Camp Bestival is truly the UK’s ultimate family festival – for kids of all ages.
Combining world-class music, endless activities, wellbeing experiences and seaside holiday vibes, the event delivers every year on its promise of being far more than a music festival.
With 30,000 festival-goers arriving at the beautiful Lulworth Castle in Dorset on Thursday, the annual event celebrated the biggest opening day in the festival’s history in the glorious sunshine.
Camp Bestival continues to prove that no one does family entertainment quite like Rob and Josie da Bank.
A huge shout out must go to the couple who work tirelessly to ensure that thousands of families enjoy and create treasured memories they’ll never forget.
The moto of the festival is ‘We Are Family‘ and that’s a key part of the reason this reviewer heads back every year – the friendliness, passion and love which goes into this festival each year is tangible.
It truly does feel magical returning every year.
Regardless of whether you’re young or old, or whether you have a disability, there was something for everyone – without the overwhelming feeling often associated with larger music festivals we cover here at Summer Festival Guide.
Friday
Friday began in energetic style with a ‘Wake Up & Workout‘ session from lock-down favourite Joe Wicks and his wife.
Traitors star Joe Marler appeared in the ‘Library’ later in the afternoon, but due to the size of the crowd, we headed back to the main stage. Indie favourites Toploader also ensured the sunshine soundtrack continued throughout the afternoon – playing their big hit ‘Dancing In The Moonlight.’
Later in the evening, Billy Ocean delivered yet another masterclass, with crowd-pleasing hits, proving why he remains such a beloved performer. We’ve seen him three times in the past month and Billy continues to look and sound as sharp as ever.
The day belonged to Summer Festival Guide favourites Self Esteem however – from singer Rebecca Lucy Taylor reading a bedtime story in the CBeebies tent in the afternoon, through to their headline set on the Castle Stage, the performers mixed empowering pop anthems with moments of vulnerability – it was clear they’ll be headlining many more events in the future.
Having starred in the West-End hit Cabaret, it was a powerful performance from Self Esteem, with theatrical flair (and at times some risqué moments which may have taught the younger fans in the audience a thing or two, with their song ‘69‘ – say no more!)
Saturday
The young crowds came out early to welcome their hero and Camp Bestival regular Mr Tumble – confetti flew and the crowds never seem to tire of this timeless entertainer.
Dick and Dom, won over many new fans who probably weren’t even born when the duo were on the BBC in ‘da bungalow’, but some things remain funny to kids, such as their classic ‘bogies‘ rivalry games.
Summer Festival Guide favourite The Cuban Brothers took to the stage in the late afternoon, with singer Miguelito supported ably by DJ Kenny ‘the Pasta’, and John Travolta lookalike Domenico – this trio are a must-see and are always a highlight of the festival, even if some of their language and adult humour was toned down due to all the children present.
Finishing their set in only a bird-shaped thong, Miguelito attempted to lead the crowd in the world’s largest conga, but unfortunately the stage went silent as he began his snake-charmer motions towards Lulworth Castle.
Later in the evening, Example kickstarted the Castle Stage into a giant outdoor party, closing his set with his huge hit and Youtube smash ‘Changed The Way You Kissed Me.’
Saturday provided two of the defining moments of the weekend.
Notably the fancy-dress theme this year was ‘At The Seaside‘ – the crowd certainly impressed, with a range of lifeguard costumes, blue and pink sharks, killer whales, as well as many in Baywatch outfits (and possibly some regretting their warm costumes in the beautiful sun.)
Returning to the stage after a two-year hiatus, Bastille closed the evening with a triumphant headline performance packed with singalong classics. The appearance of Bluey during the set encapsulated everything Camp Bestival does so well – creating magical moments that delight both children and adults at the same time.
Sunday
Sunday’s finale was equally memorable.
From Fat Tony demonstrating why he’s a worldwide DJ for the likes of Madonna, Jay-Z and even Brooklyn Beckham’s wedding, to De La Soul bringing their daisy-age hip-hop and skits to the Castle Stage, today’s line up all supported another superstar, Mr Norman Cook.
Better known as Fatboy Slim, there was a suitably eclectic and joyful close to proceedings.
Mixing songs from Stevie Wonder’s incredible ‘As‘, The Killers ‘Mr Brightside‘ and even Radiohead making an appearance with ‘Everything In It’s Right Place‘, it was a masterful display, with lasers lighting up the sky.
Fatboy Slim’s appearance dressed as ‘fish and chips’ perfectly captured the playful spirit that runs through every aspect of the festival.
The weekend culminated in a spectacular fireworks and light display over Lulworth Castle – each year, the lighting is spectacular, and this year the theme mixed classic tunes from Moana, Baby Shark, and appropriately finished with ‘Right Here, Right Now’.
There is no other place we’d rather be.
Camp Bestival remains unique and holds a special place in our hearts.
It’s a genuinely special event that mixes outstanding entertainment with warmth, creativity and a strong sense of community.
It isn’t possible to see everything in one weekend and we’ve not mentioned the allotment sessions, bread-making workshops, beekeeping classes and heritage craft activities.
We haven’t even covered many of the other incredible stages – such as the steam-punk looking Caravanserai area, the beautiful Bollywood tent, or Pig’s Big Ballroom.
Festival curator Rob da Bank sums it up better than we can: “What a ridiculously fun and sun kissed weekend we’ve had, bringing families together in proper Camp Bestival style. It’s always blows us away to see 30,000 revellers get stuck in to so many activities, dancing to the beats and bands, getting arty and active with their families across our amazing site.”
To see everything, you’ll have to come back again and get tickets for next year’s event – you really do not want to miss out.
Camp Bestival by Debenhams will take place from Thursday 29th July – Sunday 1st August 2027.
Early Bird Weekend Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday 7th August.
For more information and to buy tickets visit campbestival.net.
Words and photos: Graham Tarrant