What’s in a name? Novelty puns? Simple branding? Or perhaps one word that utterly represents exactly what an event has in store? Yes, that’s it!
2018 was my first taste of Bestival despite knowing of its grand reputation for years, not least due to its association with Music Industry legend Rob Da Bank. After years based in Isle of Wight, Bestival made its move last year to the Lulworth Estate in Dorset where its (younger) sister event ‘Camp Bestival’ resided.
And what a ridiculous part of the UK it is indeed. The festival aside, being in that part of the World again was a real joy. It’s so easy to get overwhelmed by London’s concrete jungle, so when one finally finds the actual jungle (well… Dorset’s lush rolling green hills) it was like breathing in fresh air for the first time (probably because of London’s smog to be fair).
First Thoughts
I want to start off by thanking the amazing Bestival press team who were really wonderful before and during the event. I’ve been lucky enough to get invited to a lot of festivals, gigs and events over the years but it’s rare to be welcomed into the family in quite the same manner as Bestival did, so thanks team!
Bestival felt intimate despite it’s spacious grounds. It felt familiar, despite it being my first time, like I was going to be reunited with a whole host of my best pals to experience the weekend together.
Arriving on the Saturday, I would’ve firmly believed anyone if they were to say that attendees, in full circus get up (as was the theme for 2018), had been partying non-stop in their illuminating regalia since doors opened midweek.
The atmosphere was probably the most friendly I’ve ever come across at a festival. Carefree, constant laughs and a beautiful range of people from young to young at heart. The same could be said about backstage. Often, backstage can feel like a battle to one-up peers, but not here – perhaps it was the backstage Nandos.
Highlights
I could talk about so many artists here (I won’t) but incredibly honorable mentions must go to Grace Jones(who I knew was going to be great but really blew me out the water), First Aid Kit (who’s impassioned speech calling out sexism really connected) and Chaka Khan (because, I mean, it’s Chaka Khan).
Months have passed but I am still talking about 2 artists: M.I.A and Plan B.
In closing
I’m well aware of how lucky I am to attend festivals and have the lifestyle that I do. It is something I could never imagine when I was younger but I’m so fixated on sharing the truth, the knowledge and delivering any positivity to others that I can, especially to upcoming musicians or music professionals. I know how hard it is to get into this business, I know how hard it is to find the right people to connect with and I know many passionate people quit before they get their chance in music, so while I get the opportunity to do what I do, I promise to always share every ounce of advice or behind the scenes story as I can – it’s the least I can do.
Photos and videos from Bestival are up on my Instagram, I will always share content on Facebook, Twitterand Instagram to give a glimpse of what’s behind the magic curtain, whether good or bad (it’s often not as glamourous as you think it is) but in the case of Bestival, there’s not a bad word to be said.
If you have any questions about Bestival or the work I do, I am always up for conversation by message, email or in person, so don’t be a stranger.
Bestival is long gone for 2018 but I’m sure preparation for 2019 has already begun and I can’t recommend Bestival enough to you. Not just the incredible lineup of music or the fancy dress theme or the beautiful scenery but for the community of people, the air around the place, it’s exactly what you wish a music festival could be and more.
Bestival - the best festival, so see you there in 2019 yeah?
