Fatboy Slim to headline at Bestival

FATBOY Slim aka Norman Cook has been announced as the Friday night headliner for this year's Bestival.

The performance coincides with the dance god's birthday and promises to be a show to remember.

Norman said: “It was at Glastonbury 2003 where I closed the Sunday Best stage for [Bestival founder] Rob da Bank that I first saw the glint in his eye to create his own festival. 

"12 months later I was headlining Bestival and TEN years on, here I am again, throwing them the biggest birthday bash possible and sharing the main stage alongside Elton John and Snoop Dogg. 

"It’s an absolute honour to return for this momentous occasion – staying creative and independent in these times. You've come a long way, baby!"

As well as those headliners, the festival will also feature M.I.A, Franz Ferdinand, The Flaming Lips, Wu Tang Clan, Bombay Bicycle Club and many others.

The festival takes place at the Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight, from September 5th-8th.

For more details, including ticketing, visit http://2013.bestival.net/

Camp Bestival unveil line up

ORGANISERS of Camp Bestival have unleashed the line up for this year's event.

Taking place at Lulworth Castle, Dorset, England, from August 1st to 4th, the Friday night will be headlined by double Mercury Award nominee Richard Hawley, folk legends Levellers on Saturday with Labrinth closing the bash on Sunday.

The eclectic festival will also be sets from DJ Fresh, Toots and the Maytals, The Polyphonic Spree, Gabrielle Aplin, Tom Odell, I Am Kloot, Billy Bragg, dan le sac vs Scroobius Pip and many more.

Organiser Rob da Bank said: "As ever it’s a veritable smorgasbord of talent. Music-wise people are always asking for more guitars so we have Richard Hawley, Levellers and Billy Bragg, pop and dance is represented by heavyweights Labrinth and DJ Fresh and we're mega chuffed rising stars Gabrielle Aplin and Tom Odell have chosen to come to the Camp. Throw in some legends like Toots and The Maytals, Musical Youth and Kid Creole and we're pretty confident everyone will be dancing on the grass!"

Away from the music stage there will be plenty of other activities on offer for the whole family including an exclusive appearance from the Horrible Histories team.

Da Bank added: "Camp Bestival is about so much more than the main stage and we are really pleased to welcome Mr Tumble back as well as a festival exclusive from Horrible Histories and Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo, whilst top comedian Alan Davies is joining us for the first time. 

"Our theme for 2013 Around The World is a truly global, magical mystery tour of faraway lands from Indian circuses to Italian pop-up restaurants and Belgian ska bands. Roll up roll up for the Greatest Show On Earth!"

For more information on the festival and ticketing details, visit www.campbestival.net or follow their social networking pages on Facebook and Twitter.

Promoter's festival weather warning

THE promoter of Bestival has warned a wet summer in the UK could spell disaster for festivals.

Speaking to the BBC, Rob da Bank said poor weather will lead to bigger problems selling tickets. A number of festivals were victim of the poor conditions last year including Godiva Festival in Coventry, The Garden Party in Isle of Man and Creamfields in Cheshire, while Guilfest in Surrey went into administration blaming low ticket sales.

Da Bank said: "We need a good healthy, sunny year for people to get their confidence back in UK festivals."

Read the BBC's full story here.

Sir Elton and Snoop Dogg to headline Bestival

YOU certainly can't accuse the organisers of Bestival of not offering an eclectic mix of music at this year's festival with Elton John and Snoop Dogg announced as its headliners for Saturday and Sunday nights.

This year is the 10th anniversary festival and Sir Elton and Snoop will be joined on the bill by the likes of M.I.A., Franz Ferdinand, The Flaming Lips, The Knife, Wu-Tang Clan, Bombay Bicycle Club, The Roots and many more.

“I haven’t played any of the major festivals in the UK in recent years, so when the opportunity to play Bestival came up I was very interested," said Sir Elton. "I’ve heard that the Bestival audience comes in fancy dress and I can’t wait to see that, they must all look amazing from the stage. 

"At various times I have worn enormous feathered head-dresses, cloaks, hot pants, jumpsuits, clown suits, Donald Duck, Minnie Mouse, French Maid, The Eiffel Tower and The Statue of Liberty onstage! Wearing fancy dress makes us all feel less inhibited so I think it’s a great way to enjoy live music."

Bestival takes place from September 5-8 at Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight, England.

For the full festival line up - including which DJs will be playing sets - visit the official website at www.Bestival.net

Tickets are on sale now with a wealth of ticket types and payment options. For more, visit www.ticketline.co.uk/bestival-tickets

Bestival Benefit event for crash victims

THE team behind Bestival have organised a benefit night in memory of those who died in a coach crash on the way home from the festival in 2012.

Michael Molloy, 18, Kerry Ogden, 23, and coach driver Colin Daulby, 63, died in the accident on the A3 near Hindhead, in Surrey, England, in September.

Many others were also injured as the coach crashed while returning to the North West of England following the festival on the Isle of Wight.

Bestival’s Rob da Bank said: “Bestival HQ and everyone connected to Bestival 2012 were devastated by what happened after our festival on the A3.

“We've been working to get an event set up to show some love and hopefully raise lots of money for those affected and their families and we're pleased it's in the home town of many of those involved; Liverpool.”

The event will take place at Nation – the home of Cream – on Saturday, March 30, 2013, and will be hosted by Rob da Bank and the Cuban Brothers.

Tickets priced £16.25 including booking fee are available now from Ticketline. The full line-up details for this one-off event will be released soon.

“Thanks to everyone who has rallied round and contributed to making this event happen – everyone from the DJs and live bands to the venue Nation are donating their time and services for free so please get the date in your diary and prepare to party for a very good cause. See you on the dance floor,” da Bank added.

Tickets - www.ticketline.co.uk/bestival-at-nation
Facebook Event Page: www.facebook.com/events/130090323820296/
Please check www.bestival.net for more details.