Festival-goers flocked in their thousands this weekend to witness the whacky world of Isle of Wight's very own Bestival; curated by Rob and Josie Da Bank. Year by year the festival has grown whilst bringing a hugely diverse mix of people together to celebrate.
Basement Jaxx can still throw one hell of a partyComing on stage at 00:30 on the Saturday night, Basement Jaxx raised the bar high with a full on party spirit. Opening with 'Good Luck', the hit parade blended beautifully with the new house-influenced album 'Junto'... they even brought big robots out as demonstrated from their 2009 gig at London O2 Arena.
Glass Animals are on to something big
Bringing their swagger-tinged alternative indie to the Invaders of the Future stage, the crowd were fuelled with anticipation on the Thursday evening... even after a thirty minute delay to their arrival. Keep a close eye on these Oxford lads.
Bestival wouldn't be the same without Sink The PinkDubbed as 'East London's most outrageous trannies and club kids', it's practically impossible to miss Sink The Pink pop up in so many sets. It's almost a Bestival tradition to have them. If you're trashed, head over to the Grand Palace of Entertainment to be inspired in your drunken stupor.
The 'Listerine' tent was 2014's underdog
Leaving Clean Bandit and stumbling across the Listerine tent was the best action I made on the Sunday afternoon. With Bondax dropping some classic tracks in a small shed, the compact crowd was greeted with an ongoing paint party like that of a holi festival. Who would've thought mouthwash could be so much fun!?
Rob Da Bank is an official Guiness World Record holder
The hit maker that is Nile Rodgers challenged Bestival to break the world record for the biggest disco ball in the world, which at the time stood at just under ten metres. Of course Rob Da Bank took up this offer and smashed the record with 10.33 metres and 2,500 mirrored tiles! Lifted during Chic's incredible Sunday headline set, a firework display accompanied the disco ball as it took it's first spins.
Prince is perfect for 2015If there's one guy to up the stakes it's gotta be the god that is Prince. With a new album out soon and an alleged fallout with Glastonbury's organisers, could he take Purple Rain to the Isle of Wight? In the past Bestival has hosted megastars such as Elton John and Stevie Wonder so why not bring the Raspberry Beret over! I challenge you Rob Da Bank..
Prince - I Wanna Be Your Lover (Official Video) by Prince-OfficialThe Kooks surprise set let out everyone's inner 2006 indie kid
The crowds were let in for a treat on Saturday when the 'Inside In/Inside Out' creators took to the stage, opening with the first screeches of single 'Down'. The Big Top tent was packed to the brim with audience members rekindling their inner indie kid (I was in Year 6 when Naive came out). It was refreshing to see that the tracks off their new album 'Listen' stood up just as well against older numbers.
Chic are true professionalsNile Rodgers and co. deserve the maximum level of kudos for their headline set on Sunday. After finding out the great news that Bestival was the official holder of the world's biggest disco ball, Nile informed the audience that his guitar technician of almost nineteen years lost his battle against cancer shortly before the set. Chic said it was one of the hardest shows they've ever played and members of the band at points within the show were visibly welling up but yet to have that level of professionalism and still produce one of the best sets of the festival really deserves a tip of the hat.
Bestival boasts just as diverse a crowd as Glastonbury
Whether you're a full on house-head, a chilled reggae type, an avant-garde polka lover or just an all round music addict, Bestival is the place to be. There's so much on offer I'd be amazed if someone was to get bored at the festival.
Busta Rhymes pulling out sparked ridiculous rumours
Before it was confirmed that DJ Yoda was to replace Busta Rhymes, who pulled out due to false advertisement of a show in London (yeh.. I don't see the logic either), rumours were flying that acts including Dido, Prince, The Magic Numbers, Scouting For Girls, Mark Ronson, Professor Green were to replace him. What a shame.
Make sure you get your tickets in the bag nice and early for next year!
