A Brief Snapshot Of Bestival 2012

Wednesday afternoon, and tent in hand I left KTHQ to make my way to the Isle of Wight for the last big festival of the year. Despite the campsite not opening until midday Thursday, already a large gathering of wellies and rucksacks hogged the little Catamaran over from Portsmouth.

After a painless ticket exchange we made our way to the campsite, claiming our position. With a varied weekend line-up of legends, chart toppers and local artists, first stop for this writer was the Psychedelic Worm tent to watch Valentine Grey, the Isle of Wight-based experimental rock band who played an intense set to a loyal crowd.

On Friday afternoon personal idol Adam Ant and his new Good, Bad and Lovely Posse performed. Although I’m a huge fan, I got the impression that Adam felt self-conscious; it was hard to see his face through glasses and hat, along with the distraction of a beautiful scantily clad backing singer. However he had absolute confidence in his art and performed both hits and new material with conviction.

Later that evening, whilst The Horrors unveiled a light show not to be beaten, their sound was more than disappointing (although the rest of the huge crowd seemed think otherwise). And unfortunately an excess of gin and a lack of timetable meant I missed Florence And the Machine, but back at camp those that saw her were blown away.

Saturday was fancy dress day. This year’s theme being wildlife,we awoke to a sea of fur and glitter ready for the procession that afternoon. The music kicked off with an early morning hip hop set from London based A.V kids, honest tales of past and present complemented by soulful backing vocals that really whisked us up ready for the day. Ben Howard at the Big Top played a beautiful set despite the sticky heat.

I spent the evening at the main stage with a fantastic rollcall of talent including De La Soul, Two Door Cinema Club and New Order. Rumour had it that the latter band would be terrible live, but their new line-up seemed to work, and we loved it. Standout track? Early 1980s gem ‘Ceremony.’

In amongst the hits and general craziness, I found time to sample the food stalls: highlights were a delightful mozzarella, sun-dried tomato and basil toastie from Tea and Toast, goats cheese and red onion crumpet from Strumpets and Crumpets (left) and a delicious IOW corn on the cob drenched in garlic butter. Yum. More inspiration for the Kentishtowner Kitchen, perhaps?

Sunday saw Sigur Ros take to the main stage, a truly enchanting set. But the highlight of the weekend was, however, Stevie Wonder. I have never seen a field so busy, and Stevie charmed us all with banter, decade-straddling hits and moving tributes to the likes of John Lennon and Michael Jackson.

Our summer ended with a crash and a bang, staring up at the sky as we were overcome by a dazzling firework display. I’m nostalgic already. And not even back on the mainland yet. Sigh.

Words & Pics: Czaralee Anderson