Iconic acts, ice baths and gourmet grub – here’s why Camp Bestival isn’t all about the kids
Rob da Bank’s family festival, Bestival, turns 15 this year and hosts a double-header to celebrate — returning to Lulworth Castle, Dorset this weekend before reappearing in Shropshire mid-August. The festival might be most famed for its kid-friendly programming but there’s plenty for the seasoned grownup festival reveller to get their teeth into too…
Take a chill pill
Say au revoir to the real world and melt away your edges on arrival by paying visit to the festival’s holistic haven. Set in its own tranquil corner of the Lulworth Estate, Slow Motion is run by a host of ‘wellness wizards’ offering restorative therapies, self-care workshops, meditation and treatments to help festival-goers unplug and unwind. Radio 1’s Decompression Session host Stuart Sandeman is running a BreathPod, whilst astrologer Heather Montgomery is inviting those keen to know what the stars reveal about them to 1:1 astrology consultations. There’s also ice baths, saunas, and everything else wellness-related you could want… What better way to get match fit in time for the rest of the weekend’s festivities?
Be inspired
Literary Institute by day, The Pink Flamingo by night – this is one shapeshifting tent you need to delve into. Thought-provoking talks, deep conversation and star book signings fill the daylight hours and come twilight, intellect and wisdom is served on a hotbed of adult-themed entertainment. Hear from poets, activists and authors. Showstoppers across the weekend include multi-hyphenate trans activist and trailblazer Munroe Bergdorf, clubland legend Fat Tony and an appearance from UK Drag Race’s Vanity Milan – for a solid dose of sugar, spice and everything nice.
See an icon in action
The genre-spanning music lineup boasts pop royalty at the helm, with age-defying trailblazer Grace Jones headlining on Saturday night. Expect to be wowed by her dazzling stage presence, her other-worldly outfits… and perhaps even her hula-hooping skills. Gok Wan and Jaguar Skills will keep the party pumping into the darkness.
Catch an icon of another era on Sunday night as multi-platinum selling superstar Craig David presents TS5. Started as the most exclusive pre-party in Miami, hosted by Craig at his penthouse home, TS5 is all about the old school anthems, R&B, Garage and the musician’s unmistakable vocals. Todd Terry, Confidence Man and a Firework Finale will see the weekend out with a bang.
Eat, drink and be merry
From s’mores stations to dim sum delights and communal feasts upon great banqueting tables, the food offering here, as you would rightly expect, is something to behold. The Feast Collective is a food and drink utopia, featuring handpicked food traders, daily cocktail hour, wildfire cooking & DJs, offering a buzzing eating and meeting hub. Expect mouth-watering festival fare on long tables in sumptuous surrounds, an ideal spot to refuel with banging tunes and lively cocktails. Restaurateur, Mudassar Amjad has created the Khana Wala Bazaar, a whole street of food stalls bringing together the theatre, aromas and flavours that inspired and enriched his life when travelling around India and Pakistan.
Run away and watch the circus
If you want a wow shot for your socials check out Circus Raj’s daring displays of bravery, balance, acrobatics and aerial high jinks. Musicians, artists, slack-rope walkers and dancers present a colourful, vibrant, fast-moving extravaganza centred around the aesthetic culture and vibrant heritage of Rajasthan. If they leave you wanting more, check out a second tantalising troop of performers in the shape of Cirque Bijou presents All You Need is Love, a mashup of contemporary circus, theatre and spectacle that will have your jaw on the floor.
Camp Bestival Dorset takes place this weekend. Tickets are available to buy here. Camp Bestival Shropshire takes place 17-20 August. Tickets are available to buy here.
