Camper Jam returns to Weston Park

Pull on your flares and put some flowers in your hair – this weekend sees the return of Camper Jam to Weston Park.

The celebration of all things VW is aimed at owners and lovers of the iconic 1970s camper van of all models and types. For those that just want to soak up the chilled-out festival atmosphere day tickets can be bought for the day.

Now in its fourth year the show offers visitors a chance to see thousands of vans - from pristine and customised models in the official shows, to everyday family vehicles - in a beautiful parkland setting. A host of fun events and entertainment are held over the three days of the festival.

On Saturday afternoon the centre field is where you will find lots of buses to enjoy and admire, with owners happy to talk about their pride and joy.

Following its popularity at previous shows a display of vans with custom, bespoke and DIY interiors will be featured. Model wise there will be a display of Westfalia Campers and also a special showcase of T3 Syncros.

A T4 display will also once again grace the field with some of the finest examples of this increasingly popular model and there will also be an Early Bay display on the Sunday.

Anyone with a seriously-lowered bus is invited to join the How Low Can You Go show with a prizes up for grabs.

This year's Jam has been given a Seven Seas theme. There will be a display of vans done out in line with the theme with a special prize to be awarded to the best.

Entertaining the crowds all weeked will be The Durty Bus, playing classic vinyl 45s from the back of their 1979 van.

There is also the CamperJam Carnival to keep the kids busy. Edwards Fun Fair including traditional rides like the waltzers and a carousel will be running all weekend. For those wanting more of an adreniline rush there are the Easy Rider Quad Bikes - a 40 foot inflatable track on the coolest of quad bikes.

And for something completey different archery experts will be on hand to give people a chance to try out their skills as Robin Hood while the smaller children can give water orbing a go. These large inflatable orbs float on a large shallow pool, giving youngsters a feeling of walking on water.

A whole host of music is on offer during the weekend. On Friday six-piece band Motown Magic will be playing a host of 1960s classics in Marquee One. And for those that want to chill out the Dub for Dubbers marquee will be playing mellow dub tunes.

A novel event to Camper Jam is the Cooking in a Camper competition, where van owners have to rustle up a tasty treat in the back of their campers for a panel of judges. This year's dish is fish cakes!

An adult weekend camping tickets costs £35. An adult day ticket costs £15 with children 16 or under going free. On Friday gates open at 2pm and close at 10pm. On Saturday gates open at 9am and close at 8pm. On Sunday gates open at 9am and close at 5pm.

David Briggs