Camp Bestival's literary programme revealed

Scroobius Pip, Kate Tempest, Howard Marks, Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards, & more

By Scott Williams | Published: Mon 29th Apr 2013

Camp Bestival 2013 - around the festival site (2)
Photo credit: Gary Walker

Camp Bestival 2013

Thursday 1st to Sunday 4th August 2013
Lulworth Castle, Lulworth, Dorset, BH20 5QS, England MAP
£190 weekend camping from Thursday
Daily capacity: 10,000

Camp Bestival has announced it's literary programme which includes over 50 speakers, authors, poets, journalists, scientists, philosophers, kids' writers, illustrators and foodies in the Guardian Literary Institute.

around the festival site (2)
The Guardian Literary Institute is situated in the Kids Garden at the festival and promises a grown-up, relaxed sofas bedecked arena in which to explore ideas, philosophise, ponder, chat to the authors and speakers, and perhaps pick up a copy of a signed book.

Organiser Rob da Bank said, "Well here we go again with another bumper crop of literary folk for Camp Bestival 2013 - delving into the brains, minds and inner recesses of many of the country’s greatest authors, poets and speakers with another bountiful mix of the well-known nestled along unsung heroes of their craft. I live my life surrounded by music and noise so the Guardian Literary Institute is always a welcome break from the hubbub of the festival and I normally learn more in 30 minutes there than in the rest of my year. See you on the sofas!"

The spoken word programme is curated once again by Scroobius Pip who has invited Kate Tempest, Polarbear, and aloso n the bill are Mr Gee, Josh Idehen, Raymond Antrobus, Adam Kammerling, Deanna Rodger, Simon Mole, Paul Cree, James Massiah, Chimene Suleyman, Bridget Minamore, as well as showcases of breaking young talent with poetry collectives Elephant, Early Doors and Roundhouse.

The author line-up includes two special one-off events. 'Bestselling Women's Hour' beings together female novelists Adele Parks, Lisa Jewell, Emily Barr and Anna Maxted. Whilst Granta host their Best of Young British Novelists for live interview and readings with Joanna Kavenna, Ben Markovits, and Ross Raisin.

Festival regular Howard Marks, returns his brand new spoken word show 'Scholar, Smuggler, Prisoner, Scribe'.

The traditional 'How To' series of talks return and include How to fly with Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards, How to present with Jo Whiley, How to handle a riot with human rights activist Trevor Phillips, How to play a baddie with Charlie Brooks (Janine in Eastenders), How to interview with the Guardian's Simon Hattenstone, How to collect songs with Sam Lee, How to open a restaurant with Martin Morales, How philosophy can inmprove your life, How to stargaze with astronomer Marek Kakula, and wilderness experts Rob and Leo explain How to be wild.

Elsewhere the RSA will be presenting talks exploring ideas for an enlightened society including Kevin Fong taking a journey around the human body, and Bidisha exploring the potential of political protest and activism. Plus Andrew Simms will be calling to 'Cancel the Apocalypse', Amber Marks considers 'Wonderland & Justice', Caspar Henderson looks into 'Barely Imagined Beings', and Angela Clarke reveals the darkest secrets of the world of fashion in 'Confessions of a Fashionista'.

Camp Bestival's audience also have a chance to participate, bringing their own tasty trbats to the Bake-Off judged by Lily Vanilli, or join in quizzes, penned by Guardian brainiacs, John Harris (Rock'n'Roll Quiz)), Sam Wollaston (TV Quiz) and Catherin Shoard (Film Quiz), taking place each evening at dusk.

Each morning will start with 'Wake Up with the Guardian' sessions with live commentary of the papers and a roundup of the day ahead hosted by Simon Hattenstone, Catherine Shoard and John Harris, who will be joined by some familiar festival faces.

Of course it being a children friendly festival kids aren't left out with a host of children's authors and illustrators installed at the Dingly Dell Story Den; these include Sam Lloyd and her Monster Mates, Laura Dockrill's tales of Darcy Burdock, Guy Bass's stories of Stitch Head and Jonny Duddle's pirate doodles, Guy Parker-Rees 'Giraffes Can't Dance, plus Kate O'Hearn, Erica Jane Waters, Simon Bartram, and Craig Green, with many more sharing their tales and talents with the young folk of Camp Bestival. Julia Eccleshare in the meantime will host a kids book surgery.

At night, the woods will come alive with fire and dragons, with a specially written story broadcast on headphones whilst festivalgoers explore the trail in the trees, and the Story Den hosts shadow puppets who will bring storytellers night time tales to life.

On site there's a chance to buy books from all the authors appearing at the festival, as well as get them signed after the talks and readings. Plus Martin Brown, illustrator of Horrible Histories, will be popping in for a very special book signing to take place at the Big Top following the Barmy Britain show on Sunday.

These luminaries join a line-up with headliners Richard Hawley on Friday, Levellers on Saturday, and Labrinth on Sunday, plus a diversity of acts including I Am Kloot, Ash, DJ Fresh, Kid Creole and the Coconuts, Mad Professor, The Polyphonic Spree, The Farm, The Wurzels, The Correspondents, and many more. Click here to see all of the line-up details to-date.

Camp Bestival is all about bringing back the British Holiday Camp... Bestival style! A place where Hi de Hi camping capers meet the spirit of early festivals and as well as entertainment, comedy, and literature. There will be a full programme music over multiple stages, plus other entertainment including comedy, arts & crafts, spoken word, dance, and more.

Camp Bestival are offering a new 10 week payment plan for Thursday and Friday entry weekend tickets which means that an adult ticket can now be bought at a payment of £18 per week (£18 per week for Friday entry) over 10 weekly payments.

An adult weekend ticket with camping is priced at £180 or £190 if camping from Thursday, a weekend with camping child ticket for those aged 15 to 17 years (on 01/08/2013) is priced at £113 with camping on Thursday. A weekend with camping child ticket for those children aged 11 to 14 years (on 01/08/2013) is priced at £98.

All teens (aged 11 to 17) MUST camp in the same area as their families with a maximum of 2 teens per adult (over the age of 30). All children aged under-11 years (on 01/08/2013) can attend for free (but MUST HAVE a ticket). These ticket holders must be accompanied by a Ticket holding parent or guardian over the age of 21.

An advance car parking pass is priced £11 per car (or £15 cash on arrival), and campervan ticket is £72 per vehicle.

To buy tickets now, click here.

Spread across the Castle Field, Kids Garden, Big Top, Bollywood, Black Dahlia, East Lulworth Literary Institute, the festival offers family entertainment, sideshow attractions and more. There's a huge Kids Area filled with things to keep little ones of all ages entertained all day long. Plus Lulworth Castle has its very own Animal Farm where the kids can get up close to their super-friendly animals.

Camp Bestival 2013 takes place from Thursday 1st to Sunday 4th August, at the picturesque setting of Lulworth Castle, set against the backdrop of the Jurassic coastline in Dorset.



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