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Festivals & Events
Cowdells Close, Sharnbrook, Bedford
MK44 1FH
What's on in the local area
The following events are taking place within 10 miles of MK44 1FH:
Annual Festivals & Events
Bedford River Festival
Annually, during July
Location: Bedfordshire
A biennial festival held along the River Great Ouse, featuring boat races, live music, entertainment, and fireworks.
Luton International Carnival
Annually, during May
Location: Bedfordshire
One of the UK’s largest one-day carnivals, celebrating the cultural diversity of Luton with parades, music, and performances.
Chiltern Steam Rally
Annually, during September
Location: Bedfordshire
A celebration of vintage steam engines, tractors, and rural crafts, held in the scenic countryside near Bedford.
Shuttleworth Collection Airshows
Annually, during May-October
Location: Bedfordshire
A series of vintage air displays featuring historic aircraft, held at the Shuttleworth Collection in Old Warden.
Bedfordshire County Show
Annually, during September
Location: Bedfordshire
A traditional agricultural show celebrating rural life with livestock competitions, food stalls, and entertainment.
Bedford River Festival
Annually, during July
Location: Bedfordshire
A biennial festival held along the River Great Ouse, featuring boat races, live music, entertainment, and fireworks.
Luton International Carnival
Annually, during May
Location: Bedfordshire
One of the UK’s largest one-day carnivals, celebrating the cultural diversity of Luton with parades, music, and performances.
Chiltern Steam Rally
Annually, during September
Location: Bedfordshire
A celebration of vintage steam engines, tractors, and rural crafts, held in the scenic countryside near Bedford.
Shuttleworth Collection Airshows
Annually, during May-October
Location: Bedfordshire
A series of vintage air displays featuring historic aircraft, held at the Shuttleworth Collection in Old Warden.
Bedfordshire County Show
Annually, during September
Location: Bedfordshire
A traditional agricultural show celebrating rural life with livestock competitions, food stalls, and entertainment.
Other Events"
The Main Event
May 23
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
FIA/FIM Main Event
Fri 23rd to Mon 26th May 2025
FIA European Drag Racing Championships Inc FIM Europe Drag Bikes
Round 1 of the FIA/FIM European Championships is one of Santa Pod's most prestigious Drag Race meetings. This hugely popular extravaganza features over 200 teams and 17 classes of cars and Bikes including the sports F1 class – 11,000bhp Top Fuel Dragsters accelerating 0-100mph in less than 1 second, making this event unrivalled for both the quality and quantity of racing.
Emberton Raleigh Chopper Show 2025
May 30
Emberton Country Park, Olney
The Raleigh Chopper Show 2025 – Friday May 30th - Saturday May 31st.
Welcome to the Emberton Raleigh Chopper Show 2025! Join us for a groovy day filled with classic bikes, cool vibes, and good times at Emberton Country Park.
The Vauxhall Show
June 1
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
The Vauxhall Show
Car Show on Sunday 1st June 2025 at Santa Pod Raceway
Vauxhalls take over Santa Pod with Vauxhall only RWYB, Show & Shine and more! The famous Griffin comes to Santa Pod in the form of The Vauxhall Show welcoming everything from performance Vauxhall Astras to custom Viva’s, Opels and Holdens to the drag strip and show ground alike. As well as being renowned for reliability, affordability and even modify-ability(!?), Vauxhalls have become a popular choice for everyone from new drivers to the current crop of everyday petrol heads.
Truck Takeover
June 7
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
Truck Takeover
Sat 7th to Sun 8th June 2025
NEW FOR 2025! Experience an incredible showcase of trucks, from timeless vintage models to the latest designs! Enjoy thrilling drag races, truck racing, jet cars, monster truck action, kids' entertainment, and much more.
Partnered with Intercounty
Truck Takeover tickets include entry to Sportsman Nationals championship drag racing.
Revv'd Up
June 14
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
Revv'd Up
Saturday 14th June 2025
Introducing our all-new Supercar event for 2025! From McLarens to Ferraris and everything in between, this show has the cars you can normally only see online. Head to the strip to see your dream cars hit some crazy speeds.
BMW Show
June 22
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
BMW Show
Sunday 22nd June 2025 at Santa Pod Raceway
The BMW Show at Santa Pod Raceway is the perfect event for all BMW enthusiasts.
Whether you are an owner or an admirer, there’s something for everyone at the BMW Show.
Dragstalgia
June 27
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
Dragstalgia
Fri 27th to Sun 29th June 2025
A vintage lifestyle weekend dedicated to race cars, bikes and hot rods from a bygone era. Enjoy Championship racing with the headlining Cannonball class for supercharged nitro and alcohol fuelled Altereds and Funny Cars, period correct Gasser Circus, invited historic bikes and lots more.
Mustang Nationals
July 11
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
The Mustang Nationals
Friday 11th to Saturday 12th July 2025 at Santa Pod Raceway
Celebrating Ponies at the Pod!
Santa Pod Raceway have teamed up with the Mustang Owners Club of Great Britain and Simply Mustangs UK to put on a horsepowered-fueled extravaganza! Paying homage to the iconic Ford Mustang, the event will feature Mustang-only RWYB, Show Car Paddock, Drag Demos, Traders, Live Entertainment and more!
Get three shows for the price of one – all multi-day admission tickets include admission to The Ford Show on Sunday, as well as Transitmania.
For ticket information visit:
https://santapodtickets.
Transitmania
July 11
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
Transitmania
Fri 11th to Sun 13th July 2025
Transitmania is a show for owners and enthusiasts of Fords legendary Transit Van, standard, modified, classic or campers all are welcome along to enjoy the weekend.
A relaxed event for all owners of the Ford Transit in all its variants.
Paxfest and Fun Dog Show
July 12
QEII Playing Field, Little Paxton UK, Saint Neots
Lots of stalls, BBQ, refreshments, Beer tent, Magic Show, Petting farm, Connections Youth Bus and live music.
Fun Dog Show with 13 classes
Live music from Bedford Pipe Band, Somersham Town Band, The Stamford Stompers Dixieland Jazz, Dewey School of Dance and Clickity Clack Parties.
The Ford Show
July 13
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
The Ford Show
Car Show on Sunday 13th July 2025 at Santa Pod Raceway
The Ford Show is more than just your average car show, with Ford only RWYB, Show & Shine Competition, Handling Track, Drag Racing Demos, Stunt Shows, Jet Cars and everything else you could possibly imagine to make a great day out for the family and every Ford enthusiast.
From the earliest Anglias, Escorts and Cortinas, through to the latest Mustangs, Focuses and Fiestas; the best of the Blue Oval has graced Santa Pod’s famed drag strip since its earliest days.
Bug Jam Festival!
July 25
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
Bug Jam Festival 38
25 to 27 July 2025 at Santa Pod Raceway
The Pod's original and best Summer fest!
Get ready for a weekend like no other, packed with entertainment and enjoyment for everyone! This year’s music release sets the stage for the ultimate party weekender!
What Makes Bug Jam Unmissable? This family-friendly, VW-themed festival delivers an unmatched three-day experience combining: Thrilling Drag Racing, Incredible Music Line-Up, VW Displays & Competitions, Stunt Shows, Side-Splitting Comedy, Jet Cars, Fun Fair, Trade Village, Kids’ Entertainment & Activities..
EarnFest Music Business Festival | 2025
July 26
Chester House Estate, Northamptonshire
EarnFest is a one-day music festival of business and contemporary performing arts that takes place in Chester House Estate, Claudius Way, Little Irchester, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 2DH. In addition to contemporary music, the festival hosts live entertainment, education, earning opportunities, dance, comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret, and other arts.
USC: Ultimate Street Car
August 1
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
USC - Ultimate Street Car
Car Show on Fri 1st to Sun 3rd August 2025
USC at Santa Pod Raceway is the Largest, Loudest, Hottest and Fastest modified car festival in Europe featuring Run What Ya Brung public track time, Drag Racing, Music*, Club Camping, Traders, Show & Shine, Drifting, Stunts Displays, Jet Car and much more. It's the UK's most extreme Car Show.
Monster Truck Nationals
August 17
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
SUNDAY 17TH AUGUST 2025, SANTA POD RACEWAY
(Optional Camping Saturday 16th August)
THE ACTION-PACKED UK MONSTER TRUCK NATIONALS IS MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER FAMILY DAY OUT!
- See head-to-head Monster Truck Racing & Freestyle Action with Monster Truck Bus Jumps
- Enjoy a passenger ride in a full-size Monster Truck
- Replica Mini Monster Trucks for Children to Drive
- World record holding stunt driver Terry Grant
- Mark Jefferies – world class aerobatics superstar
- Drag Racing Action
- PLUS Family Monster Truck Festival Camping available! Featuring EAW Wrestling, Live Music, DJ’s, Funfair & more
Find out more about ticket information here: https://monstertrucknationals.co.
VW Action
August 29
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
WELCOME TO
VW ACTION 2025
Friday 29th - Sunday 31st August 2025
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough,
Northants. NN29 7XA
VW Action is the longest running weekend VW Show in the world - now in its 48th year! The show has in one form or another been the true 'Jewel in the Crown' of UK VW events, from its early days at Stoneleigh, the NAS Stoneleigh shows, the period of its residency at Peterborough, at Herts County Showground, and now at Santa Pod.
The Euro Finals
September 4
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
The FIA European Finals
Thur 4th to Sun 7th September 2025
Santa Pod’s most prestigious Drag Racing event featuring over 250 of Europe’s finest teams. Witness the awesome power of 300mph Top Fuel Dragsters, 200mph Drag Bikes and over 20 supporting classes.
NSRA Hot Rod Drags
September 12
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
NSRA Hot Rod Drags
Fri 12th to Sun 14th September 2025
Now celebrating the 37th annual Original Hot Rod Drags, supported by the NSRA. It’s a hot rod show at the race track! The usual, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ formula with Pre ’73 RWYB, invited race classes, Wild Bunch, fireworks and much more.
Autumn Flower and Vegetable Show
September 13
QEII Playing Field, Little Paxton UK, Saint Neots
Autumn Flower and Vegetable Show. 78 show classes including fruit, flowers, vegetables, home produce, children's and floral art.
National Finals
September 19
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
National Finals
Fri 19th to Sun 21st September 2025
National Drag Racing Championship Finals headlined by the wild 250mph Pro Mod doorslammers! See over 20 supporting classes including ACU Championship Drag Bikes, Junior Dragsters and many more. Camping available onsite so come for the weekend.
CLASSIC CLAPTON unplugged
September 27
Milton Keynes Stables Theatre, Milton Keynes
Mike Hall and Adam Howells from CLASSIC CLAPTON the World's No1 Eric Clapton Tribute Band will perform a rare acoustic concert at The Stables Theatre, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes on Saturday 27 September 2025. They will be on stage at 8pm and will perform 2 x 60 minute sets.
JapShow Finale
September 28
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
JapShow Finale
Sunday 28th September 2025 - Santa Pod Raceway
Car Show with extra RWYB on Saturday 27th October
As the car show season comes to a close, JapShow Finale is your last chance to get your Japanese car out there before winter draws in. We have something for everyone with Show & Shine Competition, Japanese Run What Ya Brung public track time open to cars & bikes, Drift Rides, Club Stands, Stunt Shows, Jet Dragster, Trade area and more! So leave those winter wheels off for the weekend and hit the strip at Santa Pod.
Das GTI Show
October 12
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
Das GTI Show
Sunday 12th October 2025 at Santa Pod Raceway
Car Show with extra Run What Ya Brung on Saturday 11th October 2025
A German car show at Santa Pod for Audi, BMW, Mercedes, VW, Porsche and more. With German or VAG only RWYB plus Show & Shine Competition, Das Autotest and more.
Flame & Thunder
October 25
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
Flame & Thunder
Saturday 25th October 2025
Stunts & Drag Racing Family Firework Spectacular
Flame & Thunder is an action packed day for all the family featuring Drag Racing and Stunts galore. Witness a huge gathering of Jet Vehicles along with cars and bikes from various classes of Drag Racing on track.
The Main Event
May 23
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
FIA/FIM Main Event Fri 23rd to Mon 26th May 2025 FIA European Drag Racing Championships Inc FIM Europe Drag Bikes Round 1 of the FIA/FIM European Championships is one of Santa Pod's most prestigious Drag Race meetings. This hugely popular extravaganza features over 200 teams and 17 classes of cars and Bikes including the sports F1 class – 11,000bhp Top Fuel Dragsters accelerating 0-100mph in less than 1 second, making this event unrivalled for both the quality and quantity of racing.
Emberton Raleigh Chopper Show 2025
May 30
Emberton Country Park, Olney
The Raleigh Chopper Show 2025 – Friday May 30th - Saturday May 31st. Welcome to the Emberton Raleigh Chopper Show 2025! Join us for a groovy day filled with classic bikes, cool vibes, and good times at Emberton Country Park.
The Vauxhall Show
June 1
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
The Vauxhall Show Car Show on Sunday 1st June 2025 at Santa Pod Raceway Vauxhalls take over Santa Pod with Vauxhall only RWYB, Show & Shine and more! The famous Griffin comes to Santa Pod in the form of The Vauxhall Show welcoming everything from performance Vauxhall Astras to custom Viva’s, Opels and Holdens to the drag strip and show ground alike. As well as being renowned for reliability, affordability and even modify-ability(!?), Vauxhalls have become a popular choice for everyone from new drivers to the current crop of everyday petrol heads.
Truck Takeover
June 7
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
Truck Takeover Sat 7th to Sun 8th June 2025 NEW FOR 2025! Experience an incredible showcase of trucks, from timeless vintage models to the latest designs! Enjoy thrilling drag races, truck racing, jet cars, monster truck action, kids' entertainment, and much more. Partnered with Intercounty Truck Takeover tickets include entry to Sportsman Nationals championship drag racing.
Revv'd Up
June 14
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
Revv'd Up Saturday 14th June 2025 Introducing our all-new Supercar event for 2025! From McLarens to Ferraris and everything in between, this show has the cars you can normally only see online. Head to the strip to see your dream cars hit some crazy speeds.
BMW Show
June 22
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
BMW Show Sunday 22nd June 2025 at Santa Pod Raceway The BMW Show at Santa Pod Raceway is the perfect event for all BMW enthusiasts. Whether you are an owner or an admirer, there’s something for everyone at the BMW Show.
Dragstalgia
June 27
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
Dragstalgia Fri 27th to Sun 29th June 2025 A vintage lifestyle weekend dedicated to race cars, bikes and hot rods from a bygone era. Enjoy Championship racing with the headlining Cannonball class for supercharged nitro and alcohol fuelled Altereds and Funny Cars, period correct Gasser Circus, invited historic bikes and lots more.
Mustang Nationals
July 11
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
The Mustang Nationals Friday 11th to Saturday 12th July 2025 at Santa Pod Raceway Celebrating Ponies at the Pod! Santa Pod Raceway have teamed up with the Mustang Owners Club of Great Britain and Simply Mustangs UK to put on a horsepowered-fueled extravaganza! Paying homage to the iconic Ford Mustang, the event will feature Mustang-only RWYB, Show Car Paddock, Drag Demos, Traders, Live Entertainment and more! Get three shows for the price of one – all multi-day admission tickets include admission to The Ford Show on Sunday, as well as Transitmania. For ticket information visit: https://santapodtickets.
Transitmania
July 11
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
Transitmania Fri 11th to Sun 13th July 2025 Transitmania is a show for owners and enthusiasts of Fords legendary Transit Van, standard, modified, classic or campers all are welcome along to enjoy the weekend. A relaxed event for all owners of the Ford Transit in all its variants.
Paxfest and Fun Dog Show
July 12
QEII Playing Field, Little Paxton UK, Saint Neots
Lots of stalls, BBQ, refreshments, Beer tent, Magic Show, Petting farm, Connections Youth Bus and live music. Fun Dog Show with 13 classes Live music from Bedford Pipe Band, Somersham Town Band, The Stamford Stompers Dixieland Jazz, Dewey School of Dance and Clickity Clack Parties.
The Ford Show
July 13
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
The Ford Show Car Show on Sunday 13th July 2025 at Santa Pod Raceway The Ford Show is more than just your average car show, with Ford only RWYB, Show & Shine Competition, Handling Track, Drag Racing Demos, Stunt Shows, Jet Cars and everything else you could possibly imagine to make a great day out for the family and every Ford enthusiast. From the earliest Anglias, Escorts and Cortinas, through to the latest Mustangs, Focuses and Fiestas; the best of the Blue Oval has graced Santa Pod’s famed drag strip since its earliest days.
Bug Jam Festival!
July 25
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
Bug Jam Festival 38 25 to 27 July 2025 at Santa Pod Raceway The Pod's original and best Summer fest! Get ready for a weekend like no other, packed with entertainment and enjoyment for everyone! This year’s music release sets the stage for the ultimate party weekender! What Makes Bug Jam Unmissable? This family-friendly, VW-themed festival delivers an unmatched three-day experience combining: Thrilling Drag Racing, Incredible Music Line-Up, VW Displays & Competitions, Stunt Shows, Side-Splitting Comedy, Jet Cars, Fun Fair, Trade Village, Kids’ Entertainment & Activities..
EarnFest Music Business Festival | 2025
July 26
Chester House Estate, Northamptonshire
EarnFest is a one-day music festival of business and contemporary performing arts that takes place in Chester House Estate, Claudius Way, Little Irchester, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 2DH. In addition to contemporary music, the festival hosts live entertainment, education, earning opportunities, dance, comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret, and other arts.
USC: Ultimate Street Car
August 1
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
USC - Ultimate Street Car Car Show on Fri 1st to Sun 3rd August 2025 USC at Santa Pod Raceway is the Largest, Loudest, Hottest and Fastest modified car festival in Europe featuring Run What Ya Brung public track time, Drag Racing, Music*, Club Camping, Traders, Show & Shine, Drifting, Stunts Displays, Jet Car and much more. It's the UK's most extreme Car Show.
Monster Truck Nationals
August 17
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
SUNDAY 17TH AUGUST 2025, SANTA POD RACEWAY (Optional Camping Saturday 16th August) THE ACTION-PACKED UK MONSTER TRUCK NATIONALS IS MORE THAN JUST ANOTHER FAMILY DAY OUT! - See head-to-head Monster Truck Racing & Freestyle Action with Monster Truck Bus Jumps - Enjoy a passenger ride in a full-size Monster Truck - Replica Mini Monster Trucks for Children to Drive - World record holding stunt driver Terry Grant - Mark Jefferies – world class aerobatics superstar - Drag Racing Action - PLUS Family Monster Truck Festival Camping available! Featuring EAW Wrestling, Live Music, DJ’s, Funfair & more Find out more about ticket information here: https://monstertrucknationals.co.
VW Action
August 29
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
WELCOME TO VW ACTION 2025 Friday 29th - Sunday 31st August 2025 Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough, Northants. NN29 7XA VW Action is the longest running weekend VW Show in the world - now in its 48th year! The show has in one form or another been the true 'Jewel in the Crown' of UK VW events, from its early days at Stoneleigh, the NAS Stoneleigh shows, the period of its residency at Peterborough, at Herts County Showground, and now at Santa Pod.
The Euro Finals
September 4
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
The FIA European Finals Thur 4th to Sun 7th September 2025 Santa Pod’s most prestigious Drag Racing event featuring over 250 of Europe’s finest teams. Witness the awesome power of 300mph Top Fuel Dragsters, 200mph Drag Bikes and over 20 supporting classes.
NSRA Hot Rod Drags
September 12
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
NSRA Hot Rod Drags Fri 12th to Sun 14th September 2025 Now celebrating the 37th annual Original Hot Rod Drags, supported by the NSRA. It’s a hot rod show at the race track! The usual, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ formula with Pre ’73 RWYB, invited race classes, Wild Bunch, fireworks and much more.
Autumn Flower and Vegetable Show
September 13
QEII Playing Field, Little Paxton UK, Saint Neots
Autumn Flower and Vegetable Show. 78 show classes including fruit, flowers, vegetables, home produce, children's and floral art.
National Finals
September 19
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
National Finals Fri 19th to Sun 21st September 2025 National Drag Racing Championship Finals headlined by the wild 250mph Pro Mod doorslammers! See over 20 supporting classes including ACU Championship Drag Bikes, Junior Dragsters and many more. Camping available onsite so come for the weekend.
CLASSIC CLAPTON unplugged
September 27
Milton Keynes Stables Theatre, Milton Keynes
Mike Hall and Adam Howells from CLASSIC CLAPTON the World's No1 Eric Clapton Tribute Band will perform a rare acoustic concert at The Stables Theatre, Stockwell Lane, Wavendon, Milton Keynes on Saturday 27 September 2025. They will be on stage at 8pm and will perform 2 x 60 minute sets.
JapShow Finale
September 28
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
JapShow Finale Sunday 28th September 2025 - Santa Pod Raceway Car Show with extra RWYB on Saturday 27th October As the car show season comes to a close, JapShow Finale is your last chance to get your Japanese car out there before winter draws in. We have something for everyone with Show & Shine Competition, Japanese Run What Ya Brung public track time open to cars & bikes, Drift Rides, Club Stands, Stunt Shows, Jet Dragster, Trade area and more! So leave those winter wheels off for the weekend and hit the strip at Santa Pod.
Das GTI Show
October 12
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
Das GTI Show Sunday 12th October 2025 at Santa Pod Raceway Car Show with extra Run What Ya Brung on Saturday 11th October 2025 A German car show at Santa Pod for Audi, BMW, Mercedes, VW, Porsche and more. With German or VAG only RWYB plus Show & Shine Competition, Das Autotest and more.
Flame & Thunder
October 25
Santa Pod Raceway, Wellingborough
Flame & Thunder Saturday 25th October 2025 Stunts & Drag Racing Family Firework Spectacular Flame & Thunder is an action packed day for all the family featuring Drag Racing and Stunts galore. Witness a huge gathering of Jet Vehicles along with cars and bikes from various classes of Drag Racing on track.
