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 This summer saw the GYC team pitching its tents in a field, packing its glo-sticks and dancing along to the irresistable charms of Beth Ditto; the masters of dance, the Chemical Brothers and still slick stylings of the Beastie Boys, all in the relaxed surroundings of Robin Hill Country Park on the Isle of Wight. Rob da Bank's now annual boutique festival certainly hits all the right chords when it comes to bringing the very best in live music to the Garden Isle. Walking through the festival site past teepees and tents, big tops and revellers in pirate fancy dress only ensured that the atmosphere was carnivalesque and welcoming. The police officers around the site were seemingly superfluous, (apart from posing for photographs) as everyone was there to have the best time in a relaxed way.
This year saw the inclusion of two breakthrough gay artists, namely the hugely successful Gossip, fronted by Beth Ditto and Patrick Wolf, quite simply one of the most orignial artists on the music scene right now. The Gossip's Headlining set certainly brought the main arena to its feet, with the whole crowd appreciating the unique performance Ditto brings to any live gig. Patrick Wolf, playing a late slot in the BBC introducing tent managed to charm his audience through his stunning voice and intelligent lyrical power. Standing tall and dressed in high waisted shorts and platform shoes, Wolf certainly stands out in a crowd. However, here is an artist, like David Bowie who is perhaps more sexually ambigous, the music is neither gay nor straight, Wolf is not trying to be progressive through his sexuality, it is his music that takes charge. Away from the main stage there was plenty to take in, especially with David Guetta playing a set, along with Simian Mobile Disco and Erol Alkan. What really stood out is how well the line up had been put together, meaning that it was entirely possible to enjoy the greatest diversity of music throughout the day. Even the smallest stage on the hill, the Band Stand showcased some fantastic new music, Kid Harpoon standing out as a hot new talent to watch out for. Obviouslly the music is the main focus of the many festivals that take place across the summer months but where Bestival stands out is in its atmosphere, its sense of fun and originality. There was a real effort made to dress the festival site up, no better realised than with the Bollywood Bar and Disco, where many a cocktails was sipped whilst lying in the sun between bands. Bestival also prides itself on its Saturday Fancy Dress Parade, where almost all of the festival goers enter into the spirit of dressing up, resulting in thousands of pirates marching around the site. “I still haven’t really sat down, had a shower or wiped the smile of my face since Bestival 2007 but the feedback so far has been better than ever and i feel from walking around the site all weekend talking to people that we pulled it off. We’ve had so many phone calls and emails already about our early bird tickets that we’ve decided to put them on sale this Friday at 00.01 - i’m confident they will go pretty quickly and after a sold out 2007 so snap ‘em up while you can and we can do it all again next year!” Rob da Bank Bestival is certainly the ideal way to see out the summer and the trip over to the Isle of Wight ensures that the festival feels more like a holiday away. The GYC certainly enjoyed the party atmosphere and the friendly inclusive vibe of the weekend, making many new friends along the way. So we hope to see as many of you there next year, pitching those tents alongside ours and cracking open the fancy dress for what is set to be an even bigger, bodler and better Bestival! A To Z: BESTIVAL 2007  (2).jpg "Image")
If you weren't able to make the trip to the Isle of Wight and lap up the glorious atmosphere and stunning musical sound of the many bands, no fear. Out on general release now is the 'mother of all compilation series' released on the Sunday Best Label. Compiled by Rob da Bank, where each letter of the alphabet is represented by an artist at Bestival this year, the 2 disc album captures some of the magic of Bestival. The album succeeds in capturing the truly special atmosphere of Bestival in 'glorious stereo sound' and is truly diverse, meaning that you can leave the CD to provide the perfect musical acompinant whilst you dream thoughts of Bestival 2008! Thinking of heading along to Bestival next year? The Festival takes place on the 5th, 6th and 7th of September 2008 and keep an eye out for tickets and line up on the main Bestival website. www.bestival.net Only registered users can write comments.
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