Welcome to the original Volksfest… a show which started way back in 1988, and has been staged at Avon Park, Santa Pod, the sadly lamented NAS (National Auto Showground, Peterborough), at North Weald Airfield, and now the Mid Suffolk Showground, Stonham Barns. Since 1988 Brett Hawksbee has is some guise or another staged an event called ‘Volksfest’. The event has been promoted by Streetstyle Promotions, NAS Events, and now Shows-UK. Time was when this was the only Volksfest event, but the name is now shared with several regional shows around the UK. Having accepted the ‘regional’ tag during the event’s time as ‘London Volksfest’, the aim and ambition now is to make Suffolk Volksfest a truly National event.
Friday – Easy Peasey Sound System/Cool Breeze Radio playing old skool dance classic from early 90′s. Yes come in fancy dress tonight as well, just don’t forget your glowsticks.
Also Saturday – Ren Stedman, Deferred Success, (In Bar) plus alternative DJ’s (outdoor venue)
- Ren Stedman
Not being exactly central in the UK, Suffolk might seem an unlikely place for an event with ambitions of attracting visitors rom throughout the UK and even further afield, but Stonham Barns is simply a great venue for a VW show… and a great venue for the whole family. Apart from the show itself, there’s the Owl and Bird of Prey Centre, the Meerkat Castle, Restaurant, Crazy Golf, Driving Range, 4×4 course, lakes, shops, and much more. The Stonham Barns venue enables Volksfest to return to it’s formula as a full weekend event, so camping is available from Friday night, and day visitors are welcomed from 9am Saturday and Sunday.
During Saturday and Sunday daytime, the usual array of trade, autojumble and cars for sale will be catered for without charge. Yes, that’s right. No charge for trade plots, autojumble plots, or to put your vehicle in the cars for sale area. Of course there is also no charge for entering the Show & Shine.
Clubs may reserve club camping plots anytime up to the Thursday 4th July, just text ‘Club Stand’ followed by number of members attending and name of club to 07966 266388. (You will receive a confirmation reply)
Show & Shine
Volksfest was one of the first shows to actively combine Air and Water-cooled dubs in a show which has continued to be unashamedly open to all VW enthusiasts. It is usually something of a 50/50 mix nowadays, and long may that continue. You are as welcome in your 1975 Polo as you are in a 1956 Oval, or anything else from the ‘Volkswagen Family’. The Show & Shine will follow the usual Volksfest format, of ‘Air-Cooled’ and ‘Water-Cooled’ top tens, across all models. As Volksfest has been a one day for so long, the Saturday will be a display day only, with all awards and trophies being presented on Sunday Afternoon. There is no need to pre book show & shine entry. When you enter the arena you will be handed an entry card, which you need to fill in and leave under your windscreen to be collected.
Trade Stands
All Trade Stand pitches are free. You just pay for your ticket, and for each staff member, at the gate. All interested traders may either text the business name and frontage required in feet, to 07966 266388, or email details to bretthawksbee@gmail.com. Your pitch will be waiting for you, and you may arrive anytime from midday Friday. (Entry for public is 6pm Friday 6th) We hope that not charging for the trading opportunity helps make your attendance at the event more viable, and look forward to a better economic climate sometime in the future!
Autojumble and Cars For Sale
Anyone with parts, automobilia, or anything else cluttering up their garage, is welcome to take a free autojumble pitch. No need to advance book, just buy your admission ticket and set up in the autojumble area. Similarly, if you have a vehicle for sale, just buy your ticket on the way in, and park up in the ‘Cars for Sale’ area.
You might also be interested in the best new event to hit the VW scene in decades! – (click on ad to open site in new window)
SUFFOLK VOLKSFEST FAQs
Yes you can bring your dog. Please clear up after him/her, and please, on a lead at all times.
The venue opens at 6pm Friday for campers/full weekend
The venue opens at 9am Saturday and Sunday for day visitors.
Saturday day visitors may stay up to midnight, and take in the evening entertainment before leaving.
You do NOT need an advance ticket either for full weekend/camping OR for day visits.
Yes there are disabled facilities, but if you need any additional assistance, just ask any member of staff
Yes, there is a cashpoint in the Post Office which is situated in the Market Square.
Yes, the show is extremely family friendly. The Stonham Barns complex has something to keep everyone entertained…Crazy Golf, 9 Hole Golf Course, Restaurant, Driving Range, Kids Play Area, Antique and Craft Shops, Fishing Lakes, Bar, Garden Centre, Furniture Shop, Toy Shop, Aquatic and Reptile Centre, Village Stores, and more.
