Bug Jam 34 - SUSPENDED

24th / 26th JULY 2020 VW Festival at SANTA POD RACEWAY

A true VW festival in every sense of the word, with a vibrant and fun atmosphere, bringing to life the very essence of VW and Campervan culture. Europe’s largest VW Show incorporates an eclectic mix of all things VW, with drag racing, Run What Ya Brung, nightlife, Show & Shine, comedy, stunt displays, fun fair, massive trade village, Retrojumble and much more.

Bug Jam 34 - Suspended

Corona Virus (COVID-19) Update

Unfortunately due to Coronavirus and in line with Government Guidelines we have been forced to suspend Bug Jam 34 until 2021.

Existing tickets for Bug Jam 34, due to take place in 2020 will still be valid for the event which will now take place in 2021 – meaning you don’t need to take any further action to transfer your tickets – simply arrive at Bug Jam in 2021 with your existing tickets which will still be valid.

At Santa Pod Raceway the safety and welfare of racegoers and participants is paramount. Please view the latest information regarding how the situation is affecting events at Santa Pod Raceway on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) page.

A Statement from Santa Pod Raceway CEO - Keith Bartlett (10/06/20)

Further to the previous statements I have released regarding Santa Pod Raceway and its 2020 calendar, I would like to update you on our current situation.

Since the government legislation announced in mid-March, Santa Pod has been unable to hold any type of event at all from that point.

As a result of this, the impact on Santa Pod has been nothing short of a disaster. Our ability to trade and earn income is non-existent. We have invested hundreds of thousands of pounds in setting up our 2020 schedule and have not earned one penny of event income since the lockdown. Despite working hard on survival plans for 2020 onwards, the losses have hit us hard and increase every day that we can’t turn a wheel.

We are now forced to make the difficult decisions around the major events due to be held in July. It is clear that the Government is not going to relax lockdown, social distancing and large gatherings sufficiently to allow these to proceed. It is therefore with deep regret that we must now officially suspend these too.

Of course, July includes the Bug Jam VW Festival. This event particularly has a strong following and I am devastated it will not happen this year – another killer blow for both Santa Pod, our fans and our finances.

It will come as no surprise that without the continued support from our loyal fans and spectators, Santa Pod would not have survived this crisis and once again, I plead with our advance ticket holders to give us the time and space to work through this tough time and to most importantly, take the credit value for our drag racing events and in the case of Bug Jam to please, please roll your tickets over to 2021. These particular events will now go into our 2021 calendar on or around the same dates.

After further Government Guidelines and the current lockdown rules, we are pushing forward to see what lower level events can we can host over the coming months. We are now at least planning to open our doors in July to some “behind closed doors” track days and racer test days with no spectators and within the current rules for social distancing and to meet health & safety regulations under the COVID-19 requirements. In this ever-changing landscape, we may be able to scale up from there but as of now, it’s still an unknown. It’s a start, at least, on our precarious road to recovery.

We need all your support to be able to get through this and to see us back in action in 2021 (I must also thank those of you who have purchased merchandise to date – every little really helps.) We have extended our credit redemption period from our normal 12 months to 24 months to widen the scope for your return visit.

Your actions on this issue of advance tickets may well be the difference between success and failure. Together – we will race again.

Best Regards

Keith Bartlett
CEO – Trakbak Racing Ltd

What's On at Bug Jam 34:

Track Action & Show Cars:

Drag Racing (Sat & Sun)
With qualifying starting on Saturday and eliminations on Sunday, you're sure to see plenty of the fastest, maddest VWs in Europe! Wheelies and close racing are guaranteed!

The VWDRC will be joined by the Outlaw Flat Four, the road legal hot rods of Street Eliminator, Sportsman ET, and NEW to Bug Jam the Supercharged Dragsters, Altereds and Doorslammers of the Supercharged Outlaws.

More info on the Drag Racing page. View the Entry List here.

Run What Ya Brung - RWYB
VWs ONLY (Fri 12pm-7pm (£20) & Sat 9.30am-3pm (£15))
Get your own VW on the track on Friday and Saturday, unlimited runs and a full performance print out for each run. Don't forget to bring your driving licence if you want to use the track. Full details

RWYB

Autoglym Show & Shine (SATURDAY!)

Strictly VWs ONLY
Saturday is the show day for the real head-turners. If you’ve got perfect paintwork, a cool custom ride or a rare vintage VW, make sure you bring your car along to the Autoglym Show & Shine competition. Full details

VW Rust & Rat (SUNDAY!)
Strictly VWs ONLY
Sunday will be the day where rusty cars shine! If you’ve got a cool rat-ride, rusty original, mean military or battered baja, get along to the Rust & Rat Show. It's open to entries from 9am, and free to enter. Just rock up, register, and chill out until the presentations take place. Full details

Jet Car (Fri, Sat & Sun)

Get ready to experience a Jet Car when Martin Hill brings out the world record breaking Fireforce 3 Jet Funny Car to light up the track.

FireForce

Firestorm (Sat & Sun)
Roger Goring's state of the art Ford Mustang bodied Jet car is one of only 3 centre drive Jet Funny Cars in the world and the only one outside of the USA.

Oklahoma Willy - The Jet Bus (Sat & Sun)
This 1958 VW pick up spent most of her life on a farm in Oklahoma before undergoing a nut and bolt restoration with the addition of a Rolls Royce Viper 535 jet engine is from a fighter jet with a power output of 5000 lbs of thrust.

Rocket Bike (Fri, Sat & Sun)
The crazy Frenchman Eric Teboul will be hurtling down the strip at over 200mph on his world record breaking Rocket Bike.

Human Powered Racing (Sat)
It’s a simple race from the start-line to the finish-line and back, but no engines are permitted! Adults and kids can enter and there are four trophies: Quickest Bicycle, Quickest Skate (boots and boards), Quickest Runner, and Most Imaginative Entry.

Music, Comedy & Cabaret:

Evening Music* - Stage / Tents / Bar (Fri & Sat)

Bug Jam hosts five music arenas including the Main Stage, Dance Tent, Retro Tent, BugWam and Fuelers Bar, on both Friday and Saturday evenings, catering for all tastes from indie and dance DJs through to live bands and tribute acts.

Details on the Gig Guide page.

Friday: VDub Radio, Professor Green, Hitsville Soul Stirrers, Sax Live
Saturday: Feeder, Fickle Friends, Tropicana Nights, Random Concept, Silent Disco

*As part of your Sporting Event entrance only.

Daytime Music* - BugWam & Stage (Fri, Sat & Sun)

You don't have to wait till the evening for the entertainment to start at Bug Jam with the BugWam and the Live Stage busy during the day on Friday, Saturday & Sunday!

The BugWam is the perfect place to chill out, relax and put your feet up. There will be live acoustic music and DJs from afternoon through to evening and a licenced bar.

Details on the Daytime Music page.

BugWam:
Friday: Pembroke Tennison, CJ Hatt, Calder McLaughlin
Saturday: Don't Drink the Water, Tom Lewitt, Lovelock Bridge, Duncan Craven
Sunday: Darren Jones, Monroe Acoustic

Comedy (Fri & Sat)
There will be a line up of top comedians on Friday & Saturday including up and coming new acts and established pros to tickle your ribs. Details on the Comedy page.

Bug Jam's Got Talent (Saturday)
We’re giving contestants 3 minutes each to show off their talent on the Bug Jam main stage. The great thing is, YOU pick what your talent is! Age 14 and over (Seperate Kids contest on Sunday).

Details on the Bug Jam's Got Talent page.

Bug Jam's Got Talent

The Magic Teapot (Thu, Fri, Sat & Sun)
This lovely, unique structure is an all-weather fireside venue hosted by the Teapot Crew who are musicians, tea makers and fire keepers. Entertainment is provided and guests are encouraged to bring what they can to the circle…a song…a story…a listening ear, there will be a piano, a range of other instruments and the kettle is always simmering on the fire.

It is also about as green as you can get - no electricit, real mugs so no single-use plastic waste and sustainably sourced fire wood.

The Balloon Man (Sat & Sun)
Totally original, high energy, family entertainment that has been performed on three continents.....laughed at by the crown heads of Europe.. ...mud splatted in the fields of Glastonbury......and enjoyed by everyone. Performing on the Live Stage and in the Retro Tent.

Fun Fair Rides (Fri, Sat & Sun)
All the fun of the fair with dodgems, waltzers, arcades, candy floss, sideshows and plenty of stomach churning rides that will spin, twist, flip and thrill you.

Live Action Arena:

Monster Trucks - Podzilla (Sat & Sun)

The Monster Truck Podzilla will be putting on a high flying display of car crushing mayhem. Get ready to cheer as Novas and Saxos get what's coming.

Podzilla

Monster Trucks - Swamp Thing (Sat & Sun)

Watch as these formidable machines wreak havoc on everything that lies in their wake. At a whopping 5 tonnes, 3 metres in height and 1500hp these monsters are unrivalled in might!

Swampthing

Terry Grant (Sat & Sun)
Multiple world record breaking stunt driver Terry Grant will be performing precision stunts in a range of cars.

Terry Grant

Broke FMX (Sat & Sun)
The thrill of seeing athletes jumping 35 feet in the air pulling acrobatic stunts over gaps approaching 100 feet is a sight to behold. The show features the UK’s top ranked freestyle motocross riders, incorporating the latest heart stopping tricks as usually only seen on TV.

Broke FMX

Kids Entertainment:

Little Buggerz - Kids Zone (Fri, Sat & Sun)
An entire Kids Zone running all weekend located in and around a giant TeePee. Children must not be left unattended & must be supervised by a responsible adult.

UNDER 10s ONLY

Featuring: Face Painting, Ceramic Workshop, Giant Games Area, Reading Area, Colouring Area, Balloon Science Show, Mad Dom, Captain Fantastic, Gorilla's in your Midst, Teddy And Otto, Slime Workshop

Full details on the Little Buggerz page.

Little Buggerz Got Talent (Sunday)
We’re giving kids 3 minutes each to show off a talent on the Bug Jam main stage. Age Under 14 (Seperate adults contest on Saturday)

Details on the Bug Jam's Got Talent page.

Little Buggerz Got Talent

Sideshows (Fri, Sat & Sun)
There will be extra fun for youngsters with inflatables and a climbing wall.

Action Wheels (Fri, Sat & Sun)
A safe, friendly and exciting “Have-A-Go” two wheeled feature aimed at children aged 2 and upwards and of all abilities on two wheels. Includes balance beams, sea saws and rumble strips for children to navigate their way around. Action Wheels supply a selection of bikes and safety gear that’s FREE to use for all ages and abilities.

Bug Jam Beach (Thu, Fri, Sat & Sun)
Back at Bug Jam bigger and better, there will be a real beach located next to Bug Wam. So bring along buckets & spades for the kids and deckchairs to relax in.

Miniature Campervans (Fri, Sat & Sun)
This year we have the fantasic Vags Dub Totrods bringing their miniature camper vans down. Kids will be able to cruise around in style, driving the pint-sized splitties around a mini-track.

Around Site & Shopping:

Camping at Bug Jam
Camping is included with all weekend tickets bought in advance or on the gate. As well as General Camping there is Club Camping and Quiet / Family Camping (will be signposted and noise curfews will be strictly enforced). Full details on the Camping page.

VW Club Camping - Spend Bug Jam camping with your members in your own allocated club camping area. You will need at least 10 display vehicles to book club camping. Full details of how to book on the Clubs page.

Camping, Glamping, Caravans & RV Hire:

Camplify - Peer-to-peer caravan hire and RV-sharing community that can be booked at the event. Visit www.camplify.co.uk
Pre-pitched Camping - Available from Assorted Events. Visit www.assortedevents.co.uk
American Motorhomes - Large high spec motorhomes available for any events, delivered ready to Santa Pod Raceway. Visit www.rjfmotorhomes.com

BMX /Skate Ramp (Fri, Sat & Sun)
Cool Flo will be bringing along their BMX / skate ramp and their team of outstanding Pro riders will be putting on regular demonstration shows over the weekend. The ramp will also be open for public sessions so if you’re a competent rider and fancy a go, make sure you pay them a visit! (Helmets must be worn)

Cool Flo

Fancy Dress

Fancy Dress (Fri & Sat Eve)
The theme for Bug Jam 34 is Hawaiian LUAU! So dig out your grass skirts and Hawaiian shiorts, and get your hula dancing up to scratch because we're embracing the culture from the aloha state!

Retrojumble (Fri, Sat & Sun)
Buyers: Rare and vintage VW parts at bargain prices. Need a decklid for your oval or a period radio for that finishing touch? Have a look here.

Sellers: If you have a veritable scrapyard of second hand parts at home or just a handful of spares, autojumble is the place to sell. Details on Retrojumble page. NO CLOTHING ALLOWED

Trade Village (Fri, Sat & Sun)
If you're looking for car parts, want a cool t-shirt or fancy a lowrider bicycle to get round site, you'll find it all in the Bug Jam trade areas. Visit the Pod Shops for camping supplies and Bug Jam clothing. View info on how to trade at Bug Jam on the Traders page.

Cars 4 Sale (Fri, Sat & Sun)
If you've got a car you want to sell, park it up in the Cars For Sale Paddock, stick your phone number on the dashboard, and wait for the calls to come flooding in. Whether you're buying, selling or browsing, this is the best way to shift cars at the show.

And the best bit? It's FREE for both buyers and sellers!

Graffiti Wall (Sat & Sun)
Ever wanted to see how Graffiti Art is created? Peaceful Progress are based in Cardiff with almost 20 years’ experience, they specialise in creating large-scale murals on almost any surface. Painting bespoke murals at Bug Jam for the last couple of years, the team are back planning to create another blockbuster mural live on Saturday and Sunday outside Bug Wam. Come and see the work being created first hand!

Peaceful Progress

Trigger The Train (Sat & Sun)
Trigger the Train is believed to be the only street legal motorway cruising road train in the country. It is here to attempt to set the new world record for the fastest ¼ mile pass from a road train. Trigger will also be offering passenger rides around site throughout the weekend.

Bug Jam Beer Festival & Gin Palace (Fri, Sat & Sun)
There will be a Beer Festival with ales and ciders from local breweries, so if you’re a real ale fan then head over to Fuelers Bar.

If gin is your tipple then head to Bug Wam for the Gin Palace & Shots Bar.

Bars & Caterers (Thu, Fri, Sat & Sun)
Caterers and bars will be open around site all weekend. There will be a wide range of food and drink to suit all tastes from burgers and pizzas to Chinese, Mexican and Indian. Coffee and Milkshakes plus Licensed Bars (Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult, no under 18s after 11pm) View caterer details.

Bug Jam 33 Photo Gallery:

View more photos from Bug Jam 33 on the Facebook Gallery.

Follow Bug Jam & Santa Pod on Facebook

Santa Pod Raceway

Bug Jam 34 A VW festival in every sense of the word, with a vibrant and fun atmosphere, bringing to life the very...
Posted by Santa Pod Raceway on Tuesday, 1 October 2019

Santa Pod Raceway
Santa Pod Raceway is the UK's premier Drag Strip in the middle of England on the border of Northamptonshire and Bedfordshire. For full venue details please visit www.santapod.com.

Nitro FM
Nitro FM on 96.2 will be broadcasting all weekend with live track commentary, a selection of great music, interviews and chat to keep you informed and entertained throughout the day.

Mailing List
Fill out your e-mail address on the Newsletter page to receive the Santa Pod Email News Letter and you will also be entered into a monthly prize draw to win a £50 Santa Pod Raceway gift voucher.

Important Notices

EXIT & RE-ENTRY GUIDE: Bug Jam is one of Santa Pod’s busiest and most popular events in the calendar and we have a large number of visitors using rural routes through our neighbouring villages. To relieve our local communities of unnecessary traffic during the event, Bug Jam operates a strict re-entry policy to minimise disruption: visitors choosing to leave the venue anytime during the weekend will need to pay to re-enter the venue even if they have already purchased a ticket. So, please bring all of the camping supplies that you will need for the weekend including enough petrol/diesel! Your continued cooperation in this matter is always appreciated and keeps the Bug Jam vibe alive.
NO SPACE SAVING: Campers will no longer be able to save space for friends arriving at a later time. Large groups should book club camping pitches, and small groups should aim to arrive together.
CAMPING SPACE & LARGER VEHICLES: If your camping space is considered excessive by the campsite stewards, the organisers reserve the right to reduce the size of the area you have taken up. Please be sensible in this respect to avoid any inconvenience with your set up. The contents of larger vehicles will be checked and noted on arrival for non-camping related items. If you are bringing sofas and similar furniture items to Bug Jam you must take these items away with you when you leave site.
LIMITED TICKETS: The number of tickets going on sale will be strictly limited. That means first-come-first-served, and those who book in advance will have priority over anyone trying to buy tickets on the gate. If tickets sell out before the event, NO tickets will be available to buy on the gate, so Santa Pod can be certain that we can accommodate everyone.
NO CHINESE LANTERNS: Chinese lanterns are banned at Santa Pod Raceway as they pose a real fire hazard to the crops and thatched roofs surrounding the track.
NO GLASS: No glass bottles, jars etc allowed on site. This is for you and your car's safety and especially for those in the camping areas. Cars will be searched on arrival.
CHILD WRISTBANDS: Children can sometimes wander off, wristbands for children will be issued when you arrive, please write a contact phone number on the wristband and make sure your child wears it so we can call you if we find the little treasure should they become separated from you.
When you arrive and leave site, please keep your speed down, don't litter and respect local residents.

Full Terms & Conditions