Here at In-reach we’re pleased to announce we’ll be heading down to the Isle of Wight to cover Bestival this weekend. Having last year won Best Major UK Festival (UK Festival Awards) it’s fair to say we’re pretty hyped. Based in Robin Hill Country Park, a place famous for its 88 acres of woodland and countryside, Bestival looks set to be as scenic as it is atmospheric.
Bestival has a reputation for being one of the best designed and themed festivals, and with that setting comes a wide range of music. The variety of the headliners speaks for itself with Major Lazer, Fatboy Slim (above), The Cure, Damian Marley and Wiz Khalifa all bringing a different vibe. Grime music’s presence is felt on the lineup this year with solo performances from Skepta, Kano and Novelist, whilst Wiley brings his infamous Eskimo Dance featuring the man himself, AJ Tracey, P Money, Newham Generals and many more. It’s sick to see grime so present in major festival’s bills nowadays, and with the kind of energy MCs like Skepta (below) and Wiley bring, its easy to see why they’re getting bookings all over Europe.
There are of course DJs hailing from all corners of electronic music. Fatboy Slim will be undoubtedly destroy the Main Stage. House legend Carl Cox is playing a “house classics” set spanning his 30 year career. He’ll be headlining on the brand new seven-story Spaceport stage – an installment inline with the ‘futuristic’ theme and something we can’t wait to see. With sets from house favourites Bicep, to techno pioneer Richie Hawtin, to reggae don David Rodigan and even DnB legend Goldie playing an old school hip-hop set, we’re in for a sick one. And of course it wouldn’t be a 2016 festival these days without some UKG done properly by the boys at Kurupt FM and Craig David’s TS5. For a taster of what you’re in for, catch them shelling on Radio 1 below.
As is stated on the official website, ‘it’s not all about the music’ at Bestival and they certainly have some imaginative stuff going on. There’s an exclusive exhibition Samsung are putting on to showcase their groundbreaking virtual reality experience called the Hypercube – cheers for the invite guys. Make sure you catch the Carnival Parade, Cirque Bijou, Hype Dance Company and the Wall of Death amongst many more. Perhaps the thing we are most looking forward to is the one and only Chuckle Brothers playing on the Main Stage – not exactly sure as to what that entails but it sounds like a good laugh to me (to you, to me, to you). Temple Island is back and as always serving as the mecca for Grime Heads and for anyone wanting to hype and vent about fabric being shut down.
As ever, we can’t wait to check out all the venues on offer. From the modestly named Grassy Hill and Ambient Forest to the Magic Meadow and Spaceport. There’s even a place called ‘Slow Motion’ which is an area on top of a hill that features yoga, a Zen Den and Bathing Under The Sky Hot Tubs. Co-founder Rob Da Bank says “there’s nothing wrong with raving, late nights and partying but now there’s a way of refuelling your mind and body”. How considerate of you, Rob. The venue we are most excited about at this year’s Bestival however, is the Spaceport. Featuring a rocket that stands 20 metres high and looking like the kind of place Buzz Lightyear goes on a Saturday night session with the lads – buzzing.
As a rainy British summer depressingly draws to a close, you might say its a case of saving the best(ival) until last (cringe). Make sure you stay in tune to our movements over the weekend and we hope to see some of you there.
If you’re looking for tickets here’s the link, of for the full line-up it’s here.
Ya boy Cal.
