Bestival's special guests revealed

Terry Hall and friends, and Grace Jones to make surprise appearances

By Scott Williams | Published: Sat 6th Sep 2008

Bestival 2008 - Grace Jones
Photo credit: Kirsty Umback

Bestival 2008

Friday 5th to Sunday 7th September 2008
Robin Hill Country Park, Downend, Nr Arreton, Isle of Wight.. PO30 2NU, England MAP
£130 w/e with camping, aged 13-16 £65, under 13 FREE but ticket needed - SOLD OUT

Bestival which is happening at Robin Hill Country Park on the Isle of Wight have two special guests entertaining the crowds tonight. Terry Hall and friends and Grace Jones are the two surprise acts taking to the main stage today.

Dub Pistols featuring Terry Hall with Lynval Golding (The Specials)
Last year this slot on the main stage was occupied by ska funsters Madness this year it's the turn of singer Terry Hall and friends in what is being called a reunion of ska legends The Specials who had a string of hits including 'A Message To You, Rudy', 'Too Much Too Young', and 'Ghost Town Revisited'. The band have got together for a reunion tour later this year.

The 2 tone ska band are intending to fully reform with Jerry Dammers (not appearing at Bestival), Terry Hall, Neville Staple, Sir Horace Gentleman, Roddy Radiation, Lynval Golding, and John Bradbury all returning to the fold since the split at the height of their success in 1981.

Terry Hall said in a radio interview some time ago that he had seen The Pixies reforming and wanted to get plenty of practice in first. "We'll do it with dignity or not do it at all." He also confirmed they would be heading on the road in late September adding, "We're still trying to put dates together, but hopefully (we'll tour) September/October time. We need to spend the summer rehearsing... I think it's taken me 30 years to realise we could do it really well."

Grace Jones
Grace Jones is now the other side of 60 and last appeared at Electric Picnic Festival in various revealing outfits, performing her Eighties hits and entertaining the crowds with some bizarre antics.

With the worst of the rain now behind them, reports from the site are that the campsites are muddy, however plastic matting, and chipping has been extensively utilised to keep spirits up and festival goers have turned out in fancy dress to add colour to proceedings.

Current weather predictions are that Bestival has had the worst of the weather and the occasional sunny spell is forecast.

Dub Pistols featuring Terry Hall (The Specials)


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