Live Review

Camp Bestival – Lulworth Castle, Dorset

• 15th Aug 2010

Camp Bestival, a three day, family friendly festival set against the stunning backdrop of Lulworth Castle. It accomodates for all, from the legendary performers to the Bollywood rave tent, any age can have fun and fun can be had throughout the day.

As I arrived on Friday after a long coach journey, and another long journey through tents, I could tell that I wouldn’t be bored. A skate park had been constructed and the dj was knocking out tunes like Nirvana and Blink 182, then across the way you come to a giant buckaroo and children activities, the two contrasting events working so well together. I think that was the best thing about the festival, the variety of things to do. I spent the weekend wandering around the site, visiting the house of fairies, the petting zoo, chilling out to spoken word and comedy, then dancing the night away to an eclectic mix of music.

On Friday I was treated to the soothing notes of Stornoway, where a eager crowd in the Big Top waited through an hour of technical difficulties just to catch the Oxford group, and they didn’t disappoint. Definitely a memorable moment for the weekend, with crowd favourites such as ‘I saw you blink’ and ‘Zorbing’ capturing the crowd. Set finished and a quick walk to the Castle Stage, I managed to catch Tinie Tempah playing his new single and of course, finishing with ‘Pass out’ which was a pleaser, but he cut the track a lot to let the crowd sing along, so the mood was slightly broken. After a quick toilet queue and a few awakening songs from oldie rockers, The Fall, it was time for the Bollywood tent where partying and dancing is to be had. Crowds of teenagers massed here, some opting to brave the sweaty crowds inside, other choosing to relax on the beds scattered around outside, either way, you were likely to meet new people and have a good time. Jim Jefferies and Tim Minchin also stole the night, with Jefferies offering hilarious banter with the crowd and Minchin performing his sarcastic anecdotes and comedic songs from his piano.

Saturday gave us The Blockheads, they’re set was energetic and gave all that was expected, playing the classic such as ‘Hit me with your rhythm stick’. However I was left feeling slightly disappointed that it wasn’t Ian Dury jerking around the stage, and instead it was a man trying so hard to mimic Dury’s character, however successful he was, it still wasn’t the same as what my parents got to witness. Ellie Goulding performed to her best, engaging with the audience more so than she has in the past. ‘Guns and Horses’ and ‘Starry Eyed’ were the definitely the best, mainly due to the crowds reception, but also because of the passion Goulding put into the songs. After hearing Calvin Harris had been moved to sunday, we were left to wait for the highlight of the weekend; Madness.

The crowd gathered, huddling around the small Castle Stage, everyone discussing what song they would start with. I was right of course, and the start up of ‘One Step Beyond’ boomed out whilst the gang piled onto the stage. I must admit, the crowd of middle aged youths looked at me questioningly when I shouted the words to ‘Hey you don’t watch that watch this…’ to perfection. Each song was delivered and accepted with excitement and energy, and everyone was elated throughout the set, coming together during ‘Must be love’ and skanking to ‘Baggy Trousers’, there was a real sense of unity. Madness definitely took Camp Bestival by storm, giving the best performance of the weekend. The rest of night involved the Silent Disco, with Rob da Bank winning with his variety of tunes against Sombrero Sound System.

Waking up on Sunday morning I thought nothing could beat Saturday and that I might as well go home, but after a helping of pimped out mash and a session in the House of Fairies photobooth, I was ready for the day. Mr Scruff, a dj who has inspired the like of fatboy slim, played a four hour long set, of which every second was amazing. I salute you Mr Scruff. Next up, The Wurzels! Definitely one of the best parts of the weekend where everyone enjoyed themselves by line dancing and simply watching the group of drunk old men having the time of their lives. The best part was definitely the finish, a remix of ‘Combine Harvester’ which got everyone dancing and jumping, and even caused the main singer to strip down to his thong, a sight everyone wanted to see…

A tired crowd got woken up by Friendly Fires, who got everyone dancing along with the very skilled Ed Mac. All ages were joined in who had the best dance moves, each one trying to be better than the other. After dancing their hearts out to the likes of ‘Jump in the pool’ and ‘Skeleton Boy’, the crowd dispersed in search of three options; Sleep, Food or Dancing. I chose dancing, mainly because I wanted to see what The Countryside Alliance Crew had to offer, which was alot. They got the Bollywood crowd moving to they’re parodies of chart hits, turning American Boy to Arable Boy, and Wearing my Rolex to Wearing my Thermals. Even though it was hard to sing along to, It was, all in all, a good way to end the weekend.