How does a festival that has attracted 55,000 punters or so since 2010 still feel boutique? Sure, a festival of that size might be considered somewhat tame in comparison to the England’s other goliath-sized festivals, but for this event to have avoided some of the traps that big commercialised events fall into is a pretty remarkable feat.
The answer undeniably has to come from the Bestival Festival’s organisers. Robert Gorham or DJ Rob da Bank and his wife Josie built Bestival from the ground up as an offshoot to the DJ’s Sunday Best record label parties in 2004.
That first year saw the likes of The Bees, Basement Jaxx, Zero 7 and Fatboy Slim amongst others perform to around 10,000 people at Robin Hill country park on the Isle Of Wight.
With the number of attendees steadily increasing over the years thanks to acts like Röyksopp, Beastie Boys, The Chemical Brothers, My Bloody Valentine, Amy Winehouse, Massive Attack, Kraftwerk, The Prodigy, The Cure and Björk to name a few, Bestival could have easily become just another big music event, a position that is already filled by the Isle Of Wight Festival on the island.
Instead it retains the same atmosphere and ethos in 2014 that it aspired to a decade ago. Its environment initiatives and support of local social causes along with a number of other features (we discuss them below) are all reasons behind Bestival’s non-corporate feel.
The fact they can back it up with huge lineups is just an added bonus. You can see evidence of this in 2014’s lineup poster below.
If you still don’t believe us watch the 2013 aftermovie and read on to discover our six step guide to the event.
1. Book Ahead Before It’s Too Late
Bestival is less than a month away! So you’d better get organised quick. Or at the very least tell your international friends to get a move on. An adult weekend camping passes are valued at £205 (About $370 Aud) booking fee inclusive, with student tickets worth £190 ($345), while 13-17 year olds can get in for £133.75 ($243). Anyone younger is allowed in for free. Premium camping will set you back £330.95 ($600), while car park and campervan tickets can also be purchased via the link below.
Get your tickets here!
2. The Ins And Outs Of Camping And Accommodation
Each campsite is colour coded so your journey at 3am from the stage to your tent shouldn’t be too difficult, however it’s important to note the blue campsite is the quiet area so book accordingly. Lucky Cat Hospitality Packages allows you access to the Lucky Cat VIP Bar, which has unparalleled views of the main stage. Just as the Tangerine Fields has your tent already set up and waiting for you on your arrival. Camplight also offers the same service while there are a host of ticket and accommodation packages and hostel/hotel information via this link.
3. How To Get There
Unless you’ve got some friends with a car we’ll just assume you’re an international traveller making your way by foot and public transportation. Getting to the Isle of Wight is pretty straightforward. You can pre-book your ferry ride from Southhampton, Portsmouth and Lymington here. While direct bus services can be booked through Big Green Coach. Otherwise you can also find shuttle bus information for the island here.
4. Don’t Miss Any Of The Bollywood Action
One of Bestival’s most enduring aspects is its diversity. The Bollywood tent is at the centre of everything that makes this festival great. With an exquisite and lavish layout inside to cocktails, dance music and a lineup of incredible DJs you won’t find another festival party like this one.
Get all the lineup details here.
5. Catch The Best Desert Island Flicks
If you need time to sit back and relax over the course of the festival Desert Island Flicks allows you to do so without feeling like you’re missing out on the Bestival experience. Films like Almost Famous, Frank, Spring Breakers and Stand By Me will be played throughout the weekend.
Follow this way for further information.
6. Get Hitched and Feed Your Kids: The Best Of The Rest At Bestival
Fancy getting married in a blow-up church? Need to breast feed your child at ‘Breastival’? They’re not the two most common things punters need at a festival, but Bestival provides them nonetheless. There are also laughs to be had at the comedy tent (lineup here). Besides these extra features Bestival has 20 stages in over ten areas that are all worth experiencing. Try not to get lost!
Need more information? Head to the official Bestival website for the answers to all your questions.
