The summer's drawing to a close but there's still one more big festival penned into everyone's calendars; Bestival. It's almost routine now, that the Isle Of Wight will be swarmed by glitter covered, head-dress donning, all singing and dancing folk to Britain's most vibrant festival of the year.
As a newcomer to Bestival myself, I'm expecting something special, and if you've been before I'm sure you'll agree. Every year there's a theme and this year it's 'Desert Island Disco' so get rummaging for the most striking and out there outfits - pretty much anything goes. Don't worry though, you don't have to look like a human glitter ball to get by the festival, just feast your eyes on some of the acts playing. I've picked out the main acts you can't miss.
The Big Names
These two headliners can't be missed. For the indie public they'll be delighted to see Foals at the top of the pile on Saturday night. After their mind-blowing headline shows at Latitude last year, they're pretty much unmissable. As for the other headliners, Outkast have made a return this summer to festivals world wide and it's unlikely you'll get another chance to see them after their Friday night slot. Be prepared for the biggest crowd participation of the weekend to 'Hey Ya'.
The Indie Kids
Too cool for the main headliners? Check out the array of indie talent over the weekend. My tips would be to make sure you see Wolf Alice. Their live game is getting better and better and they're bound to tear up the festival. Glass Animals are also ones to look out for if you're into the kind of tranquil funky nature of Alt-J's vibes. Singer songwriter Bipolar Sunshine is also worth a visit for a dance to his upbeat indie-pop tunes as is Nick Mulvey if you're wanting more of a chilled out sing a long. Years & Years too will be bringing the party vibe to The Isle Of Wight with their dance infused indie concoctions.
The Slick Movers
Guitar bands not your thing? The dance acts on hand are equally as exhilarating to go and see live. Basement Jaxx have got so many hits it's going to be hard to top them this weekend but Major Lazer may just be able to. They've got one of the best live shows out there filled with zorb balls, twerking members of the audience and a range of remixes. Elsewhere Caribou is worth a watch with his infectious music new and old. If you're looking for some more retro dance music, SL2 are making an appearance for what could be an interesting set. The ever popular SBTRKT is bound to gather one of the biggest crowds of the weekend and who knows, maybe his latest work with Ezra Koenig will see the Vampire Weekend frontman make an appearance. However if you're looking for something fresh on the dance music scene then Tourist is your man, who's collaborated with Lianne La Havas recently.
The Disc-Jockeys
Not strictly indie, so I'll keep this short and sweet. Mainly aimed for the non-stop ravers out there, there's something new that can be found in Bondax ; the duo who will throw their catchy beats at you as they headline the BBC Introducing stage. My Nu Leng are more focused on the bass side of the things with acute remixes to create instant house classics. As for affirmed house classics, DJ EZ is on hand to provide some of the best old-school mixes of house classics.
Of course it doesn't end there, and quite rightly, it's not all about the music. Feel free to check out the stand-up comedians, dance acts and some more intriguing events going on over the weekend.
Bestival takes place 4th-7th September this year on Robin Hill, Isle Of Wight. You can still buy tickets here.
By Joshua Shreeve (@JJShreeve)
As a newcomer to Bestival myself, I'm expecting something special, and if you've been before I'm sure you'll agree. Every year there's a theme and this year it's 'Desert Island Disco' so get rummaging for the most striking and out there outfits - pretty much anything goes. Don't worry though, you don't have to look like a human glitter ball to get by the festival, just feast your eyes on some of the acts playing. I've picked out the main acts you can't miss.
The Big Names
These two headliners can't be missed. For the indie public they'll be delighted to see Foals at the top of the pile on Saturday night. After their mind-blowing headline shows at Latitude last year, they're pretty much unmissable. As for the other headliners, Outkast have made a return this summer to festivals world wide and it's unlikely you'll get another chance to see them after their Friday night slot. Be prepared for the biggest crowd participation of the weekend to 'Hey Ya'.
The Indie Kids
Too cool for the main headliners? Check out the array of indie talent over the weekend. My tips would be to make sure you see Wolf Alice. Their live game is getting better and better and they're bound to tear up the festival. Glass Animals are also ones to look out for if you're into the kind of tranquil funky nature of Alt-J's vibes. Singer songwriter Bipolar Sunshine is also worth a visit for a dance to his upbeat indie-pop tunes as is Nick Mulvey if you're wanting more of a chilled out sing a long. Years & Years too will be bringing the party vibe to The Isle Of Wight with their dance infused indie concoctions.
The Slick Movers
Guitar bands not your thing? The dance acts on hand are equally as exhilarating to go and see live. Basement Jaxx have got so many hits it's going to be hard to top them this weekend but Major Lazer may just be able to. They've got one of the best live shows out there filled with zorb balls, twerking members of the audience and a range of remixes. Elsewhere Caribou is worth a watch with his infectious music new and old. If you're looking for some more retro dance music, SL2 are making an appearance for what could be an interesting set. The ever popular SBTRKT is bound to gather one of the biggest crowds of the weekend and who knows, maybe his latest work with Ezra Koenig will see the Vampire Weekend frontman make an appearance. However if you're looking for something fresh on the dance music scene then Tourist is your man, who's collaborated with Lianne La Havas recently.
The Disc-Jockeys
Not strictly indie, so I'll keep this short and sweet. Mainly aimed for the non-stop ravers out there, there's something new that can be found in Bondax ; the duo who will throw their catchy beats at you as they headline the BBC Introducing stage. My Nu Leng are more focused on the bass side of the things with acute remixes to create instant house classics. As for affirmed house classics, DJ EZ is on hand to provide some of the best old-school mixes of house classics.
Of course it doesn't end there, and quite rightly, it's not all about the music. Feel free to check out the stand-up comedians, dance acts and some more intriguing events going on over the weekend.
Bestival takes place 4th-7th September this year on Robin Hill, Isle Of Wight. You can still buy tickets here.
By Joshua Shreeve (@JJShreeve)