OCD – Obsessive Camper Disorder is an affliction affecting VW owners and admirers across the globe.
OCD – Obsessive Camper Disorder is an affliction affecting VW owners and admirers across the globe. The affliction is particularly strong up North, where in Cleveland sufferers meet to swap stories, show off their vehicles, mingle over exceptional live music and use up those heavy supplies of alcohol they’ve been driving around for a year.
Volkspower in Redcar has it all. Celebrating its fifth year, organiser Paul Power, manages to pull out of the bag a festival which guarantees to satisfy VW hunger whilst entertaining all ages without any ruckus.
You don’t need OCD to enjoy Volkspower- but it helps…
Yes the festival is focused on VW’s, T4’s, T25, The Bay, The Splitty, Polo’s and even the odd Harlequin yet the least car enthusiastic among us can not help but be impressed by this massive variety, and the possibility of being exceptionally nosy (VW Campers are filled with hidden cupboards to explore). However, that is not the be all and end all of the festival. The festival is highly organised with lots of quality live music, stalls, circus acts, bouncy castles, fairground rides; the only thing missing was a donut stall- though don’t worry the cake stall selling home-made Oreo, Rolo and Yorkie cakes ensured that the sweetest cravings could be satisfied (free samples too).
Redcar- worthy of a Summer visit. If you manage to drag yourself away from the festival then there are strips of sandy beach within minutes of the site. There is also the massive investment by Cleveland borough council which ensures that its beach could rival any in the South. Another highlight is the new Vertical Pier which looks a bit like a helter skelter, but hey ho let’s not get started on that one.
Don’t be put off if you have small, big children or a pooch or two
The festival welcomes dogs (a festival rarity) as long as they are kept on a lead. Children not only have lots of open grass space to play on but the beach and park are within easy walking distance. Not forgetting plenty of opportunities to spend their parents money on rides, stalls and games. There is also a children’s entertainer every year who will occupy your little ones whilst you distract yourself with a beer.
Making the most of the magnificent music
Talent from across the region is showcased throughout the weekend. The highlight for me was the fresh talent of Gateshead’s The Warning– with a stage presence to rival the hardiest of rock stars they ensured that the full crowd were equipped with air guitars. I was pleasantly surprised by The Stolen Stones not being a huge fan of Mick Jagger and crew (despite them headlining at Glastonbury this year) I expected a mutual performance; I was bowled over by the talent of musicians, watch out Mick, Keith, Charlie and Ronnie, you’ve got severe competition. On a more chilled out note, during the day the vairiety continued with acts such as Howlin’ Mat who played soothing tunes with clever lyrics whilst his young son charmed and entertained us by his side.
Still unsure? The whole weekend will set you back £21 and for an extra £5 campers can relish in the adult only Thursday evening. Yes it is only £21, under 16’s and dogs go free.
Tantalising Tempted? Here’s how to ensure you don’t miss out next year-
Visit the website and buy some tickets. Campervan purchase is not necessary but a few camping supplies will come in handy.
Follow Paul Power on Facebook.
