As September dawns upon us, one would be forgiven for thinking the ‘summer’ festival season is over – but then there’s Bestival, the last premier festival of the season.
Located at Robin Hill County Park on the Isle of Wight, Bestival organiser Rob da Bank has taken the festival from strength to strength over the years with quirky anecdotes, hidden features, roller discos, innovative lighting shows and themed fancy dress parties – and we haven’t even mentioned the music yet.
This year, Bestival have secured the incredibly gifted Stevie Wonder, who will be playing his first festival in England since Glastonbury in 2010. The beautiful and powerful voice of Florence and the Machine will headline another night, whilst electronic veterans New Order will be bringing their old school beats to the island too.
There are also festival exclusives from The XX and Sigur Ros. The XX have been in hiding ever since their award-winning self-titled debut album was released in 2008. To the anger of their fans, they have only performed once this year, which was a secret intimate gig in London. In 2010, The XX performed a set at Bestival that has been touted as one of the most emotional and empathetic sets ever performed. So despite the fact they are not headlining, be prepared for a host of fans flocking to the small island to catch a glimpse of a band that are about to release their second album. Their cult following is quite unbelievable.
Nonetheless, there is something different about Bestival, that feeling that they are trying to create something unique. Throughout the year the organisers are constantly trying to find creative feats to break the mould of your average premier festival. In July, they added a new feature to the website that allowed each reveller to access and create their Bestival line-up from the artists present at this year’s festival.
Elsewhere through the weekend, there are the likes of 2manydjs, Annie Mac, Friendly Fires, Two door Cinema Club, De La Soul, Warpaint, Orbital, Roots Manuva, The Alabama Shakes, Django Django and many many more.
It is this diversity that makes Bestival so attractive and lures so many punters to the island. From incredible disc jockeys, to indie, hip hop (old skool and new), punk, rock and soul, there is something for everyone at this festival. And the names are still being announced.
Only last week, Radio 1’s Zane Lowe and Ruby Wax were announced as additions to the line-up – along with the charismatic and comic Beardyman, who imposes a unique blend of break beats and hip hop.
Aesthetically, every year is a new challenge to Bestival and they do their utmost to incorporate new artistic wizardry throughout the festival and make the most out of every nook and cranny.
With a wildlife theme in place for this year, be prepared for a lot of monkeying around as animals take control and turn Bestival into a zoo for the weekend. Only one thing is for sure, and that is that it’s sure to be the Best Bestival to date.
For further information on this year's Bestival, visit the festival's official site at www.bestival.net.
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Located at Robin Hill County Park on the Isle of Wight, Bestival organiser Rob da Bank has taken the festival from strength to strength over the years with quirky anecdotes, hidden features, roller discos, innovative lighting shows and themed fancy dress parties – and we haven’t even mentioned the music yet.
