My past bus gatherings were basically intimate events in the Czech Republic, a few dozen cars, a camp, an evening program… A nice meeting of a Czech club, usually somewhere near the water, a pleasant summer classic. But this year’s event in Hannover was really something else. Actually, only the legendary buses remained the common denominator, otherwise basically everything was different. The backdrops, the number of participants and spectators, star concerts, the aforementioned Hollywood superstar and an overall extremely spectacular show. Let’s soak up the atmosphere.
So many buses that one would get lost
First of all, the meeting place was very, very different. The idyll in the Czech campsite by the water has been replaced by the disproportionately more industrial environment of the Hanover fairground. Maybe it wasn’t so romantic, on the other hand, it’s hard to find a campsite that can accommodate six thousand registered buses and some fifty thousand people in total. A total of fifty-two VW clubs came to Hanover, the organizers counted over forty nationalities. The festival part itself, with the main stage and more than a hundred stands, spread over an area of some 135,000 square meters, the parking lot for residents occupied more than half a million square meters… And now, in this international mumble, find our Czech party, where my colleagues and I had escarpment. In the end, they had to send me a point on the map, otherwise I would have wandered around the Hanover fairgrounds – at least to some concert that would reliably direct me at least to the main stage.
Photo: Volkswagen
The environment of the Hanover exhibition center was a bit more industrial…
Hollywood star and concert sweetheart
So, who named it to us on stage next to the extended version of the electric bus that Volkswagen showed off at the meeting? Yes, Ewan McGregor himself! Hurrah! The popular Scottish actor confessed his love for the brand (nobody expected anything else), reminiscing about his older Volkswagen and the extended version of the ID. He praised Buzz for more interior space, which Ewan – as a father of five – will definitely use. But yeah, it was nice to see the Scottish nice guy, I never thought I’d ever meet the hero from Trainspotting like that live.
Photo: Volkswagen
He was there! Ewan McGregor presented an extended version of ID. Buzz!
There was of course more cultural enjoyment in the Hanover gathering, there were only seven concerts in three days! I would like to stop here for a moment, because on Saturday Die Fantastischen Vier performed on the main stage! Please let me know in the comments if there is anyone else who shares my enthusiasm for this German hip-hop formation and knows their anthem MfG. I’m afraid I’ll be the only one.
Photo: Volkswagen
I’m probably the only one in the Czech Republic, but I really like Die Fantastischen Vier!
After the concert, one more surprise awaited us – a drone show that lit up the night with an amazing performance. I don’t know if you’ve seen anything like this, I haven’t yet on this scale. Drones lit up in different colors were grouped in the sky into giant figures – of course related to buses – so we could mainly see the evolution of all generations. It was a great experience!
Photo: Volkswagen
Have you ever seen a drone show like this?
Even on the way home it was worth it!
After all, like the whole festival. The environment may not have been so idyllic, but this single shortcoming was balanced a hundred times over by the number of buses, a great program and the overall atmosphere. You could see, at every step, that the proud owners really live this automotive phenomenon and have a regular relationship with their buses. I wondered if the latest generation T7 could evoke a similar affection. Although it is a high-quality and great car, we came to Germany in the seventh generation and it is an amazing roadster. An order of magnitude more comfortable than the previous model, practical, luxurious as never before… but I’m missing something there. Something I’d go on a date with the T7 for. Electric ID may take over this role. Buzz, that’s a stylish outfit. In addition, with a clear reference to the very first dot, i.e. the greatest legend. We’ll see.
Photo: Volkswagen
The journey home was also interesting. I met bus drivers of all generations all the way to Prague. I was able to recall all the generations while still on the highway.
It was a great event, but I have slightly mixed feelings. As I already wrote, I am not entirely sure if modern cars will motivate their owners to such gatherings. And it’s not just about the T7, cars are becoming more and more just… cars. But then, the bus gathering was certainly not the last, we have at least a few more years to look forward to!
2023-07-29 03:01:54
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