Event Coverage
Your Front Row Seat to VW Gatherings
The Event Coverage section highlights vintage Volkswagen shows, cruises, campouts, and community gatherings from across the VW scene. Each report captures the cars, the people, and the atmosphere that make these events such an important part of air-cooled culture. Explore recent coverage below and revisit some of the most memorable VW events of the season.
The Volksworld Show 2026
The VolksWorld Show’s move to its new home proved to be the right decision the moment the gates opened on March 22, 2026. What once felt like a risky shift now looks like the beginning of a stronger chapter for one of the UK’s most loved air cooled gatherings. The new venue brought fresh energy, a bigger footprint and a sense that the show has found a place where it can grow.
From the start, the atmosphere felt different. This was not just another date on the calendar. It was a full celebration of everything that makes the air cooled VW scene so enduring. Attendance was higher than ever, but it was the mood on the grounds that stood out. The show felt alive, with visitors and owners mixing freely and the cars becoming part of the flow rather than static displays behind ropes.
The outdoor areas set the tone early. Rows of Type 2s greeted visitors at the entrance, arranged by passionate club members who know how to make an impact. That sense of immersion continued throughout the day. Owners drove their cars directly into the heart of the event, creating a feeling of inclusivity that is often missing at larger shows. Beetles, Buses, Ghias and Type 3s filled the grounds, each one with its own story and personality.
Inside the Queen’s Jubilee Hall, long time VolksWorld Show fans found a familiar sight. This was the home of the top tier builds, presented in a traditional format that highlighted craftsmanship and detail. The hall was busy from morning to late afternoon, with visitors circling cars, taking photos and talking with owners. Traders around the edges added to the buzz with rare parts and quality merchandise that kept the hall active all day.
The Robins Building delivered a different kind of energy. It was packed with trade stands and display cars from Back to 89, The Vintage Guys and Aircooled Youth. More than fifty vehicles filled the space, each one bringing something unique. Back to 89 marked its twenty fifth anniversary with a standout collection of historic show cars. Aircooled Youth brought fresh enthusiasm and new faces, while The Vintage Guys delivered a beautiful lineup of regularly driven stock Split and Oval Beetles.
Outdoors, the scale of the show became even more impressive. Hundreds of air cooled Volkswagens stretched across the site in neat, flowing rows. The layout felt natural and welcoming, with owners chatting, comparing notes and sharing stories. It captured the spirit of the old UK VW events where the people mattered as much as the cars. Sunshine helped, but even without it, the outdoor displays would have been a highlight.
The day wrapped up with prizegiving, and the competition was incredibly close. After hours of judging, the Best of Show award went to Mark Paine for his 1950 Split Window Beetle, built in less than two months by Andy Finch and the team at Spikes Vintage Restorations. The level of quality across the field made the judges work hard, and every Concours Collection owner deserved recognition. With strong attendance, a successful new layout and a clear sense of momentum, the VolksWorld Show proved that 2026 was something special. Plans are already underway for March 21, 2027, and if this year is any indication, the next one will be even better.
