Twenty Effing Years?!

Viva Skeg Vegas VW Show is amazingly (but not surprisingly) celebrating its 20th year in 2026 and I can’t believe how quickly the time has flown! Let’s rewind a little to a younger and less grey-haired me in back in 2010, not long out of university, in the middle of that awful recession. The only “opportunities” in Publication Design were unpaid internships and that just wasn’t happening. So, in true Vic style, when an all-inclusive bouncy castle business came up for sale, I thought “What’s the worst that could happen?” … so I went for it. Bear with me here, I am getting somewhere with this story. They were not just any old bouncy castles, they were in the shape of VWs (there was one Split and one Bay to start with). Inclusive of the business deal was a list of shows that the previous owners had secured for that year. This is where I met Sal and Toby Walker, the wonderful people behind Viva Skeg Vegas VW Show. Ned had gone to the previous year’s one-day event and we were excited about going together and being able to trade there. If my memory is right, it was quite a nice, sunny day and not windy – which is weird for Skeg, with the show being held at their initial venue, Xsite Skatepark, straight on the seafront. The skatepark was a National Lottery funded project completed in 2006, but there was no money left in the pot for a publicity budget. So Sal and Toby decided to create a small VW gathering in the car park to raise awareness for the skatepark; this was supposed to be a one-off event. However, as people were leaving they all said, “See you next year”. After a call on the VZI forum for them to do another show, it snowballed from there. It was clear from my first sight that this was an enthusiasts’ show where it was all about the cars. It had an organic “car meet” feel to it which was right up our street. From the mix of cars on display, everything from stock to heavily modified builds right through to battered daily drivers, it was clear that it represented exactly what the scene was all about at the time. Even the infamous “anyone-can-make-a-trophy” idea added to the unique creative approach we see at today’s shows. It was all the brainchild of Sal and Toby, who were genuinely welcoming to us from day one. As newbies to the VW trade crowd we loved it even more.

That was the only show I went to at the skatepark venue. Due to the car park/show site being absolute chocka, Viva Skeg Vegas 5 in 2011 faced a complete shuffle when it was relocated to Pine Trees Caravan site and it was finally the whole weekend! I am probably the worst person to be writing this article as my memory is so rubbish, but what little I do remember of this show was that it was clear how much people wanted a weekender, the vehicle turnout was better than expected, and do I mention the weather? … let’s just say we have attended hundreds of VW events over the last 16 years and this by far was the coldest weekend’s camping we have ever done! It was plain to see from the quality of the cars, and their loyal following and friendships they’d built around the show at the skatepark, that an event run by enthusiasts for enthusiasts was exactly what everyone wanted then, and clearly still do.

After filling up Pine Trees and selling out camping on the Friday in Day Visitor parking, Viva Skeg Vegas 6 had to relocate. This is where it found its forever home, the stunning Revesby Estate. And what a great choice, with its idyllic surroundings and gorgeous grounds. It was a fantastic turnout that stayed true to its core focus on the quality of cars, while also creating a fun and welcoming community atmosphere that appealed to younger enthusiasts, families, groups of like-minded friends and, of course, the clubs themselves. Even today, it’s always a pleasure to walk around the club field, see what others are passionate about, and discover the different tastes and styles represented from around the country.

For 2013, Viva Skeg Vegas 7 marked the first year we saw a playful, creative theme. This is something the show has since become well known for, thanks to its imaginative artwork (courtesy of Toby himself at Think Tank Graphics) and strong sense of fun and frolics by the organisers. That year, we celebrated the Day of the Dead with sugar skulls, with all the colour and character that comes with it. As always, the weekend delivered plenty of fun alongside some of the highest quality cars in the country. Alongside this, the lucky show goers were presented with further entertainment with the attendance of Bill Pollard’s Bomber Drome, Magical Camping options and even a hot tub … fancy! This was also the birth of Hayburner’s very first merchandise stall, where we had two t-shirts, two hats and two stickers to choose from … how times change, eh!?

Highlights of the earlier Revesby shows included the Saturday show & shine (known back then as Rust & Prime) and the renowned air-cooled-only display that still boasts around 250 cars each year, which is truly amazing in itself. This schedule of events has remained similar over the years, with Saturday’s show & shine now being called Daily Drivers and ending the weekend with their infamous air-cooled-only show & shine. The weekends are always rounded off perfectly with the presentation of the homemade trophies and VSV’s Best in Show awards. The awards ceremony itself is always a highlight; no-one quite knows who is giving what to whom, or for what reason. The mix of clubs and companies involved brings a real variety of tastes, which keeps things fresh and unpredictable each year. What I especially enjoy is how the custom trophies seem to get better and better (there was even one event where there was a trophy for the best trophy!), which not only sets the show apart but also pushes the standard of cars higher and higher. Not only do show-goers have the privilege of being considered for one of these unique awards, but there are also the organisers’ own (Best Paint, Staff Choice, and Best of Show). It’s these thoughtful touches that help make Viva Skeg Vegas one of the standout VW shows in the world, inspiring people to build new and exciting cars and encouraging them to get them out as often as possible. And you never know, they might be one of the lucky ones to receive a one-of-a-kind trophy to top the amazing weekend off.

For me, I think Skeg Vegas 8, 2014, was one of my favourites, with the theme being “Rednecks & Hill Billy”. What an absolute blast that was; there was even pie eating. I have never laughed so much! It was also the first year of the infamous DTA Limbo! I can remember there being such a long queue for it and everyone piling up on each car. There was so much going on, cars everywhere. It was just crazy – fun for the punters but not so much for Toby … we know he loved putting this on for us all but the stress was immense. In later years we have seen a variety of other amazing displays at the show. In 2015 we saw the introduction of the line-up for “Stock vs Lowered”. At the time, lowered cars were hugely popular. I mean they still are, of course, but it was very much an era where people were chasing extreme lows, sometimes at the expense of drivability. It sparked plenty of debate and friendly rivalry, and was billed perfectly as the “Rumble in the Jungle.” We have also seen other line up displays including the incredible original Logo Line Up, Year of the Ghia, Type 34, Freaks and Unique, Commercials and Pre-53.

Over the years, we’ve seen some brilliantly creative themes, including Sci-Fi, Casino (which even featured a real casino on site!), Monty Python, Music Legends, Radical 80s and Carnival. What really sets Skeg Vegas apart, though, are all the extra touches that make it so much more than just a show. From the charity food bank and dog show to incredible DJs and live music throughout the day, there’s always something happening. Add in the high quality and variety of trade stands, BMX and bike displays, the annual popular T2D live builds, the remote-controlled car Show & Shine, Show & Recline, and countless other attractions, and it’s easy to see why it stands out from the crowd. And I can’t forget the food! The variety on offer is fantastic. It’s one of the few shows where I never bother bringing my own food because I know there will be something for everyone, with plenty of unique and different options to enjoy.

Skeg Vegas, for me, is far more than just a show field by the seaside. In truth, it could easily rival a concours event or even a prestigious indoor show. What Sal and Toby have created is something very special – an event that people genuinely look forward to attending year after year.

Thank you both for everything you’ve done to build and grow this incredible community and event. Here’s to all the memories, the hard work, and the countless smiles along the way.

Happy fucking 20 years, Viva Skeg Vegas. You absolutely deserve it and we are not surprised one bit you are going stronger than ever. Thank you, Vic & Ned x

A little word from Toby that he wanted to add: “I would like to thank Sally for being my rock. I truly mean this when I say if it wasn’t for Sal there would be no show. She is the driving force. If I couldn’t share the stress I would have thrown in the towel years ago.”