Review: Bestival 2018 – Dorset

For the second year in a row Lulworth Estate in Dorset was transformed into a glittered up, lively show when Bestival 2018 hit the site between the 2nd and 5th of August. Having been at the Isle of Wight for all the previous years since 2004, this event which is organised by DJ and record producer Rob da Bank featured a vast array of stages – such as The Castle Stage, The Big Top and HMS Bestival – and this year’s theme was called Circus.

Bestival’s classic robot statue

This festival has grown in size and reputation year-on-year and having been to the last two events, it’s obvious to see why it’s so popular. It’s just such a happy festival where people try to outdo each other by wearing the most vibrant outfits and at night, the grounds are transformed into a wonderful sea of lights and cheerful vibes. This year was no different, with people enjoying this dance/indie paradise to the max – surrounded by fire eating, knife throwing, sword swallowing and a hall of mirrors. There was even circus workshops and free haircuts on offer!

It’s a very hilly site so after arriving, pitching our tent and then making our way to the entrance – we had already had a chance to work up a sweat in the heat that was there to stay for the whole weekend. With such big named acts appearing throughout the event, such as Grace Jones, Plan B, Chaka Khan and London Grammar, the first job for most people is to decide what stage you will be at and when. Of course, it doesn’t always go according to plan – especially when you get distracted by pretty lights and the various tunes blasting from the many bars dotted around the massive field.

Grace Jones

The proud diva that is Grace Jones was the highlight for many as she didn’t disappoint with her set on the third day of Bestival; this woman may be 70 years old but she still has as much fire in her belly as she’s always had. She did a 50 minute set on the main stage and amazed everyone with her many outfit changes (the most eye catching being when she wore a horse style head dress) and she was on the shoulders of a security guard at one point where she then high-fived lots of the crowd from her position at the front barrier. You can never accuse this star of putting on a predictable performance and when she did a bit of hula hooping – audible gasps went round the audience as they watched her in action.

Especially memorable to watch was when Grace changed into another head dress, which resembled a lion’s mane, when she performed Private Life. This stage veteran got so into the moment as she shook her head and bared her gritted teeth at all of us.  Her act was highly sexualised as well and she did provoke many laughs when she appeared on stage with a large strapped on dildo around her crotch area when she sang My Jamaican Guy. Her whole show had the wow factor and left everyone who watched it completely breathless – she is a true living legend and was the best performer from the whole weekend.

A packed Bestival crowd

Apart from so many fantastic musicians and DJ sets (from the likes of Faithless at the HMS Bestival stage and Rudimental at the Temple area), there was the usual fine selection of places you could grab food and it’s always pleasing when there are many alternative foods, including gluten free options, on offer.

Like with nearly all festivals, there was a cancellation but even though there was some disappointment that English rapper and singer Stefflon Don had to cancel her planned gig for Bestival 2018 (due to being stuck in traffic) – there was more than enough going on to distract us all at this wonderful annual treat that is rightly termed ‘the most colourful show on earth’.

No doubt everyone who attended is already counting down the days until 2019’s event to be honest….

For Bestival information, visit the website.