Summer is creeping upon us and it’s nearly time to head to the fields for a weekend to remember! The UK’s favourite family festival is landing back in Lulworth Castle, Dorset (25 – 28 July 2024) with a totally out of this world lineup featuring a galaxy-bending UK festival exclusive headline performance from PETE TONG IBIZA CLASSICS – Jules Buckley & The Essential Orchestra, pop Queen Paloma Faith and everyone’s favourite McFly. James Arthur will appear as a Special Guest alongside Orbital, Scissor Sisters co-lead vocalist Jake Shears, legendary rock band The Darkness and reclaimed UK chart-topper Sophie Ellis-Bextor all descending onto the fields. Plus, explore a world of new activities including Space Camp, Parkour & Freerunning, Football Club, Figure Drawing, Wall Climbing and even Beekeeping, all included in the ticket price, highlighting the true value for money aspect of the four-day celebrations and solidifying Camp Bestival Dorset in the cosmos as the ultimate family festival experience this summer – created by families, for families. We Are Family!
Speaking on Camp Bestival Dorset’s day split announcement, Camp Bestival co-curator Rob da Bank said: “As the cold starts to recede and the rain is finally running out, we have our heads fully in July and August mode here at the Camp Bestival HQ! We have officially got the best family weekend experience ever. In fact, looking at the lineup it’s hard to choose which Camp Bestival is going to go off the most! This is your chance to treat the family to a memory making wonder world of music, fun, food and free activities. There is literally something for everyone, so don’t hang about!”
The celebrations begin on Friday 26 July with a headline performance from pop favourites McFly who will bring twenty-one years of hits to the opening evening. Festival goers will also be treated to an eclectic mix of acts on the opening day from Big Top headliners the iconic electronic duo Orbital live to the original Reggae selector David Rodigan and all-round family favouriteGok Wan. Alt rock band The Magic Numbers and hip hop star Hak Baker will also take to the stage.
Elsewhere, families can experience a jam-packed day of fun with family friendly entertainment and activities from morning to nightin the spectacular grounds of Lulworth Castle. From Hacker T Dog & Katie Thistleton, Mister Maker and Old Time Sailors plus a party set from the original family ravers, Big Fish Little Fish, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
The fun continues on Saturday as certified pop Queen Paloma Faith makes her Camp Bestival debut with a mesmerising set of back-to-back hits and families will definitely feel like dancing when Scissor Sister’s frontman Jake Shears takes to the stage on Saturday evening. The Darkness will take the crowd through their 20-plus-year music catalogue including hits such as “I Believe in a Thing Called Love”, “Love Is Only A Feeling” and *maybe* even “Christmas Time” whilst The Amy Winehouse Band will take us through the icon’s multitude of hits. Up and coming 16-year-old singer songwriter flowerovlove will also make an appearance on top of Coach Party, Dogshow, Ffion Rebecca, L Dot and Tina Edwards.
There will be plenty of smiles on faces on Saturday afternoon as the king of mischief and singalongs Mr Tumble takes to the stage with a set full of non-stop fun! Camp Bestival family favourites Dick and Dom will also appear on the second day of the festival alongside Brainiac Live as well as a second day of family raving with Big Fish Little Fish.
Bringing the festival to a close on Sunday evening with a UK festival exclusive will be PETE TONG IBIZA CLASSICS – Jules Buckley & The Essential Orchestra who will twist, turn and send everybody’s favourite dance anthems into the classical stratosphere over the four-day celebrations. Hit machine James Arthur joins Sunday’s line up as Special Guest and the discosuperstar and Camp Bestival favourite Sophie Ellis-Bextor will get the whole family singing and dancing at Lulworth Castle after landing straight back at the forefront of the cultural zeitgeist and UK-charts in 2024. Elsewhere on the line up, families can expect Roger Sanchez, Craig Charles Funk & Soul House Party, House Gospel Choir, indie kings The K’s, Dagny, Tom Aspaul, Mitch Santiago, Snayx and Bobbin amongst so many other acts and talent who will soundtrack the ultimate family festival holiday experience.
There will also be a Discoliscious takeover with Denis Van Outen & Jemma Bolt, alongside DJ sets from Dolls House, as well as Daisybelle & Carly Foxx. Acts recently added to the lineup also include Uncle Dugs, Barry Ashworth (DJ set), Ragga Twins, Rodney P and Lindy Layton. Plus, Streets OfSoul and Bristol Northern Soul Club. Alison Hammond’s son Aidan Hammond will also rock the crowds with his debut festival set this summer, as well as Downtown Kayoto, The Daniel Wakeford Experience, Mom Bop, DJ Cássia, Ronnie Joice, Nicky Coin and DJ Jamroki.
Families can also spend the ultimate family experience with a workout session with Mr Motivator, enjoy some uplifting kids raving with Junior Jungle, learn history with humour via Horrible Histories: Rotten Royals and jump into a set of outrageous fun with Camp Bestival stalwarts The Cuban Brothers.
Lovingly fashioned from classic caravans and age-old fairground frippery, Caravanserai is a ramshackle otherworld of alien circus feats, Romany beats and intergalactic brass-fuelled wonder that never fails to deliver the beautifully off-kilter spectacles that make Camp Bestival the uniquely original family festival. As ever, exotic tricksters Cirque Bijou will supply lift off with circus, street theatre and astronomical extravaganzas, while our favourite maverick marvel, Continental Drifts’ big noise Chris Tofu, has conjured Caravanserai’s out of this world assortment of hip-swinging, joy-bringing musical entertainment that will entrance and enthral one and all throughout the weekend at Lulworth Castle this July. Don’t miss the likes of two-tone royalty Rhoda Dakar, whose recent Version Girl album has been a smash hit return to the spotlight for the erstwhile Bodysnatcher; seven-piece hip-hop, soul-jazz, funk force of nature Mellowmatic, and vagabond troubadour Cam Cole.
Breakneck banjo punks Pronghorn head up an Endorset take over which also features Heathen Apostles, The Rolling Drunks, Red Hot Riot, Guns of Navarone and Millie Watson. Sacred Moroccan trance rhythms come courtesy of Gnawa Blues All Stars, there are vintage vibes from Miss Kiddy & the Cads, the main man himself DJ Chris Tofu is joined by soul chanteuse Debbralee Wells, while all of your shanty requirements are cared for by Old Time Sailors. And there are appearances from Vote Pedro, The Brass Funkeys, Tuto Tribe, Burg and The Vagabond Choir and shunTA!
We have another take over, this time from The Mother Wolf Clubwho present John Swale and the Harp String of the Universe, John Cooper Cluck, Gnostic Frying Pans, Harry Mold, Runchtacular, and Jungle Jim and The Joeys Present ‘Punk 4 Kids’. Expect knock out sets from New Daze, The Transitions, BOTS, The Electric Shakes, Joe Fleming, Lewis Jackson, Issy, DJ Nick Bollox, Mini Da Minx, Ana Defuego,Miss Lily Fortune, Trick Pockets, Dave Recharged, J-Reflection, Bowlzy, DJ Sound C, Lamma G & Friends, Nick Green, and Stef-ee-Pants. An unmissable stop on orbit through the Camp Bestival universe, make sure all touch down and explore Caravanserai’s alien wonderland.
Camp Bestival has always been about the whole family, and that means mums and dads too! As well as creating an entire wonderland of merriment and revelry to keep the whole families’ pulses racing throughout the weekend, team CB knows more than just a thing or two about wellbeing and balance.
Slow Motion, Camp Bestival’s holistic haven of restoration and relaxation, is where festivalgoers can step back from the madding crowd and luxuriate in some ‘me time’ away from the frenetic pace of real life. With a free programme that includes a vast range of mindfulness, meditation, running, and yoga sessions, and a host of restorative therapies to buy, Slow Motion has everything needed to fuel the body and mind so that all the family festival fun can enjoyed as it should in Lulworth Castle.
This year the Camp Bestival team has really gone all out to help improve spiritual and physical wellbeing with a parade of practitioners whose knowledge and guidance is second to none. So, don’t miss out on the likes of Wim Hof Method Fundamentals Workshops, Cosmic Pineapple presents Cosmic Corner, Mushroom Culture, Water & Stone Wild Spa and Sauna*, Figure Drawing, Wild Runs, Ice Baths*, the Zen Den, meditation, and Tai Chi.
Curated by Josie & Rob da Bank, get immersed in the world of Rob da Bank’s Sleep Retreat with free sessions from Breathpod with Stuart Sandeman, Himalayan Hatha Yoga Island Brothers – To Be A Father, Minime Mindfulness, Gong Sound Bath for Vagus Nerve, Activation with Ram Inder, Digestive Yoga with Chloe Morton, Eco Nidra, Reiki And Restore, Breathe For Birth and Holly Husler. Plus Breathworks With Nat, Tallulah (Rose and Fire), Breath With Billie, Dragonfly Wellness, and Mindful Flow With Jessamin.
The Yoga Space curated by Laura Lotus has free spiritual, mental and physical practices to suit everyone from the highly experienced to total beginners including, Morning Wake-Up & Flow Yoga for All, Welcome Flow & Restore Family Yoga with Andrew Wrenn, Family Yoga with Sandi Wood, Yin with Sarah Latham, Shake the Dust with Kirsty Dubs, Kids’ Tai Chi with Min, Soulful Flow with Nikita, Baby & Me Yoga with Leah, and Bodart Yoga @ Psychology. Sessions also include, Yoga Nidra, Hatha Yoga with Andrew, Rocket Yoga with Adam, Traditional Yoga with Andrew Wrenn, Yoga for Mental Health, Positivity & Recovery with Shelley, Pregnancy Yoga with Leah, Flow with Nikita, Laughter Yoga with Cat, Yin & Poetry with Andy, and Yoga & Psychology workshops delivered by the Bodart Practice.
For an additional fee, you can book a deeply relaxing Slow Motion Therapies with a wonderful therapists, including Full Body Massage*, Deep Tissue Massage*, Aromatherapy*, Reflexology*, Reiki*, Holistic Massage*, Back Neck and Shoulder Massage*, Hands and Feet Massage*, Crystal Chakra Healing*, Full Body Reiki Massage* and Head Neck and Shoulders*.
New for 2024 and included within the ticket price, will be a plethora of new activities including everything from Rock School, Art Town, Figure Drawing as well as a wealth of workshops inside Fashion & Textile World. Be spellbound and entranced by the Enchanted Cinema, the Night Parade, Ghost Caribou and get involved with a patchwork of pleasing pursuits including Beekeeping, the Games Museum and even free haircuts & styling. There are new free experiences and adventures waiting for all the family in the fields of Lulworth Castle this summer. Get ready for another year of epic memory making fun and exploration!Those into their sports can also experience the Sports Park with a whole host of athletic entertainment from Parkour & Freerunning, Football Club and Wall Climbing. Plus, Mini Skate Ramps, Skate Ramp & the Skate Bowl are back along with the Roller Rink, CB Running Club and more.
Fitting into 2024’s theme, Camp Bestival will also be debuting Space Camp! A very exciting new venue that is packed full of immersive experiences, workshops, performances, and demonstrations all Space and Science themed. Kids and big kids alike are going to love it. Everything at Space Camp is completely free of charge and does not require booking. Space Camp will be open Friday through to Sunday. Wonder in awe at the stars above in the Planetarium, try on some VR goggles, taste some real-life space food or get dressed into one of our space person costumes. There is lots to do for children of all ages. There will be a drop-in craft table to create a sundial or alien slime, along with meteorite handling and space worksheets to complete.
Families are encouraged to try as many of the activities taking the place over the weekend as possible and document the adventure with the brand-new Explorer’s Passport. The passport, which is also available for free to all child day ticket holders, allows all to collect precious stamps and stickers across the festival, highlighting the true value for money aspect of the ticket. The Explorer’s Passport will be managed on-site by a new team of Navigators, located at the brand-new Navigation Town. The Navigators draw on the rich and bounteous wisdom of bygone days, with a host of incredible and magical feats of skill, this valiant band of explorers has the secret knowledge that will steer revellers towards all of the hidden treasures and thrilling fun that Camp Bestival has to offer. Not only standing by to greet everyone with an Explorer’s Passport upon arrival, families will also find the Navigators journeying through the festival all weekend, or at their base in Navigation Town, ready to dazzle and delight with their panache, pzazz, artistry and dexterity, encouraging and inspiring all to try new activities, make new discoveries, and gain as many stamps and stickers for the Explorer’s Passport.
Meet the Navigators!
Navis
Navis’ sixth sense is her guide. Letting nature show her the way, Navis has an ambition to journey to the centre of the Earth, and a penchant for high-heeled roller skates. Seek her out and she’ll certainly put a spin on your day.
Bligh
Bligh’s magnetic personality keeps him going in the right direction. A scintillating marvel with a fondness for puns, performing on top of a mountain may have been the peak of his career…until now.
Trix
Trix’s indelible mind map means that once she’s been somewhere, she can always remember the way. An agile bonnet bamboozler, and hat acrobat, be prepared for Trix to make you lose your head with excitement.
Meridia
Meridia’s tried and test method of Zen Navigation doesn’t necessarily get you where you want to go but always gets you where you need to be. A tightwire talent with oceanic ambitions, Meridia will bring your day some balance.
Mercator
Mercator’s wizard-craft and alchemy keep his course true. A master of sorcery who once performed underwater, he’s a fiery enchanter who can divine your fortune. Time spent with Mercator is guaranteed to be magic.
Stella
Stella can always find her way by conjuring navigational instruments from thin air. She wants to bounce around in zero gravity, but for now she’s ready to transport you to imaginary worlds by balloon.
Carta
Carta’s hilariously spectacular sense of direction is driven by a powerful sense of smell. So, if you’re looking for a tasty trajectory, you might just find him clowning around near some delicious food.
Astra
Astra gets her bearings from a magical, luna-powered compass. She’s a millinery manipulator who would love to visit the moon but for now her dynamic trapeze trickery will help you to get you into the swing of things.
Cygni
Cygni is a heatseeking acrobat who is energised by the sun. One day she’d love to visit the warmth of the Antarctic’s thermal waters but as an interactive aerialist there are all kinds of other hot springs that she can bring to Camp Bestival.
Electa
Electa can transport you into a parallel universe that’s normally unseen by the human eye. An effervescent presence bursting with joy, she’s got bubbly fun and games galore so be sure to pop along to see her.
Atria
Atria is adept at getting out of impossible, and implausible situations and has a constant battle with physics, including defying the laws of gravity. A useful superpower when navigating his way through the festival.
Maris
Maris lets her childlike wonder lead the way. A star of the sea she likes to feel the wind in her sails as she balances precariously on top of the mast trying to find her way.
Ankaa
Ankaa’s path is lit by a dazzling lodestar. With hands like quicksilver Ankaa’s a practised
prestidigitator who’s always got several balls in the air, he’s sure to keep you busy.
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New for 2024 is also the Camp Kids Extra Pass ticket add-on which is designed to make kids’ mealtimes as easy as possible, while also helping families to budget and spread the cost of their festival weekend a little further with an incredible value for money package. The Camp Kids Extra Pass is valid Friday to Sunday and comes with its own welcome pack with drawstring backpack, water bottle and your all-important meal tokens that give your child an incredible six kids meals, three sweet treats, and unlimited fruit and filtered water for just £39.99*! There is no age limit for the Camp Kids Extra Pass, however it is primarily designed for younger children aged up to around 10 years.
Saving festivalgoers more than 35% of the cost of buying meals and snacks separately, the Camp Kids Extra Pass offers a sandwich, wrap or pasta dish with two snacks and a drink on Friday, Saturday and Sunday lunchtimes, plus a sweet treat, and a dinnertime child’s meal from a wide variety of traders throughout the Camp BestivalDorset. Between 9am and 6pm Friday to Sunday kids can also keep their energy levels topped up with unlimited fruit and filtered water.
Camp Bestival co-founders Josie and Rob da Bank have also published their brand-new book ‘Camp Bestival at Home’ (£15 + P+P). Arranged by season and packed with activities, recipes and ideas to keep the whole family inspired all year round, why not get back to nature, have campfire singalongs and stargaze. For kids with endless energy, you could organise a kitchen disco or put on a family show. Go foraging, learn circus skills and face painting, or make festive decorations. And relax after all the activity with a family feast, plus some yoga and meditation for the grown-ups. Written by Camp Bestival co-founders Josie and Rob da Bank, with contributions from celebrity friends and festival regulars including Fatboy Slim, Sara Cox, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Fearne Cotton and Jo Whiley. The book is illustrated throughout by Josie and is filled with vibrant festival photography and imagery guiding you step-by-step through each activity. Available now or festivalgoers can purchase on site as well as attend book signings with Rob and Josie!
Camp Bestival Dorset takes place 25 – 28 July 2024 atLulworth Castle and Camp Bestival Shropshire takes place 15 – 18 August 2024 at Weston Park. For more info and tickets for both sites visit campbestival.net.
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