Photo by Victor Frankowski

I appreciate that may not mean much to someone who has never been, but Bestival has always had a unique atmosphere, simultaneously peaceful and crazy, and I’m happy to report that 2016s The Future was no exception.

In a year that Rob da Bank describes as “a slightly different beast”, I was apprehensive leading up to the weekend due to rumors of low ticket sales and the line up lacking that “certain something”. This only increased upon arrival; plastic wristbands, a tiny main stage and less space to camp. However, by the time we set up, necked a few beers and had a wonder around it was clear that Bestival 2016 still had that special feeling about it which keeps me coming back year after year.

Hot Chip opened the weekend in style; now Bestival veterans, they packed out the Big Top yet again with devoted followers, delivering an almost studio-perfect performance and even threw in a Prince tribute. And, all the while, The Spaceport was lit up and visible in the distance – tempting the following day’s opening.

Photo by Tom Martin

Friday saw The Spaceport take off – Rob da Bank pressed the button, Norman Jay’s feel-good party and Benji B’s mix future sounds ensuring a fitting follow up to The Port. Main Stage also pulled serious weight throughout Friday; David Rodigan, Damian Marley and Skepta made it impossible to leave during the afternoon. Luckily there was just enough time to pop back to camp for some respite before Major Lazer sent the Main Stage / the festival / The Isle of Wight into a frenzy – impeccably dressed big songs, bigger energy and more costume changes than Lady Gaga (the Pompey tops were a nice touch) before Diplo bounced off in a giant ball to keep the party going at Spaceport.

Photo by Mike Massaro

Somehow I’d never found my way to The Feast Collective in previous years and I seriously regret it; the tent is a haven for the site’s best food vendors and one of the only places selling actual pints of beer (cans of Tuborg for £4.50 at all general bars was less than funny). Buttermilk Chicken, Beef Rendang and Cost to Coast pale ale kept me gravitating to this tent the whole weekend. 

Photo by Tom Martin

The Amphitheatre was full to the rafters (and then-some) for Shitfaced Shakespeare who somehow managed to make the crowd forget about the rain… and got plastered. The Cure played an epic set… though maybe too epic as the crowd was no where near their 2011 Bestival turnout. I’m not sure what happened to Goldie’s classic hip hop set, but we did manage to catch him at Bollywood later in the night for a master class in jungle and drum’n’bass.

Photo by Carolina Faruolo

Sunday saw Ghostpoet and his band draw people to the main arena with an ever-powerful, soul cleansing performance. Caravan World offered a perfect mix of cocktails and bizarre behaviour in the blazing sunshine. Sean Paul’s performance lacked timing and pitch, but the crowd made up for it; belting out his hits and making a great atmosphere. The Human League were everything I hoped they’d be; looking and sounding like the beautiful new wave dream they’ve always been, and had the crowd eating out of the palm of their hands. I regret missing the Finale at Main Stage, but nothing was stopping me from seeing Fatboy Slim (aka the king of Bestival) see out The Spaceport. His set was the highlight of weekend for me; a non-stop party which was sent into stratosphere each time he laid one of his own tracks.

Photo by Victor Frankowski

There were quite a few things missing or scaled back this year; Sink the Pink’s venue was gone, Bollywood was smaller and no sign of it’s usually magnificent archway and, as mentioned before, no pints of beer!! It’s clear that Bestival struggled for one reason or another this year, but they still managed to put on a great event. I will be going back next year, in full faith that they’ll be running at full capacity!

Reviewed by Jon Rowntree