Bestival 2017 review - Our best bits

Image: The Temple at Bestival (Credit: Georgina Harrison)

2017 saw the beloved Bestival festival move to a new site, Lulworth Castle in Dorset. A welcome change to those who live on the mainland (after many a ferry trip), the new location promised all the magic of previous years, in a more accessible location with unparalleled beauty. 

Within the extended grounds of a spectacular castle, some of the finest names in music from across the board conquered stages both established and new, as the theme of 'colour' transformed the fields into a kaleidoscope of hues for a weekend of dancing, exploring and expression. We've rounded up some of our favourite moments from this year's edition... 

Job Jobse at Bollywood

Thursday night saw Bestival's iconic Bollywood come to life once again, with the indoor structure complete with the signature Indian draping, hanging lanterns and immersive red, pink and green decor, creating the perfect backdrop for one of our favourite dance music moments of the weekend. 

Dekmantel favourite Job Jobse delivered a sensational set, filled with disco groovers and acid gems, with standout moments coming when he played Late Nite Tuff Guy's edit of 'Controversy' (watch above), plus a remix of Kylie Minogue's 'Can't Get You Out Of My Head' and Moloko's 'Sing It Back' - irresistible crowd pleasers which worked wonders for our Bestival warm up. 

Loop Spinning Raves

Image Credit: Mike Massaro

We were lured into a practically unmarked container which was blasting out quality house music, intrigued by whatever might be inside, and we wouldn't have ever guessed the contents correctly - it was a full spin class, complete with club lighting and a DJ at the front next to the instructor.

Wonderfully unexpected and unashamedly fun, you could jump on a bike and stay on for as long as you liked, and get as sweaty as you wanted. Loop was created especially for Slow Motion by Tim Weeks and is all about making exercise part of modern culture and society. If our local gym had this, we'd definitely go more often...

The Temple Stage at dusk

What a stage for @jasperjames_ at @Bestival 🌈👏🏼 pic.twitter.com/R2C8cKU1zW

— Skiddle (@skiddle) September 10, 2017

The Temple Stage is one of Bestival's most impressive spectacles. With a similar theme as the Bollywood stage, the regal structure boasts mesmerising rainbow detailing, complete with peacocks, elephants, spiral lighting and next-level pyrotechnics. 

On Saturday, as the rain finally cleared up, the sky turned to shades of candy floss pink and baby blue behind The Temple, the contrast of bright fuscias and oranges against the pastels, it was Jasper James soundtracking with some powerful house and techno offerings. The ultimate start to a night of mischief. 

A Tribe Called Quest's emotional farewell

We were lucky enough to see what turned out to be @ATCQ's last ever show after over 30 years together 🙏🏻 #Bestival2017 pic.twitter.com/ycCnl2tsmI

— Skiddle (@skiddle) September 10, 2017

As one of the festival's main line up pulls this year, headliners ATCQ drew in one of the biggest crowds of the weekend. It was an almighty show from the group, one that was made even more poignant by the announcement that it would be their final ever show, something that fans may have seen coming following the recent cancellations of gigs.

The performance was suitably dedicated and geared towards the late, great Phife Dog, who sadly passed away in March of last year.  

Reminders of love and togetherness

Image Credit: Victor Frankowski

On the Castle main stage, both The xx and Dizzee Rascal took their opportunities to get a message out to the masses - that although we're living in scary and uncertain times, there's a huge gathering of people right here who want to enjoy themselves and express love. It was goosebumps all round, and a reminder that no matter how bad things get, festivals are crucial in offering escapism and a haven for like-minded music lovers. 

Stacey's

Our @Bestival blues have kicked in... we want to be back dancing with @mrscruff1 at Stacey's ❤️ pic.twitter.com/NCyjBXjObp

— Skiddle (@skiddle) September 12, 2017

Home of good times, Stacey's is everything you want from a soul, funk and disco club. Quintessentially British looking, the indoor space is reminiscent of 60s and 70s clubs, with it's red floor, twirling disco balls and smoke machine. It was one of our favourite spaces, and it was made all the more special by a brilliant set from Mr Scruff on Saturday night which took us into the early hours of Sunday morning. 

Check out the last of 2017's festivals plus next year's events