In it’s second year, Bestival is held in the pleasant surrounds of the Robin Hill country park in the centre of the island. After a promising start (by all accounts) last year hopes were high for good weather and some late summer outdoor fun. The early bands were compromised slightly by the fact that many people were still either putting their tents up, waiting for shuttle buses, or driving around the island trying to find the site (me) but I was pleased to get to the mainstage in time to see psychadelic rockers The Earlies for the second time this year.
After watching a little of Grand National (not bad!) it was time for a wander around the market stalls and venues - it was pleasing to see so many festival stalwarts like the Tiny Tea Tent in attendance, and a wide variety of favourite food vendors, as well as lots of site art, chill out areas, mini-venues like the Hidden Disco and the legendary Miniscule of Sound, an unfeasibly large inflatable church, beer tents and cider bars and cocktails in the Bollywood Bar venue which quickly became a focus for a good party atmosphere and remained that way all weekend.
The evening entertainments on the mainstage were soon in full swing - Dreadzone's performances at this years festivals have been well talked about and they hit the spot again at Bestival with another outstanding set of new and old material that got the crowd jumping. The party vibe continued with a man from another island at the other end of the country, Mylo, capitalizing on peoples fresh legs in good style.
The Magic Numbers too have been having a good year and headlining the Friday night must have been a highlight - “This the first time we’ve played in the dark this year!” announced lead man Romeo before playing tribute to the Smiths with their own version of There is a Light That Never Goes Out, and while not everyones idea of a headline act the warmth that they put out was returned by the audience in equal measure. The second biggest stage at Bestival is the Big Top – complete with washing-line decorations and a bar I made sure to catch turn-tablist Erol Alkin and a good time was had by all in attendance – the scene was set for more dancing into the early hours and Bestival has definitely won me over. review by Phil Bull
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