Pet Shop Boys, The xx and hip-hop stars A tribe called quest have been announced as headline acts at Bestival this year, as the popular four-day music festival relocates to the Lulworth Estate in Dorset for the first time. The September celebrity showcase is rapidly taking shape, with additional confirmed acts including Dizzee Rascal, Justice and Jamie T.
Moving from the Isle of Wight
The late summer indie and dance event burst on to the festival calendar back in 2004, as the small country park of ‘Robin Hill’ on the Isle of Wight became its trusted venue.
It has continued to be hosted by the English island ever since, but that tradition is to be broken in 2017, as the festivities move on to the mainland. Its popularity has swelled since around 10,000 people attended the inaugural event, growing to an impressive figure of over 50,000 attendees in 2010.
Organised by the intriguingly named record producer Rob da Bank (real name Robert John Gorham) - with the backing of his wife Josie – the event is essentially an offshoot from the 43-year-old Hampshire-born DJ’s Sunday Best record label and club nights.
‘Increase the Peace’ theme
The former Radio 1 presenter highlights his desire to “Increase the Peace” on the Bestival internet site, as he beckons in a new era for his brainchild.
Painting an idyllic vision of the new venue, he gushes that “we have a beautiful new home with a massive castle in the middle of it, acres of beautiful woodland and forest, a sea view and the dramatic Jurassic coastline.”
Glad to be back
The xx seem delighted to be returning to southern England for the event, having featured in the 2010 and 2012 line-ups, stating that “we’re excited to bring our new show to their new home”.
End of an era for hip-hop group
It promises to be a nostalgic time for A Tribe Called Quest, as their Saturday appearance is expected to be their last UK show.
However, Pet Shop Boys won’t let festival-goers dwell too long on that poignant moment, as they promise to bring Sunday’s entertainment to a fitting close.
Fancy dress always welcome
Renowned for its fancy dress themed days, especially on the Saturday of the festival, Bestival established a Guinness World Record in 2010 for the most people in fancy dress at one event.
Commenting on the show’s official site, Pet Shop Boys said that they were looking forward to “seeing how the audience has decided to dress up!” It also helps to support social and environmental causes, with Oxfam, Water Aid, RSPB, and Amnesty International all having had a clear presence over the years.
The summer may feel like a long way off as the UK braces itself against the current winter chills, but at least music fans have something to look forward to with Bestival’s opening planned for September 7th.