed up in special evening gear and one even cooked a full Christmas dinner for over 50 Santa and reindeer look-alikes.The evening Bingo and kids disco got everyone going before Sheila’s Wheels led everyone to the ‘Poi’ night of fire demonstrations, which were awesome.
Time for the band, back by popular demand were ‘The Ginger Hitlas’ who got everyone rocking til so late that they caused a cider drought. Everyone came out singing after a cracking night of fun and dancing like yer grandad used to !
Sunday morning brought a few showers of the cold variety but didn’t stop the show and shine entrants from lining up in the chilled out atmosphere around the campsite and trade stands. The kids play areas were still busy too. Many people went for a stroll on the dog walks whilst others cleared their heads with a ride on the many mountain bike trails. All in all, Sunday followed the relaxed route of the previous day with show and shine prizes and all visitors seemed to enjoy themselves.
By mid afternoon, the sun came out and people began to make their long journeys home, I was happy just to sit in my cage near the bar and watch. After all, I’m only a parrot!!.
©suzanashby@btinternet.com, 2008,
E&OE*
*errors and omissions expected.
I just thought I'd write to say what a fantastic weekend Oktoberfest was. We've been doing the shows for two years now and this is the best weekend we've had. It was so civilised! It was so nice to have all the facilities, especially showers and electricity, and the venue was fantastic. The lack of greasy old burger vans was most welcome!
Heidi
Thanks for a fabulous event! The whole family, including the dog, had a great time. The venue was great, very nice to have a bit of luxury for a change. The only problem was that I didn't get the chance to stick one on the fool who upset the dog by setting off a firecracker at stupid o'clock. Took half an hour to get him out of the sleeping bag... If you found him, bring him along next time, put him in stocks and charge a pound for 3 tomatoes, sponges or footballs.
Thanks again,
Chris, Rach, Kids, Hound and Scoobert (our Westy Wedge)
Just a quick note to say a Massive Well Done.
Great location, Great Site, Great Show,Great Bands, Plenty to see & do.
Shame about the weather & the clubhouse running out of ale on the Saturday nite.
But a great time was had all the same.
The vibe going thru the T4 Forum concurs,
Everyone had a whale of a time and I suspect will be back for more next year.
To be honest for me: VANFEST or OKTOBERFEST ???
OKTOBERFEST for us anyway everytime.
Cheers & a big thanks for a top weekend,
Bob Hobson AKA Desp Dan
For a first outing in a completely new concept of British VW shows, we weren't too sure what to expect and were completely and utterly overwhelmed by the response. We were sold out virtually two weeks before the event and have had fantastic feedback from show visitors. We'd like to express our thanks to you all for "giving us a go" and making it the success it was. It never was our intention to have a "full on VW show" with stacks of traders, formal show and shine etc, but to make it more of a family and friends gathering to enjoy the facilities of Broadway House and catch up for maybe the last time at a show this year ... and it worked. Enormous thanks also to the traders who came along and supporting the show first time round - everyone seemed to make the most of it by enjoying themselves, joining in with the entertainment and generally letting their hair down.
