As another summer of live music comes to a close, Bestival happening this week is here for one final blow out. With a big theme and an even bigger line up, the festival is set to be the summer party to end all parties. Set on the Isle of Wight in Robin Hill Country Park, with the theme of ‘the future’, organisers have once again curated what is sure to be an exciting and vibrant event. With the colourful Carnival, Bestival’s Bestiversity and live music from new and old loved artists, there really is something for everyone. With day and stage splits now announced we take a look at what to expect from the best of the weekend.
Thursday
Big Top
The venue opens up for the weekend and kickstarts with non other than Snakehips, the electro duo will be bringing all their best loved tracks, including their newest hit ‘Cruel’, which features vocals from Zayn. Next to hit the Big Top will be Shy FX’s Party on the Moon with Giggs, Redlight, The Fatback Band, General Levy, Nadia Rose and Masterstepz, which will no doubt be a massive, unmissable party to start the festival. Following that, the infectious electro-pop group, Glass Animals will take the stage, playing a grooving live set featuring tracks from their debut ‘Zamba’ and brand new album ‘How To Be A Human Being.’ If you’ve seen them live before, then you know not to miss them and if you haven’t, well you can’t afford to miss out on their infectious live show. Finishing the Big Top’s live music on Thursday is everyone’s favourite party starters Hot Chip who will continue the party right through to 2am.
Invaders of The Future
Opening the week’s most exciting stage of fresh new music will be Kid Carneval starting at 16.00pm. The stage will continue onto 2am ending with The Greasy Slicks and will be bringing you the first collective of the best new artists to discover throughout the weekend.
Friday
Main Stage
The main stage finally opens and will host acts such as hit pop makers, Years and Years, “king of grime” Skepta and the festival’s first headliners electro duo and smash track makers, Major Lazer.
Big Top
Over on the tented stage the likes of Danish solo artist MO will take the stage, along with soulful rap artist Loyle Carner, experimental pop group Animal Collective and closing Friday’s live music Katy B.
Spaceport
Bestival’s most unique stage, hosting the weekends theme finally opens and sees the likes of Mount Kimbie (DJ Set), Carl Cox, Diplo and Barely Legal to send you dancing and moving throughout the whole day.
Invaders of The Future
Zane Lowe’s favourite rockers Spring King are not to be missed with their quick guitars and energetic drumming, playing tracks from their debut album ‘Tell Me If You Like To.’ Used to big shows and tours with the likes of The 1975, The Japanese House will take the stage with her youthful, delicately melancholy sound. A late entry to the line up, everyone’s favourite Birmingham indie group JAWS will take to the stage for their first festival set in a little while
Saturday
Main Stage
A weird and wacky addition to the line up, The Chuckle Brothers take to the main stage for nostalgic jokes and games. WSTRN, the West London rappers and hit makers, take the main stage to play some crowd pleasers Lady Leshurr will unleash her powerful raps and hip hop on this year’s punters. Whilst Craig David’s TS5 is set to be a highlight playing new and old r&b favourites. Festival favourites, indie rockers Wolf Alice will no doubt play a vivacious show. Back after their last Bestival headline show that saw them play 2 hours worth of bangers, The Cure are back to do it all over again.
Big Top
Opening with Gloucestershire’s sibling duo, Ardyn and continuing with gentle melodies to Cornwall’s own Billie Marten, the stage sees a change and a variety of sounds throughout the day. With massive support from Radio 1 and Radio 1extra, Izzy Bizu is set to play the tented venue bringing her biggest pop hits. Beloved electronic musician Richie Hawtin later takes the stage, while the stage finishes off with Crystal Fighters who are sure to play some of their new tracks.
Invaders of The Future
Stopping off at the site on their tour, American rock band Pinegrove will be a good find at this year’s festival, as their popularity begins to rise and rise in the UK, catch up whilst you can. Stroud’s Milk Teeth will bring the raucous energy to the stage playing their heavy grunge. Despite clashing with Craig David on the main stage, if you fancy something new and different, Black Honey are the band to see. The Brighton rockers having been making their mark, and with their hazy indie rock and quirky look they are sure to put on a great show. Also making their name, but again clashing with Wolf Alice, are Vant. The British indie rockers are sure to play their loved tracks including, ‘Parasite’, ‘Parking Lot’ and ‘Karma Seeker’ amongst others. Hinds have been rising and rising as a band, now known and loved across the UK festival scene, the Spanish girl rockers certainly know how to do a good set.
Sunday
Main Stage
With his first album shortlisted for the 2011 Mercury Prize, Ghostpoet will be bringing his best loved tracks to the site. Krept and Konan will kick start the afternoon with the biggest hip hop sounds, before Mercury nominated Kano takes the stage. Joint headliners Sean Paul and Wiz Khalifa are set to close the weekend with non stop party action, massive tracks and big performances to seal off the weekend as one of the best of the summer.
Big Top
Despite Sunday seeming to be the worst for clashes, Honne is their if you don’t fancy the mayhem over on the main stage with Sean Paul, offering chilled out summer vibes. Mura Masa fits in perfectly between the two headline sets and is a must see. The young British electronic producer is sure to play his biggest hits ‘What If I Go?’ and ‘Firefly’ along with many more. If Wiz Khalifa isn’t your thing, then don’t move from the Big Top. Jagwar Ma will be bringing all the Aussie sun to bring the biggest psychedelic, infused summer beats. Later The Human League will play out old time favourites, before Hospitality takes over the stage for one final blast of festival chaos.
Spaceport
Along with other clashes, the spaceport artists around to provide the best EDM and dance beats throughout the day. Sandwiched between the headliners is Eats Everything, but with a two hour long slot you’ll surely be able to go and get your rave on at some point. Fatboy Slim will be the last of the Spaceport headliners bringing all his oldest and newest hits for a massive set to rival all others.
Invaders of The Future
The last day to catch all the best new acts, here is a few to see. Sunflower Bean, the Brooklyn trio have delivered us their amazing debut album ‘Human Ceremony’ this year, along with an extensive year of touring. Stopping off on their UK tour, the arty rockers will bring their perfect blend of light and heavy for an explosive set on the stage. With his gorgeous voice and heavenly songs JP Cooper will play the stage, certainly a future star, he’ll be their to bring a tear to your eye. In the wake of their second album, Brighton grunge rockers, The Wytches are set for a show of heavy drumming, distorted guitars, unearthly bass lines and tortured lyrics. Always a pleasure to catch live, they aren’t to be missed.
Other stages to check out throughout the weekend include the Bollywood stage and Temple Island, along with events such as Bestiversity, the Carnival and Day Parade amongst many more! So go ahead and enjoy the one summer’s biggest and final parties!