General Info
WHEN IS BUSFEST?
6th – 8TH SEPTEMBER 2024
FUTURE DATES?
12th – 14th September 2025
11th – 13th September 2026
10th – 12th September 2027
DO YOU NEED TO OWN A VW TO ATTEND?
Not at all! All are welcome, obviously there is a large focus on Volkswagen’s at our event but there is still plenty to do and see if you’re not interested in VW’s – or if you are interested in them but just haven’t gotten your dream camper yet.
WHERE ARE YOU?
We are located at The Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR13 6NW
The Showground is easily accessible. Simply follow the brown signs for the Three Counties Showground from all the main routes, once you’re close to the site please follow the AA yellow signage for specific gates (NOT your sat-nav).
**Be sure to check your tickets prior to setting off to ensure you arrive at the correct gate for entry.**
SITE MAP?
I HAVE A DISABILITY, WHAT FACILITIES/ACCOMMODATIONS ARE THERE FOR ME?
If you have a disability and are coming to Busfest as a day visitor there is disabled parking available at; South Car Park, South Pedestrian Gate & Yellow Gate.
If you have a disability and wish to purchase a weekend camping ticket please ensure to select Disabled Camping Area when purchasing your tickets. These areas are closer to the centre of the site to reduce walking distance for those camping.
If you’re camping in the Disabled Camping Area and you require an electric hook up for your unit please ensure you pre-book this when purchasing your tickets.
The showground is almost completely flat ground, with ramps available for entering/exiting all indoor areas.
Disability friendly facilities are available at almost all permanent toilet/shower blocks, specifically in the Severn Hall and the toilet block near to Stockman’s Restaurant. There are also some portable toilet blocks placed in camping areas around the site, some of which will have disabled facilities.
ARE DOGS/PETS ALLOWED?
Yes, this is a family event and as far as we are concerned dogs are certainly part of the family!
Many events at this showground and others do not allow dogs on site anymore and in the past we have come close to having to ban dogs at the event all-together, but instead have introduced policies to avoid that so we ask that you respect those policies so that yourselves and others can still bring your four-legged friends to this event.
Dogs MUST be kept on leads and under control at all times and you must clean up after them.
Dogs are NOT ALLOWED inside trade stands/pitches as we have had instances of dogs ‘soiling’ traders products/equipment.
Dogs (other pets) left in hot cars or unsuitable conditions will not be tolerated and we ask if you witness anything of the sort that you report it to the Busfest security line immediately.
We have a “No Dogs” Camping area for those not wishing to camp around dogs so please do not bring your dog into this area.
Dogs are NOT allowed in the enclosed evening entertainment areas, this is for a number of reasons – mostly as these areas can be incredibly stressful/loud/over stimulating for your dog so for their safety and that of others around them they must remain outside these areas.
Upon entry to the event you should receive a “Pooch” band for your furry friend (if not please feel free to pick one up either from an entry gate or information). The purpose of these bands is for you to write your telephone number on and attach it to their collar/harness just incase they managed to get loose so we can reunite you with them.
CAN WE BRING FOOD/DRINK INTO THE EVENT?
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food & drink (including alcohol) into the event.
WHERE CAN I BUY BUSFEST MERCH?
Officially licenced BUSFEST t-shirts, hoodies and other items are sold in ‘Information & Merchandising’ which is located on the end of the Severn Hall near to the Main Arena & First Aid station at the centre of the site.
Information & Merchandise opening times:
Friday : 12.00 – 17.00
Saturday : 09.00 – 17.00
Sunday : 09.00 – 16.00
WHAT ARE THE FANCY DRESS THEMES THIS YEAR?
Whatever you want! This years entertainment in the Severn Hall will be very much back to the 70’s/80’s but please feel free to dress up how you please but be mindful of other attendees and don’t forget that this is a FAMILY show.
ARE GENERATORS ALLOWED ON SITE?
No, generators are not allowed on site. Only Busfest official services will have use of generators.
I’D LIKE TO GO OFF SITE DURING THE SHOW, WHERE CAN I BE PICKED UP FROM/BE DROPPED OFF?
If you wish to go off site during the show (after you have entered and received a wrist band) we suggest you use Trade (Red) Gate to do this. If you are getting a Taxi please ensure you instruct them to go to this gate as they may be turned away from other gates. Trade (red) gate will be open until midnight on Friday & Saturday.
For re-entry (you already have your wristband) you MUST enter through General (yellow) gate.
If you are being dropped off and have not yet received a wrist band you MUST be dropped off at General (yellow) Gate to have your ticket scanned & be issued a wrist band. Yellow Gate will be open until midnight on Friday & 23:00 on Saturday.
Displays & Competitions
HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR THE SHOW & SHINE?
Entries for the Show & Shine competition are now open an you may enter your vehicle here.
If you have any questions regarding the show & shine competition please refer to the show & shine page.
HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR THE BUSFEST GAMES?
Fill out the below entry form and hand it in to Information.
HOW DO I SIGN UP TO BE IN THE SYNCRO ZONE DISPLAY?
If you’d like to display your vehicle in the Syncro Zone please contact Mike here: [email protected]
Mike will be able to provide a code for you to put in when purchasing your tickets the will allow you to book in the syncro zone
HOW DO I COMPETE IN THE SYNCRO TRIAL?
If you’d like to compete in the Syncro Trial please meet with your vehicle on the brick raised walkway near the Main Arena for 9:30am on Saturday.
Please ensure your vehicle is suitable for the course as we’d hate for you to damage your pride & joy i.e. vehicles competing MUST be 4 wheel drive.
Tickets & Camping
WHEN WILL I BE ABLE TO BOOK MY ADVANCE CAMPING OR DAY VISITOR TICKETS?
Advance camping & Day Visitor Tickets are available now.
I HAVEN’T RECEIVED MY TICKETS?
Tickets will be sent out via email roughly two weeks prior to the event. They will be sent to the email address provided upon purchase. If you have changed email address you must notify us before tickets are sent out.
Please check your spam/junk/promotions folders before contacting Busfest for support.
If you still cannot find your tickets you can log in to your account and download them directly
WHEN WILL BOOKINGS CLOSE?
We are not fully booked for WEEKEND camping – we still have day visitor tickets available for all 3 days.
Bookings will close when we are fully booked. We cannot guarantee how fast that may occur so we advise booking your tickets ASAP before they’re gone!
ARE CHILDREN FREE TO ENTER?
Children 16 years and under are free to enter but they must be accompanied by an adult.
If you are pre booking your camping passes or are pre booking day visitor tickets please ensure you add them to your booking, you won’t be charged for them & they won’t receive a ticket but we do need to know that they’re coming to the event.
Upon entry to the event your child/children will receive a “kids” wrist band. Please write your telephone number on this wristband before placing it on your child’s wrist. Yes, this includes teenagers – just in case their phone dies & they don’t know your number or there’s some type of emergency where they may be unable to tell us.
For toddlers who don’t like wearing the band we recommend looping it through part of their clothing such as a belt loop or the straps on their shoe.
WHEN WILL TICKETS BE SENT OUT?
Tickets will be sent out digitally approximately 2 weeks prior to the event via the email you provided upon purchase. Please notify us with plenty of notice if you have changed email address. Please have your tickets downloaded and ready to be scanned, you will have a QR code for each person and one for each unit. We advise printing them off before attending as poor signal can hold up the line!
If you do not see your verification email in your inbox please check your spam/junk/promotions folders.
If you still cannot find your tickets you can log in to your account and download them directly
ARE DAY VISITORS ALLOWED?
Yes, we have introduced this year evening day visitor tickets for Friday evening for those wishing to see the live entertainment but not camp. Friday day visitors will be able o enter the site from 6pm on Friday.
You may stay until midnight on Friday & Saturday, the event draws to a close around 17:00 on Sunday. There is no evening entertainment on Sunday.
Day visitor tickets may be booked in advance or purchased on the gate. Advance day visitor tickets are on sale now.
- Friday (evening ONLY 6pm-midnight) – £15
- Saturday – £25
- Sunday – £20
- Saturday & Sunday combined – £40
- Children 16 years & under – FREE ENTRY
WHEN DO GATES OPEN & CLOSE?
Please see below for various gate opening/closing times.
CAN I RESERVE A CAMPING SPOT FOR MY FRIEND WHO’S ARRIVING LATER?
We kindly ask that you do not reserve spots for people in the camping areas as this causes huge issues when attempting to get so many people with their vans in quickly & efficiently. If you are travelling in a convoy we advise to make sure you regroup shortly before arriving at the showground to ensure you all come in together.
We fully understand wanting to camp with your friends but attempting to reserve spots will likely only result in ticking off the people queuing behind you (and the marshalls!).
I’D LIKE TO SELL A VEHICLE ON SITE, HOW DOES THAT WORK?
Vehicle sale plots will be available for £20 per day or £30 for the weekend. Vehicle Sales passes will be available on site from the Vehicle Sales area near to Brown Gate. Vehicle sales plots are limited so we would recommend booking one in advance by emailing [email protected].
If you’re camping in the vehicle you wish to sell you’ll need to remain camped on the vehicle sales plot. If you are bringing a separate vehicle to sell whilst you camp for the weekend, just come to Brown Gate and they’ll get you to park up the vehicle in the sales area before you go set up your camp. See our trade & vehicle sales page for more info.
CAN WE CAMP SUNDAY NIGHT?
No, everyone must be cleared off site before 19:00.
On Site Services
ARE THERE SHOWERS ON SITE?
Yes, there are shower & toilet blocks located near the Teme Hall, Yellow gate, ‘No Dog’ Toilet Blocks & Stockmans restaurant.
WHERE ARE THE ELSAN EMPTYING POINTS ON SITE?
There are also Elsan emptying points outside the permanent toilet blocks located on site as well as 4 Elsan emptying points in General (yellow) Camp & 2 in Family (brown) camping.
ARE ELECTRIC HOOKUPS AVAILABLE?
Electric hookups are only available for those who are pre-booked in disabled camping.
ARE THERE CASH MACHINES ON SITE?
Yes there is a cash machine on site but please note that this does charge for cash withdrawal. The cash machine is located near to the entrance for the ‘Food for Thought’ Cafe & Restaurant located by the main arena, at the end of the Severn Hall. This will be shown on the map you receive on entry.
For anything not covered here and to see about items/activities that are not permitted on site please see our site information page