This past weekend, Camp Bestival Dorset returned for its 16th year, transforming Lulworth Castle into an intergalactic playground. Themed ‘Intergalactic, Aliens, and Space,’ the festival provided an unforgettable experience for families, complete with surprise celebrity appearances, iconic headliners, and over 350 acts and performers.
Day 1: Friday
Friday morning began early with the sun shining brightly over the festival grounds. After a refreshing shower at the PoshWash service, which featured clean, spacious cabins complete with mirrors and separate sinks, I grabbed a cold orange juice from the Vape & Tobacco shop to start my day.
First up was rock climbing near the stunning Lulworth Cove. The activity, suitable for both beginners and advanced climbers, offered breathtaking views of the sea from the top. This was followed by a visit to the roller disco, where a lively DJ and a team of enthusiastic skating assistants created an energetic atmosphere. After a quick safety briefing and waiver signing, we were off, skating to our hearts’ content.
For lunch, Bennett’s Traditional Fish and Chips hit the spot. Opting for the kids’ meal at £6, I was pleasantly surprised by the generous portion size, which was perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. A sweet, organic, and creamy hot chocolate from Carnival Coffee later in the afternoon provided a cozy end to the day’s activities.
Day 2: Saturday
Saturday began similarly early, with a cloudless sky and a warm sun. After another visit to PoshWash and a quick trip into Wareham for a full English breakfast at Nielle Crumb, we returned to the festival grounds. The day was packed with performances, starting with a soulful tribute to Amy Winehouse by Bronté Shandé at the Castle Stage.
In the afternoon, a relaxing stroll through the Slow Motion wellness area led us to a ‘Breathe with Billie’ yoga session. The tranquil environment provided a peaceful escape from the festival’s hustle and bustle. As evening approached, Paloma Faith took the stage, delivering a powerful performance of her hit song “Only Love Can Hurt Like This,” which had the crowd singing along passionately.
Day 3: Sunday
Sunday’s early rise was driven by our excitement for a beach day. After a quick shower, a refreshing smoothie, and a hearty bacon and egg roll from Hedonist Bakery, we headed to Lulworth Cove. The white-pebbled beach with its crystal-clear waters was a sight to behold. Following a swim, we embarked on a scenic hike to Man O’War beach, where the tropical vibes and warm sea made it feel like a Caribbean getaway.
Returning to the festival in the late afternoon, we caught Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s performance of “Murder on the Dance Floor,” followed by a captivating set from James Arthur. The night’s highlight was DJ Pete Tong’s Ibiza Classics, complete with a live orchestra and saxophone, which had the entire crowd dancing. The evening culminated in a spectacular fireworks display over Lulworth Castle, creating a historic and magical moment that left everyone in awe.
Highlights and New Additions
This year’s Camp Bestival Dorset featured several exciting new additions. The Camp Bestival Navigators, stationed at the newly introduced Navigation Town, guided young explorers through activities such as circus skills, woodland tribe adventures, and fashion design. Every child received a free Explorer’s Passport, beautifully illustrated and packed with maps, information, and space for stamps and stickers.
The Camp Couture workshop tent was another fantastic addition, encouraging families to create outfits from recycled materials and parade them in a magical fashion show. The Camp Kids Extra Pass ticket add-on was a hit, providing kids with six meals, three sweet treats, and unlimited fruit and filtered water throughout the weekend.
The rebranded Loo Lounge, now known as the ‘House of Refresh,’ offered private luxury toilet cabins, pamper stations, and a chill-out area, ensuring a comfortable and elevated experience for festival-goers.
Looking Ahead
As the festival drew to a close, co-founders Rob and Josie da Bank reflected on the weekend: “Dear Camp Bestival audience, wowzers… we did it again and this time the weather was on our side! We hope everybody enjoyed the festival, personally we felt it was one of our best and loved seeing you all stamping your passports, dancing the night away, sewing, painting and trying new things.”
For those who missed out, Camp Bestival Shropshire is set to take place from August 15-18, and early bird tickets for Camp Bestival Dorset 2025 go on sale on August 2, 2024. With kids under five going free and the return of popular features like the House of Refresh and Camp Kids Extra Pass, next year’s festival promises to be even more spectacular.
Camp Bestival Dorset 2024 was a resounding success, offering an out-of-this-world experience filled with music, activities, and family fun. Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, this family-friendly event is not to be missed. Mark your calendars for next year’s festival and prepare for another magical weekend at Lulworth Castle.
