83: A weekend at the VanLife Festival at Shrewsbury 2023!

I spent a weekend at the VanLife Festival in Shrewsbury along with hundreds of other vans, motorhomes, tents etc.
Links to people mentioned:
Roaming Radfords / roamingradfords
Adz Ventures / @adz
Josie May / josiemay26
Shaz & Daz / shaz.daz
Ten Thousand Sunsets / tenthousandsunsets
Geeky Philip / geekyphilip
If you liked the video and wish to leave me a tip, here's the link: www.ko-fi.com/... and thank you! Or see / cruisingthecut
Tools & Parts used for my campervan build
Autoterm diesel heater: geni.us/Van_Au...
Renogy 2kW inverter: geni.us/Van_Re...
Sink: geni.us/Van_Ne...
Induction hob: geni.us/Van_In...
Portable toilet: geni.us/Van_To...
Fridge: geni.us/Van_Co...
Charger: geni.us/Van_Ma...
Solar Controller: geni.us/Van_So...
Gas Alarm: geni.us/Van_Ga...
Old sink unit: geni.us/Van_Si...
Old heater unit: geni.us/Van_Pr...
Old inverter: geni.us/Van_In...
DeWalt jigsaw: geni.us/Van_De...
DeWalt drill: geni.us/Van_De...
DeWalt mitre saw: geni.us/Van_De...
DeWalt circular saw: geni.us/Van_De...
Web www.vandemonium...
Twitter / vandemoniumuk
Instagram: / vandemoniumuk
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[@janispope4295]

Rice and cold water in pan, agitate, drain off as much as you can, repeat till water is clearer or you get bored. If you want, it does make a difference. I never use a strainer. I would have done the cakes in the wide pan before the eggs. The eggs looked good, off the main topic of food, I enjoyed seeing all the vans especially the little ones. Thanks for sharing.

[@DeePaignall]

Lovely stuff! Top tip for cooking rice is to turn off the heat after it has boiled. It will still cook just fine on it's own covered with a lid.

[@TheNarrowboatPirate]

Brilliant and you had me in stitches when you said it looked like a bowl of sick 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@andrewbarnard667]

10 out of 10 for not giving into the expense food. Not had the chicken in sauce with rice for years. Must get some for the boat.

[@Priest92]

We were there as Traders.

[@darrenwilson8042]

Interesting side note - Austrian centre forward of the 80's Hans Krankl was nicknamed the Grey Pigeon I think due to his grey hair - info for Ads there Warbies potato cakes were a childhood treat - have them with eggs and bacon - forget instructions fry them in the fat the bacon cooked in and then you are in flavourtown

[@karenhowlett6511]

Did make me laugh at the meaness of not paying for a festival burger. I say being a bit frugal with your pennies. I would have done the same..😀

[@robertlalor8090]

A proper snoop. Thanks for sharing David.

[@shirleylynch7529]

That was fab. What a super weekend you had. Everyone having a lovely time. Thank you for taking us with you.

[@alejandrayalanbowman367]

Hi David from Spain. Back in the late 80s I bought a ruin of a folding caravan which I stripped out and rebuilt for continous living for two. It had a gas/electric fridge, gas stove, hot and cold running water at the sink. A toilet, shower and basin with hot and cold water. Dining table which formed the base of a double bed, seating for four. A wardrobe and four drawer chest of drawers. We lived in it in West Wales for several momnths while looking for a house to buy. We managed to miss Michael Fish's hurricane - never felt a thing.

[@ronaroamsdeniseandsonny3545]

I paid £9 for chicken wings I got 4 or 5 😮 they were cooked fresh and had spring onion garnish and a nice drizzled sauce BUT £9 😮 also £6 per.pint of Guinness 😮 I agree with someone's comment IF they charged a bit less they would sell a LOT more

[@stevenrix7024]

There can be large fees for food vendors at public events, which they want to recoup. Not necessarily all the vendors’ fault! But clearly £9 for a burger for a captive audience feels steep.

[@toronado455]

5:20 no Teddys were harmed in the filming of this video. 😂

[@myhillslife27]

Vintage caravans are the best! more room, no plastics and far more homey and easier to change to your tastes. Love vintage

[@maxboonkittypoison]

Oooh wish you showed some more of the vintage. I am all for vintage. I am building my own camper van from 1977 it is a Mercedes-Benz 207D. Done all the welding and the painting. Made my own interior. Everything is New restored. I am super proud. I have send you email with pictures :) Enjoy!! Greetings,, Kitty.

[@Winston99]

That certainly had a kind of Woodstock vibe! Love, peace & camper-vans ... 😀

[@rebeccamackey4878]

you find the best ppl..😘

[@Vandemonium]

I do indeed 😀

[@meanqueensuperscrimper8908]

Thank you, that was really good to see those interesting vans. I went to a food festival at Leeds a few weeks ago, car camping. I didn't fancy the food on offer so cooked my own. 😝 ilona

[@user-kv1nj2kz6r]

you can fry the potato cakes in a little butter or oil. We sometimes cut them into bites, with lardons and sausage squares, scrambled egg, tinned tomatos etc

[@caniacstevehenderson7115]

Am happy you had a good time !😊😊😊😊

[@siddembowski2844]

Enjoy your videos keep up the good work

[@janeabbotts]

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to wander around that festival...:) Cheers.

[@Mandurath]

I suspect Mean-ness is what I would call frugal. At the same time my wife says I'm cheap....

[@joline2730]

Man: then I suppose I am cheap, frugal and defo 'mean' I strongly object to what I call 'ripemoffski" and always take my own food.

[@nemoscamperadventures7563]

Nice to see me in the video talking to Adz

[@Vandemonium]

😀

[@MakeDoAndMend1]

It's great going to one of these events. But after a while we have had enough. I think it's an age thing. More than 4 people and it's too busy for us. Maybe it's a post pandemic symptom. Great vans. We like the less woody ones but love small old vans. Cheers from old George and young Jane👧🤠👫

[@peterclarke3619]

Dont confuse meanness with the refusal to be ripped off.

[@Vandemonium]

😀

[@batch6792]

You could have made your rice & chicken go further with an added bit of oil, onion (fried in the oil) & a small tin of sweetcorn. £9 for a burger; They're having a laugh.

[@t1n4444]

A propos your cuisine. Rice ... aeons ago there was a TV chef by the name of Madhur Jaffrey (apols for spelling as couldn't be arsed to look it up). She once gave her method for cooking long grain or basmati rice which could not be any simpler. Take a small dry tumbler/cup/mug/dish/ bowl/container/and fill it with dry rice. (Top Tip: as a rough guide a half a teacup is about right for a single diner ... other appetites may vary.) Empty into a small saucepan (for single diner) which has a lid. Now, using the same container you measured the rice with, pour in an amount of water twice the volume of the rice. Pour water over rice, add salt but don't go mad, a "pinch" is about enough. Put the lid on and boil the rice. The instant the rice is boiling reduce the heat to the absolute minimum. As a guide, using the single diner portion, examine the rice after about seven minutes. (Wholegrain rice is something else altogether and you'll need to allow more water and cooking time. Empirical experiment is your friend in this case.) Checking the rice involves removing the lid and gazing at the rice. For some secret quirk of culinary physics you will see "holes" in the layer of rice. Using a fork or spoon gently move the rice until you can see the bottom of the saucepan. If the bottom is merely damp with no visible water then the rice is cooked. You might nibble a teaspoonful to check if the rice is how you like it. If water is still to be seen then another minute will be required for cooking. If you hear tiny explosive spitting noises then the water has gone so remove from heat straight away. Then serve rice onto a hot plate, cover with your choice of meat/fish or veg cooked in whatever sauce. Eat, enjoy. No pre rinsing and straining or post rinsing and straining required at all.

[@myhillslife27]

Lots of nice vans and alternatives. I have to say the one at 7.20 mins is my fav with the lovely tiles and cosy interior

[@maobfh]

That festival keeps getting bigger every year! I would probably have gone to my van for a bit of quiet and reading for half of each day. I have gotten to old for raucous entertainment and would (very likely) have grumbled about the music coming from a different van in every van circle. Or square. But I will fight the strong temptation to get onto my soap box about external sound systems in a bloody camper van. Nor will I address my fairly effective form of retaliation. It’s hard to resist so that is all I am going to say about that. Great video! With the handful of legitimate motor homes, I will take it as approved that I bring my shuttle bus to the next vanlifers festival. Thank you, David! That was most enjoyable!

[@grenvillephillips6998]

My sentiments entirely, as regards external sound systems.The requirement to be nice, can seem tyrannical sometimes.

[@DiHandley]

12:16 was the highlight for me! But what a fantastic show and so much to see. Happy days.

[@BdManus]

Great video. Loved looking at all of the different and strange setups.

[@kenlynch6332]

wow! a lot to shoose form-- well done -- Thanks for sharing 🚗🚗🚗🚗🚗

[@Vandemonium]

Thanks for watching!

[@dorothydotson7154]

I've always believed that if they charged a more reasonable price that they would actually sell more. I always left the Indiana state fair much poorer and still unrequited because I wasn't able to try everything I wanted. They finally started doing a sampler day during the fair and on that day you could try small amounts of more (unhealthy) fair foods. 😊 It was a cheap day to get in as well so that was definitely the day to go! I love seeing the campervans. Sometimes I think that would be a fun thing to do in a small van that is easy to handle.

[@umbertoyltp]

What a wonderful tour, glad you took us around the festival. High prices for burgers drove you into the kitchen and with success! I'd like to promote TogetherWeRoam with their van Luther Van Posh, former narrowboaters Dim and Dozy. Cheers, Sir David - King Of Canals ;-)

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers

[@shazdaz]

Great to look back at the show, some vans we didn't get to see as well 🙂👍

[@Vandemonium]

😀

[@seanjamescameron]

7:09 That's my favourite - I shall take some of those ideas and see what I can do with my new shed.

[@JessopRyan]

I would have been interested to know the battery status on leaving the event.

[@Vandemonium]

Full!

[@gimpyRW]

Loved the video. you reminded me why we don't camp. Camping means the neighbors are way to close, however, my wife and I still love to see your tour of European campers.

[@awgroom]

Great stuff David, thank you

[@danieltaylor5231]

I never believed for a second that David was going to pay festival food prices. He's way to smart to do that. Its great to see you getting the van out again after you got it gas free. Did you by chance give it a proper outing with cheese sandwiches for lunch?

[@Vandemonium]

I did have some cheese

[@markwhitcher2138]

As always, great production.

[@mabecka]

Cheers!

[@Vandemonium]

😀

[@deltas4114]

Hello from Arizona, USA....maybe get yourself a small pressure cooker. Put your rice, chicken, etc., and have a really quick meal. I'm glad to see you out traveling and enjoying and showing us all the vans.

[@robsin2810]

Thanks David, as always very entertaining 🇦🇺🙏👍

[@Vandemonium]

Thanks 👍

[@craigw.scribner6490]

Fun stuff! Thanks, David!

[@bus.and.us.]

This was our favourite festival we've been too!! Vans of all shapes and sizes cleanest festival I've been to all the way up to the last day. Has spurred us in to finish our build!

[@garethlewis3647]

Excellent review of all things mobile. You obviously love your hobby and i must say i"m a tad jealous of your interesting life and the friends you meet. I"ve been watching way, way, before your equally interesting conversion/upgrade. The best to you.

[@rud]

Looks like the new battery solution will be able to keep up with you.

[@Vandemonium]

I think so, yes

[@danielkarmy4893]

'It might look like a pile of sick' - it does - 'but it tastes nice' - I'll take your word for it... 😉😅 (your cooking is magnificent, it's white sauce I'm not particularly fond of...)

[@thevanmaidstale-tenthousan3141]

Lovely to meet you at the festival, we enjoyed your company, it was a lovely festival hope to see you again soon, Dave, Jeanette & Angus x

[@Vandemonium]

I hope so too!

[@stanleyromanowski9816]

Back in the 1970's in the U.S., "van festivals" were quite popular, but as I recall, they were much more of a "party" atmosphere.

[@Vandemonium]

There was a fair bit of partying going on, just not by me!

[@randyw2539]

Seems like a grand time, thanks for taking us around with you. It's fun seeing the extremes of campers, from the large motor homes to the tiny pull-behinds. I'll say a word in defense of the dinner, it's hard work making food look good in photo or video. Plus, it's mostly the taste that counts.

[@simonevans8979]

Surely a sieve isn't beyond your list of hopes? Draining rice is a staple of van life!

[@lesliepropheter5040]

If you add a few tbs of white vinegar to your boiling water it will hold the egg whites together pretty well for poached eggs, that and using a rubber spatula to flip them while their cooking always helps! Always enjoy your enthusiasm! Thx

[@RayVRoberts]

I'm afraid I must report this video for a lack of cheese sandwiches...

[@PhilipTomlinson]

It was a splendid weekend and a pleasure to have your company, David.

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers 😀

[@jackiepersing-hy3lo]

Great video….on your travels I hope you visit Kat and Anna…..and Jasmine….be safe

[@frankquevedo6001]

A real pleasure from a camper with it all in a back pack, n ground cover in there some where. To watch what one day I’ll have. All the best n carryon!

[@dmcarpenter2470]

Thanks, David. Enjoyable.

[@naughtysquirrellyndatee96]

Nice to look around with you… thx for taking us along🩵

[@Vandemonium]

My pleasure 😊

[@bosse641]

7:05 ....that's the one for me. Very homey

[@sylviapage8572]

Chicken in white sauce with rice, luxury. I was expecting a cheese sandwich! My dad always said, you can call it a good holiday unless someone takes you down! 🤣🤣. Thanks for sharing.

[@zapfanzapfan]

"Midlife Crisis Edition", ha, ha! Well, it's better than an open top sports car 🙂

[@lucindawilson5510]

thank you

[@Vandemonium]

You're welcome

[@paulmurphy5648]

I love tinned chicken in white sauce with rice. I usually add a tin of vegetables to add a bit of colour.

[@Vandemonium]

So good!

[@jazziered142]

I'm in Utah, and in June the weather is still rubbish. But the Great Salt Lake needs the water, so I'm going to be thankful.

[@padmepadme]

Very enjoyable video you filmed/edited. Cheerio!

[@colblimp]

Great video. I'm with you on the price of that burger - £9 is outrageous!

[@Vandemonium]

It really is!

[@JeghedderThomas]

That looks like a proper cozy show - my socal batteries would drain quickly however, as I'm rather introvert but I'd enjoy a short stay no doubt. Lots of lovely vans/campers etc. very inspiring, I could live like this I think. Thanks for sharing.

[@Vandemonium]

Cheers

[@bellamartin5353]

Great

[@layalabi1667]

Very interesting! Thank youl

[@Vandemonium]

My pleasure!

[@andrewbarnard667]

I nearly purchased one of the romini caravans. It's actually a modified romahome body. They just made a fill in piece where the cab would have been. I did have a romahome on a Diatsu chassis. We also has a Autohomes Bambi. We only had the freedom microlight for a very short while due to the wife banging her head every time she stood up. The larger version was better.

[@lockedin60]

It has been my experience when you buy "vendor food" at these specialty festivals they usually charge an arm and a leg. Unless it a food item that you would not usually eat sticking to your budgeted meals(food from home) is easier on the back pocket.

[@frankquevedo3453]

The currant $ to £ is $11.17 for the 8 quid price for that beef burger!!! No you're not CHEAP! You have more brains than money. Good show man :-)

[@davidhudson5452]

Nice David

[@GordonjSmith1]

Interesting insight to those who 'choose to live in their vans'! Completely agree about the cost of 'burger vans', but there are some genuine 'street food vans' that do a great job - but you do need to 'hunt them down'. Have you considered cooking dried walking/climbing foods, or even trying military rations to eat in your van? I think they may suit your style of camping / travelling.

[@nmr6988]

This was terrific. ❤ A vastly more liberal amount of sunscreen for ALL is the only thing lacking.

[@joline2730]

Hiya David 👋 My first camper was a Daihatsu Hi-Jetta which was exactly the same as that small Piaggio (the Company took it over). I am quite short, but it was plenty long enough. The real problem was the width of the van - I could not turn my feet around to face the other way without lifting one up over the other, the gangway was about 9 inches wide down the middle. Layout looked the same as the one you showed, and I had an elevated roof. Paid £2,500 for it and sold it 4 years later for around £1,400 (traded it in for a car). Thanks for the memory ... 💚

[@soniavey5537]

What happened to your 'famous ' cheese sandwich? Very interesting. Loved the retro campers.

[@angelagalloway5486]

Nice vlog 🙂

[@Vandemonium]

Thank you 😊

[@2LaneTraveler]

I like a tiny camper as well, but I there is a practical limit to how tiny I can go, because I am 6'-0" (182 cm) tall. Ah well...

[@alisonlee3314]

I wonder if the amount of older vans for sale is anything to do with ULEZ 🤬 Love these van shows 😍x

[@Vandemonium]

Oh yes, could be

[@t1n4444]

Hmm, well, best of luck with that then. If some viewers had not twigged the ULEZ aspect (me, for one) they certainly have now. Perhaps we'll see hydrogen powered vans in not too long a time. We might then see the heavy wallet ensemble migrate to said hydrogen fuel cell vans ... and a glut (?) of diesel vans almost being given away. Would speculate the conversion specialists will snap up the fuel cell vehicles as soon as and proclaim their products are ULEZ friendly from the off. Could be an excellent selling point for those wishing to display their green credentials. (For them as follows Spring Watch Chris P was at pains to tell us the entire production facility was run off hydrogen fuel cells. Will presume too that the load was floated across a huge bank of lithiums. Will further presume fuel cells would charge batteries for the induction hobs too. Well done the Beeb. My TV licence fee now helps to clean up the atmos. Who knew?)

[@coygreen3468]

Here in the US, our toaster draws 750w, and it’s only on for 3 minutes at a time. With your new electrical system that shouldn’t be a problem, provided you can find room.

[@myhillslife27]

Yes I am a bit mean at those things, I understand they need to make a living but goodness gracious! that's steep, Thankyou for another good one David

[@Kubla84]

wish we had those large older mercedes vans like that 614 in the USA

[@archiebald4717]

The Brits really are an eccentric lot.

[@adamcresswell696]

Now can I just say, that was a mug of organelle juice, not a glass! My OCD around mugs and glasses has now been tipped over! Mugs are for tea and coffee only! All other liquids are to be served in a glass!! I feel you need to add a glass to the vans kitchen equipment 🤣

[@terry4265]

Hello : First time I've seen you. Really enjoyed the Video. Subscribed & Liked and will be watching. :)

[@Vandemonium]

Hello! Thank you, welcome along

[@tinythrottle6186]

I don't think you're mean at all. These food vendors always take the Mick at festivals/shows, everyone should boycott them. That's the main reason why we"lol never return to Crick. Whilst I agree they're entitled to make a few quid while they can but the overstep the mark by a country mile!

[@Vandemonium]

Yes, Crick’s even worse than this one, I resent the prices there a lot!

[@tinythrottle6186]

@@Vandemonium everyone expects an extra percentage but they don't know where to draw the line. Anyhoo, the van gives you a wonderful opportunity to stick the proverbial fingers up to that situation.

[@2760ade]

You really ought to get a dog. You obviously have an affinity! Great selection of vans, looked like a fun weekend!

[@stephensteinhauer3346]

I feel it's better to be the cool uncle than the dad. You get the fun of interacting with the kids, and then turn them back over to the parents at the end of the day. Same with the "fir kids". Enjoy the fun times then leave when it's time to clean up the mess.

[@jacquelinehudson8376]

try tilda basmati rice, it doesn't need rinsing. Slightly more expensive, but they have already checked it for impurities etc

[@lesliepropheter5040]

If you can find “Krusteaze” pancake mix you will never try another! All you add is water, in my opinion, thin it down a bit and let it sit for a minute.

[@patrickjobling8676]

Jolly good ..carryon pip pips 😁

[@Vandemonium]

Always!

[@jeh1333]

You really need to learn how to cook rice is a vacuum flask. I have been doing it for years at home and on the move.

[@saemi74]

Would love to have access to such cheap food. Greetings from Iceland 😂

[@Vandemonium]

Thanks for watching!

[@Orgoan77]

£9 a burger is insane,i would want steak instead of burger for that.

[@thebikertheblondeandthebul2960]

😂hi liked your video hopecto see you this we have a new truck zone this year my camper was the one that carrys the trike in the bk big garage lol

[@Vandemonium]

Sounds great!

[@nmr6988]

Food trucks are a salvation! Sometimes I just have to treat myself.

[@cyberi4a]

I like a small vehicle also, would never want a giant beast of vehicle.

[@hughcarson6837]

Interesting

[@gregbolitho9775]

Like the Renault in the opening footage, squarer corners. Looked like a bludy good show. Down this way, $50 a ticket, plus Hotel, no camping, and no Korean Vans. 😂 Got the insulation in mine. Not sure wether I should film it or not. Anyway, nice goin, Thanks m8!

[@Vandemonium]

Much appreciated, Greg! Glad you enjoyed it 😀

[@marks-0-0]

I agree David, although i am an EV fan i don't like the trend for retro vehicles like the Buzz. The new Ford and VW van colab look good tbough.

[@HYUKLDER1]

Boil-in-the-bag rice is easier to cook under those circumstances than loose rice. Could you run a portable grill or toaster on your set up?

[@Vandemonium]

Probably! Just need space to put it