Virgin's Guide: Camp Bestival

Photo: Camp Bestival

The festival circuit has seen a steady increase in the number of family festivals over the summer season. Undoubtedly the daddy of family festivals (sorry) has to be Camp Bestival. Lovingly curated by festival geniuses Rob and Josie Da Bank, Camp Bestival has become something of the gold standard in its field.

The pair's other event Bestival has become renowned for being one of the biggest, friendliest, most eccentric events of the summer. Thankfully, they have brought that expressive philosophy over to Camp Bestival too, adding a whole host of family friendly, kid oriented stuff to keep people of all ages thoroughly entertained throughout its four day duration. See some of that in the highlights from last year below.

The very idea of a castle campsite by the sea is as magical as you're likely to encounter, in fact, the entire four days worth of goings on aims to perpetuate this fairy tale aesthetic throughout.

This is certainly a family festival. One thing to be conscious of is the fact that a large number of festival attendees will be children. Whilst there is plenty to do that appeals to all folks of all ages, it's worth bearing in mind that a certain level of mindfulness of others is recommended. Those looking for a full on weekend of hedonism will be fairly disappointed - remember this diligently back in the campsites.

Besides the music policy (which we’ll get to in a minute), there is a thoroughly comprehensive program of comedy, theatre, shows, attractions, activities, poetry, talks, art, and genuinely fantastic food.

Kids Activities

A large section of the festival site is devoted to the little 'uns with the Upper Kid's Garden on the lawn behind the castle particularly suited to giving them a bit of freedom to cavort and explore. The list is almost endless, with regular appearances from the likes of Dick and Dom adding a bit of star magic to proceedings. 

With everything from medieval jousting and free sports to face painting and interactive workshops, Camp Bestival is literally bulging with stuff to keep your sprogs happy (see some of that below). We recommend having a good look through the billing to help you plan.

Stuff For Adults

You could be forgiven for thinking that Camp Bestival is more focused on kids than adults, but you'd still be very wrong. There are a ridiculous amount of things taking place for the more mature in years - from well known headline artists on the main stage to the more esoteric offerings dotted around the rest of the castle grounds, the music line up, as you'd expect from Rob Da Bank is discerning, intelligent, and great fun.

A myriad of poets, authors, and speakers also take to Lulworth castle, covering everything from pregnancy to the space race, via Turner Prize winning art. Check out the full line up here.

Bits of Advice

We recommend planning specifically to catch a couple of things a day, do a bit of research before you go to find out who is on and where.

Saying that, as is often the case with festivals, the majority of fun will be had wandering around and discovering some of the most exciting and obscure novelties that have been put together by the Da Banks. Being terrifically geared towards capturing the imagination, Camp Bestival is a festival that will win your heart, making return visits a definite.

As for festival tips, one that springs to mind is to bring along earplugs for sleeping. With so many kids around, you're likely to be woken up at 6am by a cacophony of rising children.

Additionally, we'd add your usual festival advice, bring decent shoes, boots or wellies. Even if the weather is glorious, it's a massive site and can be a fair trek from your tent to the main arena. There are areas to charge your phone up, but they can be costly, so bring a backup if possible.

And finally...

Aimed at a generation of young parents, still young enough to want to enjoy themselves, but with the added responsibility of parenthood, Camp Bestival gets the balance just right. And with so much being for kids, the festival has a uniquely lovely relaxed, non-threatening atmosphere that is an absolute joy to be a part of.

Get your Camp Bestival tickets through Skiddle

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