JOHNNY Vegas’ new Field of Dreams is now underway at Melbourne Hall after being moved from its original home.
What started with Thatto Heath born Johnny Vegas drunkenly buying a Maltese bus on ebay resulted in a TV series Carry on Glamping which saw the comedian, actor and star set up a campsite with vehicles transformed into campervan type staycation homes.
He’s now moved these vehicles – and got a few more – at his new site called The Field Of Dreams at Melbourne Hall and Gardens in South Derbyshire.
Guests can choose to stay in Oscar The Puma Helicopter, Patricia The Maltese Bus (the vehicle which started it all), the American Skoolie, the Citroen Camper and the German Fire Truck.
On the poolside there is also Billy The Snail (Morris Minor with a Fisher Holivan Junior Caravan attached) and a bell tent for sleeping, Dino (Austin J2 Bluebird) and Mahala, a quirky boat - complete with its own bath on board)
Bookings can be made at melbournehall.com/johnny-vegas-glamping/
The new development will result in a second series of the Channel 4 show as expansion of the original site at Breaks Fold Farm was not possible, leaving Vegas and Dixon with the task of hunting for a new home for the eclectic collection of repurposed vehicles.
Johnny Vegas: Carry on Glamping series two will follow the pair as they search for a new glamping site, and acquire a number of additional vehicles in need of repurposing – including an old helicopter.
Vegas said: “It blew both Bev and I away how lovingly received Carry on Glamping was – I still think it should’ve been called What Can Go Wrong Will Go Wrong.
"Still, the success of our wee field and the joy every vehicle brought to so many was heartwarming. Between Patricia and Lol’s Bar it definitely helped keep their memory alive and gave me the bug for rescuing more vehicles in need of a loving home.
“My bank manager, accountant and, of course, Bev are all thrilled that we’re not stopping at just one Maltese bus.
"We will dearly miss our field and friends in Yorkshire, but the search for a new home to park our dreams upon has indeed begun, as planning meant we couldn’t expand and I’d have nowhere to park my new, well, presently knackered, helicopter (UK bought as Bev has said strictly no more imports or burning ferries!).
“Oh, and preferably nowhere with a barn nearby!”
The new site will amount to more than a campsite, as Vegas plans on hosting events, comedy festivals, music gigs and weddings for vintage-loving couples at the new location.
Jonny Rothery, commissioning editor for Channel 4, said: “Following Johnny’s journey to open his glampsite was a rollercoaster of emotions – funny, heartfelt, perilous and poignant.
“I’m so pleased Johnny and Bev are back to do it all again, and in a longer series commission, as we see them attempt to bring even bigger plans to life.”
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