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Camp Bestival is a long-weekend jam-packed with fun and frolics for all the family. Family is top of the Camp Bestival agenda. Expect a massive kids area filled with an abundance of treats for lil’uns of all ages. At Camp Bestival, pretty much everything has been designed with families in mind. There is a fair amount of branding (Boden, etc) and kid’s TV characters with plenty of activities all weekend included in the price to keep the kids busy.
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What’s On?
Music
With at least seven stages featuring predominantly music, as well as numerous smaller areas, it’s possible to find something that takes anyone’s fancy. Musicians come from a wide variety of genres, so most if not all tastes are satisfied.
Activities
There are so many activities for kids of all ages, it’s hard to list them all. You will find specific areas for babies, toddlers, under 5s and more. Live acts include Dick and Dom and festival legend Mr Tumble. Fairground rides, a bouncy castle and a soft play area are also available.
Organisers go to a lot of effort to keep the teenage visitors happy with “The Den”. Here you will find music, spoken word, blogging and parkour workshops as well as late night dancing.
Everywhere is gorgeously decorated and named to conjure up magical fairytale visions. You can chill and relax in the Soul Park which has a range of varied and calming workshops. Yoga, mediation, Tai Chi and Camp Spa which are currently taking bookings for indulgent spa treatments through the Camp Bestival website.
Foodies young and old alike can enjoy a wealth of options, including the Feast Collective, the Jam Jar Bar, DJ BBQ and Coffee Camper. It’s a celebration of exceptional, artisan food producers from across the UK. Our favourite is the Women’s Institite Tea Tent where you can pick up a lovely cup of tea, sandwiches and cakes for bargain prices.
Arts and crafts, merry-go-rounds, comedy, theatre, the WI, Bollywood, a farmers market, fireworks, storytelling, campfires… With so much variety on the bill, you won’t be stuck for something to do!
Camping
Camp Bestival has 4 different types of camping field available, as well as campervan and caravan areas. This includes the main camping area, camping plus which allows you to reserve a pitch, boutique camping and Tangerine Fields. They have now also introduced VIP backstage camping (if you really want to splash out), which includes extra exceptional facilities.
An array of glamping options are available. Tipis, Yurts, Cloudhouses, Podpads, Bell Tents and Gypsy Caravans.
Accessibility
The accessible camping area is provided for festival goers with disabilities. This is a generally flat space located near the bottom of the children’s field with accessible toilets and showers, charging points and a medicine fridge. There was a new system in place for 2016 accessibility camping applications. This is being continued after its success, but is constantly moderated. Apply for the carer’s assistant pass first before ticket purchase. Documents accept are DLA higher/middle, PIP, recognised assistant dog card, severe sight impairment, or Credibility Access Card with +1. When the application is successful, you will then be instructed on how to apply for a spot in the accessible camping area.
There is a viewing platform for the main stage.
Read what 7 year old Hunny thought of it all here.
FestivalKidz’ Sarah reported on the exceptional ‘smash it’ performance from legends Dick and Dom in Bollywood
And here’s a nice video from the Wagamama’s Lounge which gives a flavour of the festival fun:
The Camp Bestival website is an excellent and comprehensive source of information, as are the popular Camp Bestival forums (access via the website).
www.campbestival.net
Keep checking www.campbestival.net and www.campbestiblog.net for all the latest details and the most up-to-the-minute news.
They have a new system in place for this year, whereby you apply for your personal assistant pass before you buy a ticket. Evidence accepted includes proof of higher/middle rate DLA, PIP, Credibility Access Card which includes +1, proof of severe sight impairment, a recognised assistance dog ID card. Once the carer’s pass has been granted, you will then be invited to apply for a space in disabled camping. Spaces do go quickly though so best to get in there early.
Fee, thanks for the feedback. Out of the festivals we went to last year, Larmer Tree looked like it had great disabled facilities. I would love to put up a factsheet about disabled facilities at festivals so I value your comments, please email me on naomi@festivalkidz.com if you have any further comments so I can add them. Many thanks Naomi
Camping Plus Tickets are not on sale yet. When they do go on sale, people who have already purchased 2012 Early Bird Tickets will be notified first, followed by people on the Camp Bestival mailing list. I presume you will then have the opportunity to upgrade if you want to.
As for Boutique Camping, I’m guessing it’s too early to book these as they will not have firmed up all the arrangements yet. You could try contacting the Camp Bestival organisers via their website http://www.campbestival.net or through their Facebook page and ask them if they know when you’ll be able to book boutique?