VANLOVE FEST 25 GET TO KNOW: OFF GRID CAMPING UK

20 May

In our ‘Vanlove Fest 25: Get To Know’ blog series, we’re giving you the chance to learn more about the incredible individuals who come to share their passions, skills, and stories through workshops and discussions across the festival weekend.

We've asked our workshop hosts and speakers a few questions to help you find out what drives them, what they'll be sharing, and why they can't wait to be part of Vanlove Fest 25.

This week, we’re catching up with the founders of the brilliant vanlife community, Off Grid Camping UK who will be holding a relaxed morning brew and chat on the runway at this years event.

**Who are you, and what do you do?**

We are Pen and Lee from Off Grid Camping UK. We have a self-build which we put together during lockdown—it's an ex-DPD delivery van! We're completely off-grid with no option to plug in. While we're not full-time and still have jobs and a house, we absolutely love getting away to the middle of nowhere with our spaniels, Keena and Tazz.

What first sparked your love for vanlife / life on the road?

We're not full-time vanlifers—we have a house, but we absolutely love our weekend adventures on the road. It’s such an escape for us.

What can people expect from your session at Vanlove Fest?

You’ll have to bring your own brew along as we don’t have enough cups to quench everyones first! But one of our moderators, Darren, will be giving a talk all about off-grid camping, and everyone’s welcome to come and check out three completely different self-builds: ours, Darren and Kyla’s, and Hatty the Bus!

Describe your dream van in 3 words.

A BIG TRUCK!

**What’s one vanlife myth you’d love to bust?**

That we are responsible for all of the morons who leave a trace!

What’s your go-to comfort ritual on the road?

Nothing better than meeting friends and sharing a beer around the Solo Stove. Love our slow cooker powered by EcoFlow for wintery stews.

What does ‘Vanlove’ mean to you?

We have attended Vanlove Fest every year, it's our most favourite. We have met lifelong friends and it's such a feeling of community. We just love it! We love being involved and this is the only festival we attend.