INTERVIEW: Johnny Vegas talks about his new glamping site at Melbourne Hall - where a helicopter, buses and a boat sit side by side
By Graham Hill
18th Apr 2023 | Local News
Johnny Vegas's Field of Dreams glamping site at Melbourne Hall is aptly named.
Because for the comedian and actor, this is a dream come true.
The new site was launched over the Easter break and will form part of his latest Channel Four series of Carry on Glamping.
Melbourne is the new site for the latest run of shows featuring the offbeat and wonderful creations designed to give holidaymakers a camping experience with a difference.
Fans of his first show will recognise some of vehicles on site which have been converted into glamping accommodation.
Those close to the project say that the project 'has Johnny written all over it'.
And they are right. Not only does it range from an old helicopter to a school bus, but the comic has played a major role in designing what welcomes visitors to the site near Ashby.
He and his assistant Bev chose Melbourne Hall after playing a show there last year and deciding that the rural setting was an ideal and scenic base for his collection.
And of course, Patricia, the bus, is named in memory of his dearly loved late mum.
Johnny told Ashby Nub News: "It's been a true labour of love has this. I cannot quantify the amount of effort that gone into all of it.
"This was a proper heart and soul rescue job.
"It's so unique to have it here. I know the kids love the school bus, the walkers love the fire truck and more people have their picture taken by Patricia than any other."
Johnny explained the background to how his site came to be at Melbourne.
He added: "When we suddenly found ourselves looking for somewhere new, we couldn't quite believe our luck when we got talking and there was the opportunity to come here, I did a gig here, and then we got chatting.
"I thought: 'This will be another dream come true if it happens.' Then, the next thing, it was happening. Once the conversation started. It was a case of 'we'd love to do this'.
"But I'm not a businessman, it's a passion project first and foremost. The reaction has been phenomenal. In and around Melbourne as well. And it's a site I will stay on. I'm not just going to set it up and then we'll never see us again. I stayed here for the first week."
Johnny clearly has a special connection to all of the vehicles - and they all have a name.
Whether is it Oscar, Skoolie, Patricia, Billy the Snail or Dino, they sit together to form a camp site like no other.
Johnny added: "The latest additions include Oscar the Helicopter, which is very imposing isn't it? Is it the star of the show? Yes, I probably think it is
"It gets a lot of attention, because we haven't really featured it on any social media, yet I know people have worked and night on it.
"We have a contrast with Oscar the helicopter, but I am also working on Mahala - a converted boat - which is the sweetest little lovers' retreat.
"It's wonderful, I really had to fight for it though. There's a bath on there, and you can have a bath underneath the stars!
"That just started as a mad little sketch on a piece of paper. The lads have done a spectacular job it's a real wow for people, even when you're just walking past."
Johnny reflects on something that started with an impulse buy online.
He added: "The whole thing started accidentally, it was just me on social media saying I had one too many last night, and I bought a Maltese bus.
"Originally I said I'd fix it up in my back garden, but now knowing the work that goes into restoring and presenting the properly, that would never have happened, that'd still be in my backyard in many pieces .
"What I found is the passion people have for Melbourne is the same passion that I have for these vehicles, we all want the same thing, we all want to create something memorable, accessible and a one-off experience for people.
"We also want it to be something more than as seen on TV, it's about the site, the television is the circus which will eventually leave town.
"We've been made to feel incredibly welcome, so we just want to get back. And it's a great reason for me to spend more time there."
Roger Lowe, Estate Development Manager, says the arrival of Field of Dreams has only enhanced the attractiveness of Melbourne Hall to visitors.
He said: "If you're a fan of Johnny, in general, this has got him all over it. Each of the vehicles has some of his influence, either designed by him or had involvement from him.
"When we agreed to take on the Field of Dreams with him about a year ago now, he had an idea to buy a helicopter and a boat, and that would be in addition to the vehicles that are already here and on the previous site in Yorkshire.
"The fit-outs are amazing. Johnny performed for us last May as part of the Live at Melbourne Hall series, I then got talking to Jonny and Bev about finding a new home for the site. They came and had a look, we had a chat, and it went on from there.
"Then we agreed to be the venue to work with them on it.
"The estate is going through a period of development, and with this, as an addition to everything else, it's great.
"The gardens have always been here, and they are fantastic, we're seeing an increase in visitor numbers. Plus we also have a series of events, we have comedy shows again in May and we are working with the BBC on an 80s roadshow.
"This is a 900 acre estate and we're adding into it, it's a real jewel of South Derbyshire."
Details of Melbourne Hall's glamping site, with prices, can be found HERE.
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