There’s plenty of mainstream magical moments to be had at Bestival’s Summer of Love, but for those with a more curious nature, seeking out adventure in the far flung corners of Robin Hill can bring rich rewards.
With lashings of electro swing, gypsy punk, Latin vibes and so much more, only the foolish would pass up the opportunity to lose themselves in Pig’s Big Ballroom, Caravanserai and Club Dada, where the unusual is a certainty and Bestival’s underbelly comes to life.
Bestival’s original party starter, Rob da Bank says:
“The Underbelly of the beast that is Bestival is my favourite place to be. Away from the madding crowds these are some of the best venues of any festival, with truly alternative and underground sounds and Caravanserai might just be the coolest looking stage at any festival. Come on down.”
Programmed by Greg’s Greats and the uniquely analogue Shellac Collective, Pig’s Big Ballroom is dedicated to the memory of the late great John Peel and rocks a surprisingly danceable selection of Rhythm and Blues, 30s Dance Band, Swing, Skiffle, Jazz, African, Latin, Calypso, Rock-a-billy and Rock and Roll 78s. There will be live music from Gary Williams and the Sinatra Jukebox, The Happy Skifflers, The Long Insiders, Mary Jean Lewis & the Starlight Boys, The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing and gramophone madness from the likes of Auntie Maureen, Brother Graham’s Hayride, The Coconutters and Flutter and Wow, plus many more.
Caravanserai, the brainchild of the mighty Monsieur Bateman and family is held together by a tribe of travelling musicians, performers and freaks. This year the much admired Continental Drifts will bring über-fat brass, Gypsy madness and words & weirds to the table. Expect live performances from Animal Noise, Bomba Titinka, The Carny Villains, Dila V. & The Odd Beats, Keltrix, King Lagoon’s Flying Swordfish Dance Band and Madame Barducci can be expected.
DJ action will come courtesy of Adewale, Arnivore, Big Swing Soundsystem, Chris Tofu, CatJam, Daniel Peppit, El Gadzé, Jonny Antrobus and Penny Metal, plus there will be off the wall escapades from Cirque Bijou, Flame Proof Moth and KaraUke.
Club Dada began in the heady days of Glastonbury’s Lost Vagueness with blisteringly different, jumping festival music. Now in its gorgeous Spiegeltent home in the heart of Bestival and organized with respect to maximum festival vibes by Chris Tofu and the team at Continental Drifts, get ready for a heady, halcyon, horn-filled summer jump up. There will be madcap music from A Ray Of Charles, The After Hours Quintet, Bomba Titinka, Dila V. & The Odd Beats and more.
There will be Daily Discos and for the first time ever, the Dance-Off crew will bring their unique blend of tunes, audience participation and theatre to Bestival. A massive hit across the UK, this is a glorious jump around across lots of different dance styles but always with a humorous and participatory vibe.
For more information visit www.bestival.net.
BESTIVAL TICKET LINKS & INFORMATION:
www.ticketline.co.uk/bestival-tickets, 0844 888 4410
Adult Ticket £195.00
Student Ticket £185.00
Teen (13-17) Ticket £130.00
Child (12 & under) Ticket Free (BUT you MUST obtain a ticket)
Campervan Ticket £92.50
Adult Wild Copse Ticket £325.00
Teen Wild Copse Ticket £165.00
Caravan £105.00
Car Park £15.00
