Volkswagen van enthusiasts travelled from as far away as Australia, Portugal, Russia, The Ukraine, Denmark, Poland, the UK, France and Holland. They came in Volkswagen vans from every decade since the 1950s and when gathered, covered a total area of 255,000 square metres – the equivalent of around 35 football pitches.

The celebrations started with a special convoy through Hanover from the Volkswagen factory to the showground hosting the event where there was a covered stage to honour vehicles nominated for special prizes, plus a display of 100 historic and unusual models and exhibits from the Volkswagen museum, including the original design sketch from 1947.