The Dubbed Out Camp Out – Heroes and Villains at Hooton Lodge Farm.
As summer bid goodbye with a golden flourish, the Hooton Lodge Farm in Rotherham, England, became the backdrop for a magnificent gathering.
The Dubbed Out Camp Out, held from the 8th to the 10th of September, was a testament to the spirit of the Dubbed Out VW Community, adventure and the enduring love for these camping weekends. It’s no wonder they are considered mini festivals.
The event kicked off with an impressive parade of Volkswagen campervans. Starting from 10 am on Friday, almost 200 of these iconic vehicles found their home for the weekend amidst the pastoral charm of the campsite. As the evening unrolled, the air buzzed with laughter and music, the campfires and LED flag poles painting a picture of warmth and togetherness.
Saturday blossomed into the hottest day of the year, setting the stage for a day filled with fun, frolic and fancy dress. The super friendly atmosphere always starts with the early morning dog walkers stopping to chat with anyone up cooking breakfast about the night before. Then once the sun is up the campsite comes alive.
Campers young and old embracing the theme of ‘heroes and villains’, adding a vibrant dash of colour and excitement to the day. One little girl, dressed as Harry Potter. Emma stole the show and was crowned the fancy dress winner, her smile lighting up the campsite with magic even after a bee sting!
The day was packed with activities that catered to all tastes. From fairground rides that elicited screams of delight to the adrenaline rush of axe throwing. Never a dull moment. Some campers tried their hand at the nostalgic ‘hook a duck’, while others opted for a more adventurous route, taking to the river with paddle boards or indulging in wild swimming.
The marquee was a hub of high-spirited entertainment, echoing with the rhythmic beats of Ibiza Classics theme music. As the day turned into night, the music, just like the camaraderie amongst us, didn’t miss a beat. Amongst the myriad of campervans, a mint green Volkswagen ID Buzz, brought in by Scott and Coral, stood out. Its charming display became a centre of attraction, drawing appreciative glances and sparking some interesting conversations.
The foodie scene was just as exciting as the activities. The pizza outlet and the Hatch served delicious meals that had everyone’s taste buds satisfied. The bar proved to be a popular haunt, especially during happy hour when a pint was just £3, leading to animated conversations and plenty dad dancing. We’d like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the wonderful ladies who ran the Dubbed Out stall with such dedication and the lads who tirelessly helped park every campervan, ensuring a smooth and organized experience for all. And of course the Hooton lodge staff.
As Sunday arrived, the campsite was vacated but not before each camper ensured that their spot was left as clean as when they had arrived. Thank you all for your respect and love for the environment.
As we bid goodbye, we also look forward to our next rendezvous at Inglenook Farm in Rainford on the 13th of October. Our last Dubbed Out camp out of the year This time, the theme is a ‘Barn Dance,’ and we’re expanding our welcome to all makes and models of campervans, including sleeping pods and basecamp trailers. Let’s make our final gathering of the year even more special! Until then, stay safe and keep the spirit of adventure alive. We’ll see you at the next camp out.
Have you got your tickets to the last Dubbed Out Campout of 2023?
TICKET LINK: DUBBED OUT CAMP OUT AT INGLENOOK FARM. THE BARN DANCE!
