Bestival first hit the Isle of White back in late summer 2004. It has been taking place every year since, in a small country park called 'Robin Hill'. The event is organized by BBC Radio 1 leftfield DJ Rob da Bank and is an off-shoot of his Sunday Best record label and club nights. The event is also spearheaded by Creative Director and Rob's wife Josie da Bank and co founders / partners John and Ziggy from Get Involved.
At 2004's inaugural event, 10,000 people turned out in their droves. Since then attendance has rocketed and last year's event welcomed 17,000 festivalgoer's. 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!
The general ethos of Bestival is that not only is it significantly smaller than the Isle of White Festival, it is considered more alternative and diverse, offering a large selection of vegetarian foods; a dressing up tent and a 'secret stage'.
The festivals fancy dress themed days are a firm favourite with visitors. In 2005, an attempt was even made to set the Guinness World Record for most people in fancy dress at any one event! The festival is also heavily involved in supporting social, political and environmental causes. The 2006 Bestival featured Brian Eno backing a stop the Iraq war campaign. Bestival also aims to be Carbon neutral, not only via Carbon offsetting but also by reducing forms of other waste and emissions.
Given its alternative, non corporate feel, Bestival is often described as a "boutique festival". It is also well known for launching odd and innovative ideas, including an inflatable church where people can get married. Other unique 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. This year's Bestival is set to take place over two days at the end of the Summer, on the 11th and 12th of September.
Looking for more festival content, then check out our summer festival guide [http://www.handbag.com/entertainment/Summer-Festival-Guide-2009/microsite] at handbag.com
At 2004's inaugural event, 10,000 people turned out in their droves. Since then attendance has rocketed and last year's event welcomed 17,000 festivalgoer's. 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!
The general ethos of Bestival is that not only is it significantly smaller than the Isle of White Festival, it is considered more alternative and diverse, offering a large selection of vegetarian foods; a dressing up tent and a 'secret stage'.
The festivals fancy dress themed days are a firm favourite with visitors. In 2005, an attempt was even made to set the Guinness World Record for most people in fancy dress at any one event! The festival is also heavily involved in supporting social, political and environmental causes. The 2006 Bestival featured Brian Eno backing a stop the Iraq war campaign. Bestival also aims to be Carbon neutral, not only via Carbon offsetting but also by reducing forms of other waste and emissions.
Given its alternative, non corporate feel, Bestival is often described as a "boutique festival". It is also well known for launching odd and innovative ideas, including an inflatable church where people can get married. Other unique 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. This year's Bestival is set to take place over two days at the end of the Summer, on the 11th and 12th of September.
Looking for more festival content, then check out our summer festival guide [http://www.handbag.com/entertainment/Summer-Festival-Guide-2009/microsite] at handbag.com