The Mid-Suffolk Showground, Stonham Barns, Pettaugh Road, Stonham Aspal, Suffolk. IP14 6AT.

The show is aimed at all VW enthusiasts, especially those who remember the ‘good old days’. The ‘Second Annual UK Bus Jam’ takes place over the weekend of 9th-11th August 2013, at the Mid-Suffolk Showground, Stonham Barns, Suffolk. IP14 6AT. It is a venue with excellent access from much of the UK via the A12 or A14. (Photo courtesy of volksbuster.com)

The entire show arena will be exclusively VW transporter derivitives, T2,T3/25, T4 or T5, and LT models. Other VWs, as well as non VW vehicles will occupy a separate parking and camping area on the Showground complex, a short walk from the show arena. Day visitors will also park outside the show arena proper. The complex includes shops, restaurant, Bird of Prey Centre and Owl Sanctuary, 9 hole Golf Course, Driving Range, Off-Road Area, Fishing Lakes, Petting Zoo, Crazy Golf, Kids Play Area, and other attractions. The main focus of Bus Jam is the vehicles, but there is also overnight entertainment both Friday and Saturday, with live bands and Disco/Dance Marquee. 

Are Dogs allowed? - Yes. On a leash at all times please.

Is there a Family ticket available? -

Yes, but weekend only. It covers entry for vehicle and two adults and two children up to 16, and is priced at £40. 17 year olds and older are priced as an adult (or additional adult if two other adults are attending on a family pass.)

Is there a Rad Shorts contest? - Dude, that was 25 years ago, Get over it.

When can I arrive? -

The show is open to the public from midday Friday 7th September. Gates close to new visitors at midnight on Friday and Saturday, reopening at 7am each morning.

Do you have any 70s bands or talent show rejects on the bill? - No. David Bowie would probably be allowed through the gate as a visitor, but Gary Glitter or X Factor’s Wagner would be turned away on sight. And we can’t afford Susan Boyle.

 What camping facilities are on site? - You will find clean toilets and showers, access to water, as well as a camping and provisions shop which is open all day and sometimes into the early evening evening. (Well you have all day to check what time they close! Kinda depends how busy they are…)

How much does it cost to enter my vehicle in the Auction? -  There is no charge to enter, however you advise us of your reserve, the lowest price you would actually take, and commission is charged on any sale amount over your reserve.

How much does it cost for an autojumble or Cars For Sale plot? - Free to sellers with an entry ticket.

How much is Show N Shine entry? - Free to exhibitors with an entry ticket

Will there be Traders and Exhibitors at the show? - We hope so! Trading is free for all VW Clubs, VW parts traders and aftermarket trade. That is as much we can do to attract trade to this new event.

Are the additional activities, Golf, Fishing, Bird of Prey Centre etc additional cost? - They are, but at a discount with your event ticket, and free ‘raptor’ flying demonstrations will take place in the main ring on Saturday and Sunday.

 Isn’t that actually 11 things? -  Yes. 12 if you count this.

Camping at Bus Jam

Event camping starts from midday Friday 7th. There is no additional charge for a ‘unit’, be it a tent, camper or caravan, other than your event ticket. Supervised under 14′s are not charged at all.

Only Transporter derivitives (T2,T3/25,T4 and T5), Caddy, Fridolin and  LT modelsare allowed to camp in the central showground, other than club areas. (All camping areas are within the showground complex). You may pitch a tent beside your permitted vehicle for more accommodation if required.

Other vehicles will be directed to the showground campsite. If you are in one of the above listed vehicles but wish to camp with friends who are not, you may do so, but in the showground campsite, not the central showground.

Both camping locations have serviced toilets and showers. Toilets in both locations include disabled facility. All campers will be provided with black bin bags. Please use them. Additional bags will be available if needed, and can be collected from the ‘Event Control’ office in the main showground.

Camping pitches in the central showground, the ‘heart’ of the event, are limited in number and advance booking is recommended if you wish to be certain of securing a plot in this area. The booking system will not allow for more plots to be sold than are actually available. If you complete your advance booking online successfully you WILL have a plot available to you when you arrive. Please remember though, that this area is van derived vehicles only, as identified above.

Club Camping Plots

Club plots in the central showground are available for clubs with exclusively van derived vehicles attending. Advance reservation is required stating number of pitches, but actual advance ticket purchases can be made via the website on either an individual or group basis, as suits your members.

Club plots in the showground campsite are available for clubs with any mix of vehicles attending. Advance reservation is required stating number of pitches, but actual advance ticket purchases can be made via the website on either an individual or group basis, as suits your members.

As far as possible we ask clubs to display vehicles along the frontal area of their plot, with tents, caravans etc to the rear.

If you wish to theme or dress your club plot in any way, ‘fill yer boots’. It’s for fun though, not reward.

For club plots the same rules apply as other camping areas, namely no ground fires, no unattended BBQ’s, music or generators not to be audible beyond your plot boundary after midnight. No trading on club plot. No unnecessary driving after dusk. (Toilets and Showers are a WALK away, not a drive away.)

Catering at Bus Jam.

Prices at all catering outlets is fixed by Bus Jam, and additionally an on-site shop sells food at cornershop prices should you prefer to self cater. All of the catering outlets on site during Bus Jam have been advised and understand that their pricing policy must reflect that this is a community show exclusively for VW enthusiasts, not an exercise in exploitation. You won’t pay ‘through the nose’ at any Bus Jam catering outlet.

‘Auction at Bus Jam’

Annyone wishing to sell their vehicle is invited to enter the BUS JAM dutch auction. Basically the seller provides us with their best price, (the lowest at which they will sell). The vehicle will then be offered by the auctioneer at a higher starting price, which reduces until a bid is received. If no bids are received before the best price reserve is reached, the vehicle is withdrawn from the sale. As a buyer, the trick is to make your offer at a price you are happy to pay, but before anyone else bids, as the first bid wins. Vehicles can be registered in advance via the UKBUSJAM.com website.

GlamperVan Challenge at Bus Jam

The free to enter Glampervan Challenge takes place in the ‘Glamping Village’ area of the central showground. You have a free hand to decorate your vehicle, vehicle and awning/gazebo or even your entire pitch, in a luxury style. Think throws, rugs, cushions, table settings and any little extra touches you wish, and to any theme. The judging will take place from midday on Sunday, and the first prize is a family Glamping holiday in the UK. Last year there were a couple of quite stunning setups, but they never got round to ‘entering’. So we’re having another go!.The BUS JAM ‘Glampervan Challenge’ takes place in a reserved area of the showground and entry is free, but advance registration is required via the UKBUSJAM.com website.