Busfest 2015...........a different feel......?

I always go to Busfest for a day as I only live a mile or so away - over the last few years we all know its got much more involved with builders vans, I have no issue there, I'd have on to go with my Bay - and that the number of "auto-jumble" type stalls has diminished. Reason being I suppose, you can get everything for a T4/5 direct from VW or parts suppliers - this year there were even less of these stalls; in fact I'd say only a handful and they had some pretty bad rubbish!!

But............actually I thought the vibe was better than it has been for a few years, it seemed more relaxed and chilled even though on Sat (when I went) it was very busy. Prices for Bays/Splits in the Buses For Sale section were mad as usual but T4/5's seemed sensible - didn't take a camera or a phone so no pics but came back feeling quite happy and fitted the service parts I bought with a smile on my face.

Nothing of any staggering note to say really just that I enjoyed it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I went yesterday too, mostly to see a couple of people I don't get to see anywhere else.

I had a look around all the stalls but I don't really need anything for my bus at the moment so didn't do much shopping.

Nice day out though

 

we too went for the day yesterday , just popped up in the daily

felt a bit funny not staying for the weekend and having to cram everything into 5 hours

know what you mean about the split and bay prices

thought the JK and heritage stands were very bare

 

I went yesterday,had a real nice day the weather was a bonus I've been to a few shows this year and I liked this one the best

 

We went for the weekend and got last minute tickets.
Haven't been for 8 years and noticed a few differences
Disorganized camping plots, anyone just set up anywhere they felt like
Some peoples footprint was a lot larger than 7m x 7m
Tanked up parents dragging lazy arsed kids around in radio flyer type wagons
Not sure we'll go next year

 

Have to admit my shins are black and blue from Radio Flyer "hits"...............

 

I went yesterday also hoping to find a decent Engine, first time I've been in about 10 years, some of the changes mentioned in this thread was a bit of a surprise, the only engines I saw where Scoobies or a £4 big performance thing that would be a little silly join the Bus, very little parts in general really, did see Rusty Lee, and a full width bed fitted so that was worth it.

To me, it felt like a Transporter or Type 4 show with some Bays and Splits attending. Pretty surprised how busy its got though and the amount of Radio Flyer things was ridiculous.

 

I used to do several big shows like clockwork every summer, but the last few years have seen a change in demographic from people that are into vw's to wreckheads that may or may not own one and are just there to get wasted and party all weekend......this seems to have increased the amount of aggro you get now and parts being nicked off of vehicles etc was the last straw for me..i now give all but the small scale county shows a miss

 

I went for the day on sat, echo all that was said about the VW heritage tent... It looked like they hadn't bothered with any stock, instead looked like they were armed with laptops to help you find it on their website. Is this the future?

Anyway, my wife loves the idea of camping but has very sensitive ears... Yes ears! She basically has this romantic vision of camping that is definitely not going to be achieved at a VW show. So we camped at a beautiful site next to the River Severn, just outside Worcester (you see it on the left on the bridge as you drive from the showground to go north on M5) great night sleep, beautiful scenery and no noisy campers.

Regarding shopping for parts, I got everything I need and loads of stuff I don't need too, before I went. So all I came back with was a t shirt with a Bay on the front of it, (have you noticed they are all split screens!), a pair of slippers(non VW)and a mug with a Bay on too (equally rare).

A good weekend though on the whole.

 

Tanked up parents dragging lazy arsed kids around in radio flyer type wagons
Kids (and more tanked up adults) riding bikes through the crowds
Dogs and dog poo and people with multiple dogs talking to other people with multiple dogs an groups or family groups you cant get around or through.

Ban dogs
Ban radio flyers
Ban bicycles
Police the camping areas properly (I remember when, as Rusty Bay we were the only field that got policed. Even though we did it ourselves they still had to have their two penneth when it was chaos elsewhere


Its inevitable that there will be a great number of later buses as traditionally it was the Type 2 owners club (not T2) so that's all buses past and present.

 

I am noticing adverts for shows that now say 100% aircooled, that'll keep those pesky t4's and t5's away.....but my pal won't be able to come in his prototype bay with a Subaru engine in it! Doh!

 

It changed when it ceased to be the type 2 owners club yearly meet.

I'd send the Army in.

 

It was the first time I've ever been (went on Saturday) and really loved it. The weather was a bonus. The for sale section was rubbish and WAY overpriced to a daft level but hhe vibe was excellent. Few too many dogs and those wagon things which were very annoying but would defo go next time.

E x

 

my one year old has a tshirt with a bay on it and 'future driver ' underneath it lol took ages to find one with a bay!

 

It's not just the future but the past too!

This is the way we have traded at every event for the last 3 years

Other suppliers are now starting to mimic the way we have been trading.

We stock 17,000 lines and have access to 44,000 more lines at Classic VW. This covers our 7 main models but actually it is more like 14 different models of VW that we deal with. Taking stock became inpractical as what ever we would take, wasn't the right stuff, you couldn't keep everyone happy.

This way we take your order at the show, you dont have to lug it about and its delivered with you wednesday or thursday the following week.

We offer 10% and free delivery and also have £100 off sets of our SSP Alloy wheels.

Its worked very well for the last three years, its something I have personally pushed forward. In fact it was my idea so you can blaim me.

I believe it means a better service for you the customer, as we are talking to you about your project on a personal basis, rather than just standing behind a pile of parts taking cash.

I am always open to suggestions though so do feel free to email me alex@vwheritage.com if you want to see us doing something different.

In the end we are there to serve you lot, our customers, so we are always happy to listen to your thoughts and suggestions.

Hope that has helped expalin things a little.

All my best,

Alex

 

I have noticed that Fat Face are now introducing Split/Bay cross onto their clothing range. Pretty much bought the entire range for myself and the little boy.

 

I agree with what's been said about more T4/T5's this year, would have been good to see more bays turn up for the show and shine numbers were down this year.

I only wanted one part which will hopefully be back in stock at some point from VW Heritage.

Overall I had a good time though.

 

I heard someone got stabbed!! And someone's (T4) bus got broken into. And someone's radio flyer was nicked

 

Be one of them long haired youths, with knives ...no - I stand corrected that was Brighton in 1964 (bloody Mods)

 

I had to google radio flyer...

glad you all had fun..