Having attended both previous Barryfornia shows in 2022, I couldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the first show of 2023, the Spring Edition. I would say “Bigger and Better” would definitely some up the show, not only did it offer the same mix of sun, sand and all things Volkswagen, but now with a higher number of vehicles on display and a larger footfall. So with this, the crowds again flocked to see the stunning classic VW’s being shown by their proud owners on the sun soaked Barry Promenade. Check out the weather in all the photo’s, I’m definitely missing those sun soaked days now, because as I post this, the rain has been falling. But on a positive note, by organising these shows Rothfink industries you continue to do the VW scene proud!.

It’s awesome to have this biannual show so close in Barry, admittedly there is Bristol Volksfest which has been a staple of the scene for 30 years and is a fantastic weekend event, and also Dubs at the Castle, but growing up my show of choice was BVF - The British Volkswagen Festival which introduced me to classic Beetles, vans and campers, but it was located quite far away, being situated in the Malvern Hills. It is great then that a new generation of car fanatics can get to enjoy a similar show in a fantastic local coastal spot. Like the two previous shows, the weather did not dissapoint, and allowed to the cars to be shown off in their shiny glory. Food stores, Merchandise, artists, vibrant Floral shirts and music were part of the shows offerings, and it was great to stop and chat to some new faces and old friends whilst walking along the sea front.

As before there was a very strong turn out for this show, and this is proof that by Rothfink developing this event, it is proving to be super popular among the fanbase and day-trippers alike, and it will keep growing from strength to strength each year, which is super exciting.

Again there were some great vehicles on display, with some fantastic Beetles, and Vans, but some favourites for me on the day would have to be the grey patina infused classic oval window Beetle, the blue Porsche 911, Dai’s bright orange award winning MK1 Golf and the Brumos Racing Split screen van, which was totally epic! It was also nice again to catch up with Marie Stacey who had her stall selling her own amazing and personalised pin-up artwork under the name Miss Doodle 1977. Check out the great work she continues to produce… i’ll leave a link to her instagram below, her portrait is also featured, she is wearing the “Rebel Rebel” T-shirt.

This time around I took a lot of photo’s, which have probably run into the hundreds… with these shows I find I’m spoilt for choice with subject matter on the day, there are always so many photo opportunities, so with this in mind, I made the decision to shoot with my Canon R6 coupled with two lens this time around, the first half of the show I used the RF f1.8 50mm STM prime lens for some tighter details and crops and then switched to the EF adapted 70-300mm f4-5.6 L IS USM Series lens. These two provided a nice mix of wider shots and cropped in details with some nice bokeh and subject isolation on display.

With some new cars and vans appearing on the day including a nice batch of MK1 golfs, and cabriolets, I’m sure the Summer Barryfornia edition later this summer will again provide lots of new as well as familiar vehicles to admire. So this is definitely going to be on my list of events to attend and I cannot wait to see all the amazing cars that turn out for it.

Check out Rothfink and also the upcoming Barryfornia event in September 2023 by clicking on their website links below:

Barryfornia

Rothfink

Miss Doodle 1977

Thanks for taking the time to read this latest photographic blog, and if you have enjoy it feel free to leave a like or comment, which are always much appreciated. In the meantime look out for my next blog post which will be dropping soon.