VANWEST 2009 SHOW REPORT
Want to keep up to date with what's happening at VanWest? Then add Van West as a friend on Facebook.
We left mirky Brizzle early friday morning hoping for the best but expecting the worst! By the time we arrived in Brean, the clouds were being cleared away by the Infamous Force 9 Berrow Breeze. Thankfully by midday the sun appeared, revealing lines of VW campers and traders arriving for the first true VW holiday weekend. Folks set up, enjoyed a barby and a beer, explored their surroundings then made their way to the marquee to see the band. 'Sixteen Stone’ rocked - the crowds took advantage of the cheap bar and danced in an 'ants in yer pants' stylee! At 11pm many made their way to the RJ's clubhouse/Phoenix nights (as it’s now better known) - more relaxed door policy promised for next year.
The morning after, always a slow start, saw yet more campers arriving and day visitors too. The sun shone as the trade arena opened with packed isles of bargain hunters and families.
| The Druid set the vibe and kids had fun hunting outlaws and claiming the bounty, plus lots more in a whirl of games and challenges. Other kids explored the adventure playground and Kids club or built a cardboard camper, whilst grownups took part in the bus push, watched the buggy track or visited the general market next door. Some were brave enough to hire a trike, checkout the heated pool or dare the rides at the Leisure park. |  |
 |
At sundown, in true wild west spirit, several VW posses rode into town. Cowboys and Indians partied to Hayseed Dixie and the like, Brian’s awesome POI ring of fire display wowed the crowd (as always) ... accompanied by the Druid, whilst a live rock band played at RJ's. |
Sun up and the red ball beamed down as the kids 'build a bus' drag race took place with some very determined riders. The trade arena was bustling and the diverse catering was very popular. No Beans Today! Kangaroo, Ostrich or crocodile steaks or maybe you tried a Nepalese curry? Off road activity continued with CJ's syncros saving a BAJA from 3ft of water and quicksand.
Early afternoon, hundreds of bullis lined the roadways and cruised the Brean mile ending in a massive bus display on the vast sandy beach, not enough wind for a UFO kite display (should have done it Friday!) but the kids castled or dug in for a stick of VanWest rock. It really was an awesome sight to see miles of beach lined with V-dubs. Unique 'Tiki Tye' Prizes were awarded for the favoured buses in the usual laid back Vanwest style and everyone made the most of the fantastic sunshine. Next year = bigger plans for the beach, including BBQ, winners display and entertainment.
Back at base, people hunted for those last bargains or bought a momento Vanwest T shirt to remember the weekend.
| All in all a great weekend, the new huge site on the whole worked very well - it had its challenges but these will be sorted for next year. We hope you all thoroughly enjoye, what we hope was a nice relaxing family VW holiday and look forward to seeing you all again for Vanwest Volkswagen Holiday 2010. |  |
Thanks for all your emails of support and your suggestions - we take notice of everything you tell us so that we can make VanWest as good as we possibly can.
nb errors and omissions expected. All of the above may be subject to change without notice.
