Bestival

The Bestival is a music festival on the Isle of Wight, England. It is held annually in late summer since 2004 in a small country park called 'Robin Hill'. The event is organized by Rob da Bank and is an off-shoot of his Sunday Best record label and club nights. The Isle of Wight was chosen for many reasons as the site of the Bestival, primarily due to its notable natural beauty. It is also known that the Isle of Wight holds more carnivals per capita than anywhere else in the United Kingdom.

Around the same time frame, the Isle of Wight Festival was also started on the island. Besides being generally smaller, there are several qualities that make the Bestival different. It is considered more alternative and diverse, offering a large selection of vegetarian foods; a dressing up tent and 'secret stages'. In 2005, an attempt was made to set the Guinness World Record for most people in fancy dress at any one event.

The festival is heavily involved in supporting social, political and environmental causes. The 2006 Bestival featured Brian Eno backing a stop the Iraq war campaign. The Bestival also aims to be Carbon neutral, not only via Carbon offsetting but also by reducing forms of other waste and emissions.

The Bestival is often described as a "boutique festival" due to its non-corporate feel. It is also known for piloting odd and innovative ideas, including an inflatable church where people can get married. Other features include the "Breastival", a quiet Yurt designated for mothers and their breast feeding children. The local Women's Institute has also been involved by providing refreshments for a minimal price.

Bestival Details

Bestival 2004

2004 - Basement Jaxx, Fatboy Slim, Zero 7, The Bees, Mylo, Lee 'Scratch' Perry, Mista Mushroom, Subgiant

Bestival 2005

"Attendance" - 15,000

2005 - Röyksopp, The Magic Numbers, Super Furry Animals, 2manydjs, The Go! Team, Soulwax, Saint Etienne

* Voted the "Best (Medium-sized) Festival" and the "Most Innovative Festival" at the 2005 UK Festival Awards.

Bestival 2006

"Attendance" - 17,000

2006 - Gogol Bordello, Pet Shop Boys, Scissor Sisters, Amadou & Mariam, Brakes, Devendra Banhart, Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, , Good Shoes, Hot Chip, iLiKETRAiNS, Jim Noir, John Martyn, Kid Creole & The Coconuts, Klaxons, Lily Allen, Mystery Jets, Scritti Politti, The Cuban Brothers, The Fall, The Long Blondes, The Pipettes, The Stranglers and The Sunshine Underground.

* Voted the "Best (Medium-sized) Festival" at the 2006 UK Festival Awards.

Bestival 2007

September 7 - September 9

2007 - Beastie Boys, The Chemical Brothers, Primal Scream, Madness, Gregory Isaacs, The Levellers, The Orb, The Gossip, Kate Nash, Jack Penate, Patrick Wolf, Billy Bragg, The Maccabees, Dub Pistols, Calvin Harris, Friendly Fires and The Shakes.

* Voted the "Best (Medium-sized) Festival" at the 2007 UK Festival Awards.

Bestival 2008

September 5 - September 7

2008 - My Bloody Valentine, Amy Winehouse, Underworld, Aphex Twin, CSS, Hot Chip, Will Young, The Coral, Sam Sparro, Get Cape. Wear Cape. Fly, Alphabeat, Black Kids, Sugarhill Gang, The Breeders, George Clinton, Gary Numan, The Human League, Grace Jones, The Specials, Dan Le Sac Vs Scroobius Pip and 808 State.

External links

* [http://www.bestivaltickets.co.uk/ Bestival Tickets]
* [http://www.warnfestivals.co.uk/bestival/ Warnfestivals Bestival Page]
* [http://www.bestival.net/ Bestival Website]
* [http://www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/bestival/2008/ eFestivals Bestival Page]
* [http://www.musictowers.com/features/ViewArticle1717.aspx Music Towers Bestival Review]
* [http://www.bbc.co.uk/hampshire/entertainment/music/festivals/bestival/ BBC Hampshire coverage]