Bestival is here once again to round up what had been an extraordinary summer of festivals. Now in its 11th year, the festival created by Rob and Josie Da Bank fuses an eclectic mix of music with fancy dress, quirky activities and installations in a boutique festival experience. Set in the Shangri-La esque setting of Robin Hill Country Park on the Isle of White, Bestival is comprised of nine different sections and themes, each as innovative and creative as the last. With the intent on creating a new president for independent festival culture Bestival encapsulates a magical ambience with a diverse artistic spectrum, whilst successfully creating a sense of community amongst the festival goers.
This year Bestival introduces ‘The Commune’, a one off area designed to capture the essence of the festival and entwine the ‘Summer of Love’ theme with the original festival philosophy.
Commune Programmer Bobby Lost says: “The Commune is a place where you can just be you, whether that’s dancing like no one is watching, hugging, connecting with others and becoming nourished, or sharing deep experiences with strangers. I’d like the commune to be a home for ‘Hedonism with Heart’, a joyful celebration of life, embodiment and freedom of expression.
‘The Commune’ will not only act as the soul of the festival, but it will also harbour ‘The Flower of Fire’, a nine petalled, 15 and a half metre long, pyrotechnic installation providing an ocular treat, visible across the entire festival ground.
This years headlining acts include: The Chemical Brothers, Duran Duran, Missy Elliot, The Jacksons and Tame Impala whilst Gorgon City, Duke Dumont, Wiley and Rudimental provide a commercial alternative to the more diverse musical offerings.
If you aren’t there just for the music, small events are scattered throughout the festival all weekend. This year Bestival are delighted to share with you Rave Knitting, Euphoric Aerobics , Musical Bingo, and a World Record Busking Attempt as well as their traditional Fancy Dress Parade Based around the Festivals theme.
And if that isn’t enough to keep you entertained, variety acts from the likes of Sink the Pink, Shit Faced Shakespeare and a performance from the Legendary ‘Chuckle Brothers’ will make your Bestival experience unforgettable.
So whatever you’re looking for in a festival, Bestival is sure to have it, and if there’s something slightly holding you back the dynamic “to – me, to – you” duo will surely twist your arm into purchasing a ticket.
Words by Verity Ransom
