Camp Bestival 2012 weather: Hot and dry the entire weekend.
Review by Michelle Rock-Davis (with a 2yr old and a 4yr old)
CB is in a beautiful location, held in Lulworth Castle grounds in Dorset. A big drive for us from West Yorks, but we over-nighted in The New Forest and so arrived fresh and early.
Set Up – The car parks were well organised and we were prepared with our own truck for carting the tent etc. However, we had underestimated the size of the event and over packed as usual. The trek from our car to a camping spot near some loos and showers was a long walk for little toddler legs and involved a few too many hills. There was lots of room to camp in general camping on the Thursday, and we ended up on a nice flat patch about halfway between the carpark and the main event area. We had been concerned about the size of our tent as its a big 7man Outwell, but had no problems finding a space for this and a little extra for our windbreak and cooker. We had read that the festival has a no open flame policy but everyone we saw cooked near their tents on cookers and BBQs so no worries there. If we go again I will definitely pack much lighter and, if we could afford it, would consider Camping Plus as the car parks are nearer the action.
Entertainment (line up and activities) – Where to start?! There was so much to see and do every day we were disappointed that we didn’t have the energy to do more! All the main acts we watched on the main Castle stage were fantastic, the only gripe we had was that some acts such as the Gruffalo, Mr Tumble and Rolf Harris were not loud enough to hear at the back of the field. Chic on Saturday were a big surprise as they were fantastic and we had one of those wonderful festival hours where the kids were really happy and danced with us in the sunshine without needing the loo, a juice, a go on the Ferris wheel.
The other entertainment was also fabulous and no matter where you were in the massive grounds there was always something fun happening. We particularly like the Youth Bus drumming sessions. In fact every child we saw from 0-18 was happy and found something to suit at all times. I really can’t praise the entertainment enough!
What improvements could be made?
A few free children’s parks, swings, slide etc would be good.
A bit more shade near the stages for those red hot days.
More sound near the back of castle stage field.
More cleaner loos, more showers. ATMs that work, I had an hour queue.
I know most festivals can’t do this, but the Acoustic Festival of Britain lets you drive to your camping spot and stay parked next to your tent, which avoids a lot of the setting up strain and eases packing up too. We did look at Camping Plus this year and it is closer to the action which is good, but with our big tent we would have needed two pitches which was just too expensive.
Tips for parents – There are lots of free shows and activities for little and big ones, but as always some of the things that kids like best – face painting, swings, ferris wheel, etc cost money so take plenty, the ATMs are poor.
Relax and accept that you are not always going to be at the right stage at the right time so don’t over plan and become disappointed.
Get there early to camp near the showers.
Take lots of bubble wands or you will end up giving a months earnings to Bubbles Inc.
Site and Facilities – Now the only down side, nowhere near enough loos and showers and nowhere near clean enough. We are a bit spoilt as we always do the Acoustic Festival of Britain in Uttoxeter, in May, and this has tons of super clean real flushing loos and showers and so all other festivals seem grotty by comparison – my top tip is to take your wipes, a porta-potty for little ones in the night and some strong perfume on a hanky for the last day (tip to CB contact Rob at AFOB and ask him how they do it – they are amazing!)
Mobile signal – I had no signal on my phone all weekend but we were happy and together so not a problem
Security – fabulous happy policing and security. I didn’t see anyone lose a child for more that a few seconds, and so can’t comment on welfare arrangements. I did notice a lot of big groups with teens using walky talkies to stay in touch which seemed a good idea.
Other comments – Walking to the event and back to the tent up and down hills with kids in the pimped wagon was a bit tiring, but manageable, and I am pretty sure more festaxis would have gone down well, especially on packing up day.
Most Memorable Moment – Two words – Fireworks Finale!!!!! My four year old daughter said “Best Fireworks Ever” and she wasn’t wrong – top tip to all festivals, finish with a big bang and people will go away happy.
Would I go again? Yes
8/10
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Linked articles:
Reviews: Camp Bestival 2011
Reviews: Camp Bestival 2010