Bestival

House of Vans first ever festival appearance: Bestival 2018

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We are very excited indeed to announce that House of Vans will make its first ever UK festival appearance at Bestival this 2-5 August. Hosting a brand new den of creativity, House of Vans will feature live acts, art and ingenuity, with innovative, offbeat and original music curated by House of Vans, Sunday Best and DIY Magazine.

Rob da Bank says: “Just when we thought we couldn’t get any more of the best new up-and-coming bands and DJs in the world at Bestival, we’ve only gone and teamed up with Vans for their first ever festival appearance. The House of Vans is a brilliant new venue designed collaboratively between us and them and boasts a killer line-up booked by yours truly and Vans including Besti faves Kurupt FM alongside a UK festival exclusive from YOTA plus the likes of Jimothy Lacoste, The Xcerts and Superfood. Vantastic!”

Dropping big time garage bangers and spitting essential South London consciousness, we are ecstatic to reveal the mighty Kurupt FM headline Friday night in House of Vans. Brentford’s finest pirate DJ crew, Kurupt FM have never been less than sensational at Bestival so don’t miss out.

We also have unmissable performances curated by Sunday Best, DIY Magazine and House of Vans over four days from blistering noiseniks Spring King, a festival exclusive appearance from Yota: Youth of The Apocalypse, eclipse-swerving quartet The Big Moon, heads-down power-poppers The Xcerts, alt-pop chanteuse Laurel, chameleonic duo Superfood, and bedroom pop trailblazer Jimothy Lacoste.

Plus, we’ll have even more music across the weekend from Anteros, Riko Dan, Nimmo, Chelcee Grimes, Xylaroo, Biig Piig, Mellah, Lost Colours, Lady Bird, Walt Disco, Pearl City, Holiday Oscar, Lauran Hibberd and Zandi with one more very special guest to be announced.

Taking its place among an array of awesome venues, House of Vans’ sleek warehouse will entertain a live music stage with its own bar, and a vintage photobooth. There will also be a workshop space with screen printing hosted by Lovenskate, who’ll rework a range of festival essentials including bucket hats and bum bags for festivalgoers. Hair braiding gurus Keash bring their mobile braid bar to the space providing free braiding throughout the day. Alongside the workshops there will be skate film screenings, merchandise giveaways, and an outside courtyard with plenty of space for all to lounge with live art installations and delicious food and juice concessions.

A must for new music lovers, don’t miss House of Vans at Bestival.

Bestival Soundsystems and New Music Announced

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Bestival is proud to present a host of new names joining our multi-ringed circus of love. With heavyweight soundsystems, dancefloor stalwarts and must-see new acts, don’t miss four days of magical music and circus-themed trickery on over 20 stages and micro-venues in eight unique arenas, at the most colourful show on Earth, now in the heart of the summer, on the Lulworth Estate, Dorset.

Rob da Bank says: “Teaming up with mates and compadres who run record labels, parties or raves is what Bestival has always been about and this year wont disappoint as we bring over Marrakech’s Oasis gang, roll out the one and only David Rodigan, our first and only Resident For Life with his Ram Jam party, as well as some drum and bass mayhem from Goldie and Metalheadz and the Ram crew… turn up the control!”

We’ve teamed up with Marrakech festival and house music haven, Oasis, for an Oasis x Bestival soundclash with sets from Amelie Lens, Nastia, Butch, La Fleur, Benjamin Damage, Alex Niggeman back to back with Denis Horvat & Amine K. Rattling your ribs on a serious rig, we’re are honoured to welcome Ram Jam back to the dance with sets from incomparable reggae auteur Rodigan, plus original nuttah Shy FX, turntable conjurers The Nextmen &Venum Sound.  Legendary junglism comes courtesy of Metalheadz with sets from main man Goldie, plus double drop pioneer Randall, first lady of drum n bass DJ Storm and Ant TC1.

Expect super-rave behaviour from the Raindance crew with ultimate oldskool action from Rat Pack, Rachel Wallace, Liquid, Billy Daniel Bunter, Uncle Dugs, Nebula 2 and Nookie. And big system banging flavours come from the airwaves next generation Radar Radio with sets from Jossy Mitsu, Conducta, Kenny Allstar, Amy Becker, DJ Argue & Master Peace andMartha. Plus, we’ll have Shogun Audio Pres Alix Perez, Technimatic, Pola & Bryson, Glxy &SP:MC & Visionobi and Ram Records with Loadstar going B2B with DC Breaks and Mind Vortex.

And keeping it fresh and correct we’ll have live music and DJ sets from The Big Moon, The Heatwave, Justin Robertson, Purple Rave with Rob da Bank & Tayo, London Contemporary Voices: Guilty Pleasures, House of Pharaohs, Mt Wolf, Jethro Watson, Thomas Urv, Ellie Prohan, Tasha, Gilded Pleasures, Jim 8-Track, Eden Pardey, Cooking With Sherry, Ian & Rob and Roast Beatz.

Bestival Announce Friday Headliner – SILK CITY

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The Bestival team are extremely excited to announce yet another exclusive for 2018! Diplo and Mark Ronson’s brand-new project Silk City is our exclusive Friday night headliner at this year’s midsummer show on the Lulworth Estate. 

Rob da Bank says: “We don’t like doing the same thing as other festivals here at Bestival HQ… so for our Friday night headliner we’ve booked something you’ll never have seen in Europe or probably the world. Two of the best party-starting DJs with a new stage show packed with surprises back to back… ladies and gents, boys and girls, please welcome Diplo and Mark Ronson aka Silk City to the stage! 

They’re long-time friends of Bestival, so we are ecstatic Diplo and Mark Ronson have chosen our 15th anniversary celebrations to make their European debut as Silk Citywith a UK festival exclusive set. And if there’s one thing you can guarantee, it’s that this pair know how to rock a party.  Two of music’s greatest names together on the Castle stage, with you, us and some big, big tunes, it’s already got legendary written all over it.

Destined to be monumental, do not miss your first ever chance to catch Silk City as they join fellow exclusive headliners London Grammar and Jorja Smith, plus MIA’s only confirmed UK headline festival appearance and an ever-eclectic line-up featuring Grace Jones, Plan B, Chaka Khan, First Aid Kit, Mura Masa, Rudimental (DJ Set), Hot Chip (DJ Set) and many, many more.

First acts for Bestival 2018 announced!

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Behold the most audacious performers to ever have graced Bestival’s green fields. From UK festival exclusive headliners, soul divas and sonic heroes to the ‘must see’ acts of 2018, these are the sights and sounds that will define four days of mind-altering music and circus trickery on over 20 stages and micro-venues in eight unique arenas, at the most colourful show on Earth, now in the heart of the summer, on the Lulworth Estate, Dorset.

Rob da Bank says: “Here come the girls…and a few boys too! Yes, it’s Bestival 2018 and we’re here with the first wave of our all-singing all-dancing line-up. With UK festival exclusive headliners London Grammar and Jorja Smith to legends in the game Chaka Khan, Jimmy Cliff and Grace Jones, and always representing the new blood from Mura Masa and IAMDDB to Mabel and Idles, we’re covering all bases. As any Bestival veteran knows we don’t just do music, so come and check our Hot Yoga, Dubstep Dodgem rides, wood-fired hot tubs, AmbientLand craft tent, East 17’s Christmas Party!, and loads of circus-based trickery, including a Human Cannonball, high wire fire walking and a pretty buff strongman popping up on the Main Stage.”

Commenting on their exclusive headline set, London Grammar’s Dot Major said: “We are so excited to be coming back to Bestival this year! Our show there back in 2014 was one of our favourite shows we have done on home shores. I’ve been going along for years as it’s such a magical festival and this time we get to headline! ? can’t wait to see you all there.”

Bestival 2018 will see UK festival exclusive headline sets from London Grammar on Saturday night, Jorja Smith on Thursday in the Big Top, and a huge and very special Friday headliner still to announce, with M.I.A. closing the show before our fireworks finale on Sunday evening.

There’s no shortage of heroes, legends and bona fide superstars full of circus-themed swagger with standout sets from Grace Jones, Plan B, Chaka Khan and First Aid Kitplus Mura Masa, Sundara Karma, Thundercat, Jimmy Cliff, David Rodigan & The Outlook Orchestra and Stefflon Don among many others confirmed to appear on the Castle Stage.  And our gargantuan and all-embracing Big Top line-up features Django Django, IAMDDB, Kelela, Mike Skinner & Murkage present Tonga and many, many more.

DJ sets and outlandish PAs include, in alphabetical order, 2Bears, Amelie Lens, Bez’s Acid House, Bicep (DJ Set), Billy Daniel Bunter & Raindance, Chali 2na & Krafty Kuts, Craig Charles, Denis Sulta, East 17’s Christmas Party, Faithless (DJ set), Gilles Peterson, Goldie presents Metalheadz, Honey Dijon, Hot Chip Mega Mix (DJ set), Jaguar Skills, Norman Jay, Ram Records, Rodigan presents Ram Jam, Rudimental (DJ Set), Sink the Pink, So Solid Crew a Vic Reeves reggae set and Wookie & Matt Jam Lamont, with many more selectors signed up to our unholy order of rhythm.

And there are psychedelic sideshows and extraordinary attractions to satisfy the soul in eye-popping venues including Temple, Bollywood, HMS Bestival (AKA The Port),Stacey’s, AmbientLand, Caravanserai, Club Dada and a magnificent charm of stages and immersive micro-venues scattered across our boutique campsite wonderland.

As ever Bestival goes far beyond the music, and this year’s circus-themed arcadia is no exception featuring an array of tableau and temptation with Fat Gay Vegan, Feast Collective, Free Haircuts, Slam Poetry Yurt, Gong Healing, 5k Campsite Run, Dubstep Dodgems, Black Light Forest Party, Yoga Nidra With Rob da Bank, Human Ball Pit, Musical Vegetable Orchestra, Wood Fired Hot Tubs, the WI, the World’s Largest Confetti Cannon & Disco Ball, Fireworks, Witness The Fitness Tent, Lit Tent, Loop Sessions, the Love Bot, Rainbow Astronauts and much more. See below for the full line up so far.

Bestival 2018 Line-Up So Far:

Castle Stage: London Grammar / M.I.A. / Grace Jones / Plan B / Chaka Khan / Special Guest / Mura Masa / Sundara Karma / Thundercat / Jimmy Cliff / David Rodigan & The Outlook Orchestra / Stefflon Don / Kojey Radical / Dubioza Kolektiv / Gentleman’s Dub Club / Songhoy Blues / The Cuban Brothers / IDLES / This Is the Kit / Chaka Demus & Pliers / OMG! It’s the Church / L.A. Salami / Son of Dave

Big Top: Jorja Smith / Django Django / IAMDDB / Kelela / Mike Skinner & Murkage pres. Tonga: Holy Goof, Donea’o & Jaykae /  Mabel / Not3s / Kojo Funds / Charlotte de Witte / Agoria (Live) / Ghetts / Mr Jukes / Casisdead / Lotto Boyzz / Sink the Pink / Phil Taggart pres. Slacker: Ratboy, Shame, Superfood, Black Honey, Confidence Man, Touts & whenyoung / We Are Scientists / Nilüfer Yanya / House Gospel Choir – Frankie Knuckles Special / Hak Baker /Adrian Sherwood / Caravãna Sun / Grace Carter / Mellah / The Correspondents / Kitty, Daisy & Lewis/ Blossom Caladron / Beans on Toast / Dutty Moonshine Band / Digital Love: A Tribute to Daft Punk / London Astrobeat Orchestra Perform Talking Heads / Elvana: Elvis Fronted Nirvana / Park Hotel

Temple: Rudimental (DJ Set) / Bicep (DJ Set) / Amelie Lens / Solardo / Denis Sulta / Mall Grab / Honey Dijon / Artwork / Camelphat / Flava D / Palms Trax / Objekt / Nastia / Eli & Fur / Alex Niggemann / Benjamin Damage / Amine K / Mella Dee / Moxie / Darkzy / FineArt / HAAi / Jamz Supernova / Goldierocks / Tasty Lopez / Bradley Gunn Raver

Bollywood: Goldie pres. Metalheadz / Rodigan pres. Ram Jam / Ram Records: Loadstar B2B DC Breaks B2B Mind Vortex / 2Bears / Billy Daniel Bunter & Raindance / Rob da Bank / Radar Radio / FooR / Happy Meals / Nathan Dawe / Biig Piig

HMS Bestival (AKA The Port): Faithless (DJ set) / East 17’s Christmas Party / Jaguar Skills / Chali 2na & Krafty Kuts / So Solid Crew, Wookie & Matt Jam Lamont, Shogun Audio pres. Alix Perez, Technimatic, Pola & Bryson, Glxy & SP:MC & Visionobi / Bez’s Acid House / Stanton Warriors / Big Freedia / DJ Brace / Jodie Harsh & Friends / Kiddy Smile / Savage / Schlachthofbronx / Buttmitzvah / Hard Cock Life

Stacey’s: Gilles Peterson / Hot Chip Mega Mix (DJ set) / Norman Jay / Craig Charles / Donna Leake / Andy Blake / Reach Up – Disco Wonderland / JazzHeadChronic pres. The South London Soul Train / Shaka Loves You / Amy Alsop / Perry Kaye

AmbientLand: Chris Coco / Jane Fitz / Mix Master Morris / Flying White Dots / Flying Mojito Bros

Caravanserai: Temple Funk Collective / Urban Voodoo Machine pres. The Gypsy Hotel / Buffos Wake / Chainska Brassika / Ska V Goldsmith / My Baby / John Fairhurst / Junior Jungle / DJ Chris Tofu / DJ Penny Metal / DJ Ecklectic Mick / New York Brass Band

Club Dada: Vic Reeves (Reggae set) / Reggae Roast ft. Natty Campbell / DJ Shepdog (Nice Up!)

Ezra Collective / Jazz Re:freshed / Henge / King Lagoon’s Flying Swordfish Dance Band / Tokyo Sex Wail / Captain Cumbia / Wara / Immigrant Swing / Movimientos / DJ Chris Tofu / Thrill Collins

White Mink Electro Swing Club / Choreograff: ft. Tension Breakers v. Swing Patrol with New York Brass Band, Natasha Khamjani & more. Pus Many More Stages & Micro-Venues Across the Lulworth Estate.

THE HUMAN CANNONBALL COMES TO BESTIVAL!

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Circus and immersive theatre have always been at the heart of Bestival, and this year the most colourful show on Earth is raising the high wire to bring you a circus-themed spectacular to blow your minds. Celebrating 250 years of a world where only the most courageous and audacious need apply, we are ridiculously excited to reveal that Human Cannonball, Rodrigo Pérez will be joining us, among a host of incredible performers, sideshows and curiosities on the Lulworth Estate this 2-5 August 2018*.

Bestival ringmaster Rob da Bank says: “in my other life as Ringmaster Robby I’m pretty darn excited about having a Human Cannonball flying across the Lulworth Estate in August. Rodrigo is the best in the business and will not disappoint. Watch ya heads!”

The Human Cannonball, Rodrigo Pérez says: “Firing yourself out of an enormous cannon takes a man of a high calibre. Luckily, I’m a cannonball kind of guy. Come and be amazed as I shoot through the sky, flying over your crazy, smiling faces.”

Today (January 9th) marks the 250th anniversary of Philip Astley’s first circus performance at Westminster Bridge. The Bestival crew always aims to please, so what better way to keep the tradition alive and well and to celebrate that landmark than by announcing that, rather than mere glitter, we are shooting an actual person from a cannon?! One of the most daring and dangerous acts ever to grace the circus, the Human Cannonball, is guaranteed to dazzle crowds this August at Bestival.  

Following his family tradition, Rodrigo Pérez is one of the world’s most acclaimed proponents of the art. Fired from the barrel of a custom-built cannon, Rodrigo will fly up to 25 metres through the air as the crowds go ballistic! It’s trigger happy fun and a truly astonishing sight that must be seen to be believed. Do not miss out, come and witness the circus.

There are many more delights to be unveiled in the coming weeks including an all-embracing music line-up, jaw-dropping circus feats, bearded ladies, sword swallowers, sideshow shenanigans and more, so come one, come all, grab your tickets while you can, for the circus is about to begin.

New dates and theme for BESTIVAL 2018!

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Roll up, roll up, step this way and be amazed as we reveal our theme for 2018. Bestival, the most colourful show on earth, will celebrate 250 years of Circus, on the Lulworth Estate at a brand-new showtime – 2-5 August 2018.

Ringmaster extraordinaire Rob da Bank says: “Yes fellow Bestivalites it’s time to run away and join the Circus, Bestival style! Bearded freaks, insane acrobats, high wire daredevils, mutant jugglers and an out of control ringmaster all eager for you to join the most colourful show on earth await! And what makes this show even more unmissable is we have moved into peak season August style and will be open a month earlier than usual… so what are you waiting for?”

Featuring the miracles of miracle makers from across the globe, be dazzled and delighted by Art Car Night Circus Parade, Caravanserai flying trapeze, fire eating, knife throwing, bearded ladies (and men!), the Insect Circus Museum, sword swallowing, our hall of mirrors, circus workshops and free haircuts. Plus, be astonished and astounded by all the brilliant Bestival stages and sideshows that you can’t see anywhere else in the world.

But that’s not all. We have a new showtime, too. In response to festivalgoers’ feedback we’ll be opening the gates to Bestival a whole month earlier in 2018. Moving to the heart of the summer, our circus-themed arcadia of discovery will now be held from the 2nd to the 5th of August*.  Do not miss out.

Bestival Announces Comedy Line-up

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With just 48-hours to go until we throw open the gates to our historic first Bestival on the Lulworth Estate, we are super-excited to announce a huge line-up of comedians and clowns who will be performing on Oberon’s Observatory throughout the weekend. From seasoned pros to the most exciting new kids on the block, grab your tickets now and don’t miss all the top-drawer action from some of the pithiest performers around!

Bestival comedy booker, Get Comedy’s Brett Vincent says: “What a great mix we have for you this year. We have scoured all the funniest comedians from all over the globe to bring you some of the best comedy you’ll see this side of the Jurassic Coast and beyond.

“From comedy superstars, Andrew Maxwell and Marcus Brigstocke to Edinburgh Comedy Award Best Newcomer Nominees 2017 Chris Washington and 2016’s Jayde Adams. From one of the best LIVE acts currently on the festival circuit, Oh My God, It’s the Church to my favourite act that you shalt not miss The Raymond and Mr Timpkins Review on Sunday there are also so many GREAT acts this year! Don’t miss…  Tony Law, Ray Badran, Chris Betts, Desiree Burch, Sarah Callaghan and Paul McCaffrey then mix in some of the newest and brightest comedians to hit the UK in years… Elliot Steel, Tom Lucy, Andy Field, Sophie Duker, Tom Houghton and Emmanuel Sonubi you are guaranteed a right laugh from every one of our amazing comics throughout the weekend. Come find us!  And remember laugh hard, laugh long! Nanu Nanu”

Topping our headline triumvirate of comic capers, we’re delighted to welcome Marcus Brigstocke back to Bestival. Bringing the comedy line-up to a triumphant close on Sunday evening, Marcus is a Radio 4 stalwart, who has appeared on every TV panel show known to man, delivering a pitch perfect, searing line in smart, multi-faceted observational comedy. 

Long-time Bestival fave Andrew Maxwell tops the bill on Friday with his hilariously in-yer-face fare. A double Edinburgh Comedy award nominee and a regular on your TV, Maxwell never fails to destroy the crowd with a mix of intrepid social commentary and on-point observation. 

Saturday’s headline show is Oh My God it’s the Church, a raucous interactive party experience and parody of a Deep South Pentecostal church brimming with the best soul, blues and disco tunes. Fronted by the insane pastor ‘Michael Alabama Jackson’ the service will lead you through a sermon of serious partying. Don’t miss out.

But that’s not all there will also be side-splitting fun from sight-gag geniuses and comedy circuit legends The Raymond & Mr Timpkins Review, situational comic Andre Vincent, super-surrealist Tony Law, modern day renaissance women Jayde Adam, and frank and fearless multi-ward-winning comedian Sarah Callaghan, Plus there will be rip-roaring sets from Rich Wilson, Paul Mccaffrey, Tom Houghton, Emmanuel Sonubi, Chris Betts, Ray Badran, Garrett Millerick, Elliot Steel Tom Lucy, Sophie Duker, Andy Field, Morgan Rees, Huge Davies, Desiree Burch, Chris Washington, George Rigden , Harpers Harlots, and The Banyard Twins.

Bestival announces Invaders of the Future lineup!

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MAKE WAY FOR

THE INVADERS OF THE FUTURE!

AND DISCOVER YOUR NEW FAVOURITE BAND

 

WITH LIVE MUSIC FROM:

HONEYBLOOD / BLACK FOXXES / MR B THE GENTLEMAN RHYMER

CHASTITY BELT / THE MAGIC GANG / SEAN MCGOWAN / THE TUTS

TRAAMS / DEAD! / BARNS COURTNEY / THE SHOWHAWK DUO

SWAN LEVITT / UPSTARTS / COCO AND THE BUTTERFIELDS / VISTAS

THE DU-RELL FAMILY / LEWIS BOOTLE / FOURS / WILD FRONT

JODIE ABACUS / SHAMA RAHMAN ECURBREKAL / NAKAMARRA

COMPTON WHITE / BRANDON RIVERS GRACELAND / ROUTE2ROOTS FREAZY / ETON GIRLS CHOIR

 

If blistering bands, raucous rock and dreamy folk music is what you want at Bestival, then the Invaders of the Future are what you need. A glimpse of our musical destiny these are the most exciting up-and-coming acts around. So, if you’re seeking an earful of discovery be sure to head to the Lulworth Estate in Dorset this 7-10 September.

Arbiter of aural adventuring Rob da Bank says: “This is one of my favourite things about Bestival. I spend ages thinking about who the most exciting new bands are and what underground sounds will blow everyone away. From Honeyblood and Black Foxxes to TRAAMS and Dead!, there’s a ton of acts who will be on the bigger stages next year. I promise you, this lot will be blasting from your headphones for years to come, so try not to miss them before they start playing enormo-domes!”

Turning the excitement up to 11, there will be must-see sets from sugar-coated riff monsters Honeyblood, doom-popsters Black Foxxes, chap-hop superstar Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer, indie kids Chastity Belt, Brighton’s The Magic Gang, folk troubadour Sean McGowan, DIY Punks The Tuts, feedback fuelled rockers TRAAMS, a band who have not yet ceased to be, Dead!, and stomping bluesy solo artiste Barns Courtney.

There will also be appearances from The Showhawk Duo, Swan Levitt, Upstarts, Coco and the Butterfields, Vistas, The Du-Rell Family, Lewis Bootle, Fours and Wild Front.

And even more live music from the likes of Jodie Abacus, Shama Rahman, Ecurbrekal, Nakamarra, Compton White, Brandon Rivers, Graceland, Route2Roots, Freazy and Eton Girls Choir.

There are still plenty of treats to be revealed so head to www.Bestival.net, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram / Tumblr

#Bestival17

 

Bestival Announces Second Wave of Acts

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Setting the tone in our Year of Colour, we are excited to announce even more amazing artists who will be joining The xx, A Tribe Called Quest, Pet Shop Boys, Jamie T, Kurupt FM, Justice, Dizzee Rascal and many more as we redefine escapism for the festival generation. With a host of live music, super fat sound systems and DJs heading to our brand new site, join us as we increase the peace this 7th – 10th September at the Lulworth Estate, Dorset.

Rob da Bank says: “Bestival’s formula is pretty simple – we like you guys having fun, exploring new ideas and listening to amazing bands and DJs in a massive field or forest or both at the same time whilst dressed as a multi-coloured gherkin. If you like the sound of that you’re on board already, but if you need any more persuasion, we are proud to announce some mega new acts for Besti, repping the best in grime with Wiley, AJ Tracey and 67, through indie and rock with Blossoms and Twin Atlantic, all topped off with some good old fashioned rave with DJs from Heidi to Bjarki, Monki to the Ragga Twins and a massive garage takeover. Step up people, step the **** up!”

The Lulworth Estate will be rocking to even more amazing live music from the likes of grime godfather Wiley, indie powerhouse Blossoms, slick rhymer Loyle Carner, UK hip-hop hero Roots Manuva, Scottish rockers Twin Atlantic, folk troubadour Nick Mulvey, grime MC AJ Tracey, legendary hype man Fatman Scoop, Ninja Tune cut n paste maverick Romare and funk machine Sinkane. Plus, there will be appearances Tash Sultana, Alma, Cakes da Killa, 67, House Gospel Choir, London African Gospel Choir performing Graceland, Skinny Girl Diet, Smerz, Brushy One String, Hackney Colliery Band, The Greasy Slicks, Park Hotel, The Rhythm Method, Zoee, The Smiths Ltd, Disney Rascal, and the Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band. 

We’ll have plenty of new sound system action keeping the floors lit all weekend long, with celebratory behaviour from Andy C presenting 25 years of RAM featuring Andy C, Calyx & Teebee, Culture Shock, DC Breaks and MCs Tonn Piper, and Carasel & 2Shy. Bestival lifetime resident David Rodigan presents Ram Jam with Preditah, Conducta & MC Creed, Venum Sound and a very special guest still to be announced. And there will be footwork frenzy for the Teklife Showcase with sets from DJ Spinn, DJ Taye, DJ Paypal & Teklife Dancers.

The Garage Pool Party will be rinsing some classic beats with garage playas Heartless Crew, DJ Luck & MC Neat and Oxide & Neutrino all dropping enough two-step love to keep HMS Bestival rocking. Ensuring the subs are red hot right across the site we’ll have turntable tear ups from the Raindance crew featuring Rat Pack, Slipmatt, Billy Daniel Bunter and Uncle Dugs, Jungle Fever, with Brockie & MC Det, Jumping Jack Frost, Ragga Twins, Funky Flirt, Shockin B, Eastman Sound, and Ruddy Ranks and Nice Up! presents Daddy G, Kiko Bun, StarOne, Riddim Punks, Ghost Writerz, Shepdog, Serocee, Red Eye Hifi, Mr Benn, Cut La Vis, Jamie Rodigan, Origin One & AAA Badboy.

 

And as if that weren’t enough, there will be even more deck-based brilliance from Mad Professor, Heidi, Bjarki, Monki, Melé, Nightwave, Willow, Anna Wall, Jem Haynes, Reggae Roast & MC Natty Campbell, Tayo, Martha and DJ Dapper Dan.

Bestival announces all three headliners and the theme for 2017!

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It’s a brand-new era, so prepare for the truly immersive experience of Bestival 2017. Announcing four incredible headliners and a huge bill of amazing music, we are entering a new chapter of light and sound, exploring the wonders of Colour on our mission to increase the peace this 7th – 10th September at the Lulworth Estate, Dorset.

Rob da Bank says: “Well what an adventure this promises to be… we have a beautiful new home with a massive castle in the middle of it, acres of beautiful woodland and forest, a sea view and the dramatic Jurassic coastline. Going back to our roots with Josie da Bank’s hand-drawn artwork, reviving all our favourite stages from 14 years of Bestival history and going out with all our headliners for the first time ever together, we’re pretty excited at Bestival HQ. From pop to grime, hip-hop to techno, folk to classical and every style in between we are reclaiming our place as the funnest, most adventurous, musically savvy and downright magical festival on the map. Please come along for the ride. and remember Increase the Peace”

We are honoured to say that The xx will be the first ever Castle Stage headliners at Bestival! Never anything less than breath-taking, we can’t think of a more fitting band to get the main stage action underway in our new home.

Commenting on their headline performance, The xx said: “Bestival was one of the first festivals we played, back in 2010, and it had always been a dream for us…we even begged to play the previous year. In 2012 we returned to play the main stage and we’re so happy to say we’ll be headlining this year, at the new site in Dorset. The Isle of Wight will hold a special place in our hearts but we’re excited to bring our new show to their new home”.

Guaranteed to be momentous, we are extremely excited indeed to announce that hip-hop heroes A Tribe Called Quest will headline Saturday at Bestival 2017, performing what will be their last UK Show.

Bringing our debut mainland Bestival to a suitably triumphant close, we are completely over the moon to announce synth-pop geniuses Pet Shop Boys as our Sunday night headliners. Quite simply legends, we think they’re the perfect band to bring some mind-blowing colour to our first Lulworth Estate finale!

Commenting on their headline show, Pet Shop Boys said: “Amazingly it is over ten years since we last played Bestival but we remember it being one of the most enjoyable festivals ever. Looking forward to bringing our new show there this year – and seeing how the audience has decided to dress up!”

And completing 2017’s fantastic foursome of first-time headliners we are delighted to announce Wimbledon’s finest, Jamie T will be the man kicking it all off with an exclusive performance topping the Thursday night bill on our second stage, The Box.

We’ll also have mind-blowing live music from super suave Gallic funksters Justice, plus, Dizzee Rascal, DJ Shadow, Little Dragon, Danny Brown, Rag’n’Bone Man, Laura Mvula, Soul II Soul, MNEK, Circa Waves, Ray BLK, Lucy Rose, and Charlotte Church’s Late Night Pop Dungeon among many, many others.

And there will be DJ sets from Annie Mac, Andy C presents 25 Years of RAM, Kurupt FM, David Rodigan presents RAM JAM, DJ Yoda, Maceo Plex, Jackmaster, Kölsch, Dusky, Toddla T presents Carnival, Artwork presents Art’s House, Sink the Pink and loads more to boot. Check the line-up so far listing at the end of this press release for even more names playing across the weekend. 

Redrawing our favourite party in the spirit of its original pioneering vision, Bestival’s creative essence will explode before your very eyes with a cavalcade of brilliant new stages, incredible destinations and stone cold classics, including our brand new main stage The Castle Stage, the eclectic wonders of The Box, the hands in the air nirvana of Temple, Bestival’s heart and soul, Bollywood, and the righteous vibrations of Reggae Roots.

Back by very popular demand HMS Bestival is the last word in off the hook partying, plus you can dance like there’s no tomorrow in new venues The Frozen Mole and Stacey’s, delve into the vintage madness of Caravanserai, and Club DaDa, and kick back in the enchanting Ambient Forest, and at our steam punk vision, Oberon’s Observatory. 

Bestival 2017 is a whole new world to explore and to keep you on your toes we’ll also have the dazzling delights of The World's Biggest Confetti Canon, Castle Fireworks Finale, the Love-Bot, The World's Biggest Bouncy Castle, Bestival Inflatable Church, Confetti Wedding Disco, The Feast Collective, Slow Motion, Revolution Rides, Carnival Day Parade and Night Parades, the Sugar Skulls Cocktail Bus, Sunday Best Cardboard Record Shop, Lost in the Woods, Ancient Woodlands, Free Haircuts, Campsite Recycling Hubs, Kids’ Field and for all you vexillophiles out there, Flags by Angus Watt.