Camp Bestival to sizzle this summer

Image courtesy of Camp Bestival

Summertime 2017 is set to be one of the biggest ever as far as festival frivolities are concerned, with Camp Festival (27-30 July) expected to reign supreme for its 10th year running.  

A family festival at its heart, (but please don’t let this put you off if you don’t have any small creatures of your own), Camp Bestival is a wonderland that keeps on giving across three days of fun-filled festival deliciousness, suitable for all ages and musical tastes. The line up is tantalising. The beautiful grounds of Lulworth Castle are spectacular. The world’s biggest disco ball will be there. The locally sourced food is going to be sublime and hopefully the British weather will be on our side, too.
 
This will be my second time attending this festival and even while I’m writing this preview, the acts and DJs that are appearing give me goosebumps. 
 
The line up
 
Headlining Friday night is Grammy and Brit Award winner Mark Ronson, one of Britain’s most successful musicians who continues to set the music industry alight. His collaboration with Bruno Mars on Uptown Funk was the biggest selling tune of 2014 and the fourth most viewed video of all time on YouTube!
 
Saturday sees 80s 2-Tone ska legends and comedic Londoners Madness, who will be performing their 15 top 10 greatest hits, ensuring a party on stage.
 
But the best is saved for Sunday night where Leftfield will celebrate the 22nd anniversary of their ground-breaking album Leftism. This is expected to be an emotional moment for all hardy electronic fans and will be set against the backdrop of a fireworks finale.
 
And if that’s not enough, The Beach Boys’ front man supremo Brian Wilson will present Pet Sounds also on Sunday evening during the sunset. Released back in 1966, Pet Sounds remains one of the greatest pieces of experimental music of all time and shouldn’t be missed.
 
Additional acts over the weekend include All Saints, The Cuban Brothers, The Christians and T'Pau. Sing-along moments and childhood memories will be a-plenty.
 
From a dance point of view – which is very close to my heart – Good Times maestro Norman Jay MBE will be playing along with Rob da Bank, Raindance DJs, Altern-8, Billy Daniel Bunter, Shades of Rhythm and Liquid. I think I might pass out when Liquid plays Sweet Harmony live! It’s my favourite track from way back in 1992.
 
BBC Radio 2’s Sara Cox will also be playing an assortment of 80s nostalgia with Clint Boon from the Inspiral Carpets and Bez from the Happy Mondays taking us back to the glory days of Indie gems. To end each night, the amazing Silent Disco will ensure smiles all round.
 
Something for everyone to enjoy
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This year, the theme is Pop Stars and Rock Stars and the festival organisers thoroughly encourage getting you involved with dressing up.
 
Other activities taking place during the festival include comedy, kids entertainment, massage, creative workshops, gourmet cuisine and family friendly storytelling to spark your imagination. Plus Son Et Lumière Castle Fireworks, The world's biggest bouncy castle, giant kids’ disco with the world’s largest disco ball, the travelling barn, Bollywood, Dingly Dell, Art Town, Freesports park, science tent, Sunday Best Record Shop, wall of death, The Blue Coats' Clubhouse, dressing up area, fancy dress parade, pimp my trolley & beard and moustache competition, face painting tent, maypole dancing, Morris dancers, and the soft play tent for the under 5s ensure that no one will go home bored.
 
I’ll be bringing you the latest news; photos and videos live from Camp Bestival on social media throughout the weekend, so follow me on Instagram mrbenricci and destinationdelicious for regular updates.
 
Camp Bestival takes places between 27-30July at Lulworth Castle in Dorset.  For more information visit http://www.campbestival.net/ and buy tickets from Ticketline.
 
Ben Ricci