Bestival 2011

[zeppelin]

Christ, Public Enemy and the writer of the greatest album of all time on the same stage on the same day. OM actual G.

[Poleski]

I really don't understand where Rob Da Bank finds the money to book such an incredible line up.

It's a monster.

[Honeyfuzz]

Hello everyone!

So! It's my first Bestival this year, decided to book a ticket based on the fact I can no longer go to my beloved Latitude because of a new job (booo!) so I need some help if someone wouldn't mind!

I've done some basic research about how to get the island and costs of each way but wondered what people have found has worked well for them in the past.

I will be travelling from Essex via London so can anyone help me in what is the best way to travel from London (train/coach or car)? Coach then foot ferry from Southampton seems to be the cheapest option but I can't check train prices seeing as it's still too far away and I would prefer train given the choice. Would rather not drive as a 4.5 hr jouney on 4 days of festivalling isn't great it is.

So..

Is there anyway you can get like a combined ferry/train ticket or something like that I should know about? Anyone know how much it might cost on an open return by train roughly?

On the island am I right to think there is a shuttle bus to Robin Hill? How often do these go or is it better to get a taxi?

Also, how much is food/drink there? Are they similar to the other festivals?

Thankyou muchly, I'm sure I will have more questions soon lol. I like to be well researched

Edited March 30, 2011 by Honeyfuzz

[Paul ™]

Hiya

Good choice of festival, I've been last 3 years and hope to return this year. I hold it as one of my favourites #

Regards travel from London, I know Big Green Coach usually run coaches from big cities direct to the festival and these include coach travel but no info up year for Bestival.

When you get to the Island, there is shuttle buses taking you from the ferry ports to the site, these are about £5 each way.

Food/Drink is usual festival prices, bit more than the smaller festivals at £4 a pint and a meal is around £7/8 but plenty of nice food outlets to choose from. You can take drink into the campsite, but have to sneak it into the arena

Enjoy it

x

[Honeyfuzz]

Thankyou Paul!

[HurrahBrother]

I'm another one traveling down by public transprot, my location makes the train to Portsmouth perfect sense.

Anyone done that journey previous years?

As a foot passenger would I need to book the ferry in advance?

[j-j-j-j-joe!]

I still reckon Bjork or Sigur Ros, again absolutely no knowledge going into that or anything but it would make sense. I did think PJ Harvey might be a headliner but it's fantastic to see her and the likes of Public Enemy and Toots not even headlining.

[Joe-]

Well Jonsi has said that they've been working on new material, so not sure if they're still hiatus'ing.

I'd love it so much if they were announced. Would be incredible.

[Honeyfuzz]

Sigur Ros has been writing/recording unofficially for the past year in between Jonsi's solo tour. They are officially on hiatus from the public but they are still working now and again.

I don't see them playing any festivals though, maybe a few gigs in December at the earliest. This has been hinted at.

It would make my year if they did play, they are my favourite band who I've never caught live. Saw jonsi 3 times last year which was incredible.

Bjork seems more likely than Sigur.

[thesecretingredientiscrime]

Still really want to go, going to have to wait to buy tickets though : /

[thetime]

I still reckon Bjork or Sigur Ros, again absolutely no knowledge going into that or anything but it would make sense. I did think PJ Harvey might be a headliner but it's fantastic to see her and the likes of Public Enemy and Toots not even headlining.

[makhulumo]

Hey, just a couple of questions really, and possibly more to follow after that.

Basically, me and my friend are thinking of going to Bestival, never been to a festival before, I've heard that this is the friendliest, most fun one, so sounds good for a pair of festival virgins, am I right? Pretty much just how good is this festival, worth travelling down from Newcastle (most likely by train/coach) and spending a lot of money on? My gut instinct for these questions tells me yes, just looking to confirm really.

Other thing is, we're 17, and the small print on the Bestival website has stuff about 'under 18's must be accompanied by an adult aged at least 21 etc'. Would this be likely to be a big problem?

Cheers in advance.

[Bisque]

Hey, just a couple of questions really, and possibly more to follow after that.

Basically, me and my friend are thinking of going to Bestival, never been to a festival before, I've heard that this is the friendliest, most fun one, so sounds good for a pair of festival virgins, am I right? Pretty much just how good is this festival, worth travelling down from Newcastle (most likely by train/coach) and spending a lot of money on? My gut instinct for these questions tells me yes, just looking to confirm really.

[makhulumo]

You'll be welcome, you'll stand out as newbie though if you don't get your fancy dress A+*

[Dave The Hedgehog]

Other thing is, we're 17, and the small print on the Bestival website has stuff about 'under 18's must be accompanied by an adult aged at least 21 etc'. Would this be likely to be a big problem?

[makhulumo]

I shouldn't think so, as long as you don't look like kids you'd get away with it.

As for the beer problem - I'll get them for you if you give me the money and buy me an ice cream.

[Dave The Hedgehog]

I'd say I look pretty much my age, could probably get away with 18, my mate doesn't look 17 though. Think we'll just take the plunge and go along with it, we both want to see The Cure, Groove Armada, Fatboy Slim etc, just go along with what happens, if worst comes to worst we'll try and tag along with some people, despite how slightly pathetic that is haha

Haha, sounds like a plan, that'll be my bargaining chip the entire weekend I think

[Bisque]

Right, what's it like for getting alcohol in? Do they such your bags thoroughly on your way in? And what's it like for sneaking alcohol into the arena?

[jjbeeson]

Volounteered to be am oxfam steward here, never done it before or been to bestival. Anyone know what either are like?

Been to v festival and Glastonbury before, don't need me to tell you what's better

Looking forward to the cure, metrnomy, pj Harvey, public enemy and Los campesinos the most. I'm aware is quite an odd mix but hey I like everything

[Bisque]

Been to v festival and Glastonbury before, don't need me to tell you what's better

[Paul ™]

Not sure if you have seen this before, but they are moving position on site and getting their own field

[Joe-]

Incredible, can't wait!

[Dave The Hedgehog]

Seconded.

Would it take much to sort out? I'm sure posts & threads would sky rocket if it got it's own forum even with the official one being very popular as I can imagine most Bestival goers also do other festivals earlier on in the summer.

[Bisque]

they are moving position on site and getting their own field

Edited April 6, 2011 by Couchy

[Paul ™]

From a licence ammendment

"We wish to introduce two additional entertainment areas which will lie within the current licensed campsite space.

"New Area 1 will lie within space that was formerly the north section of White Campiste. This space will feature the Afterburner entertainment structure, food concessions and a bar.

"New Area 2 will lie within space that was formerly Tipi & Boutique Camping. This area will feature sponsored music installations, food and a bar."

Edited April 6, 2011 by Paul ™