Even the fireworks had hearts in them and love was definitely in the air. This is what I’ve always thought that Bestival is all about, and this year it really blossomed in the non-stop sunshine. Everyone was beautiful, made of love.

I only got up there on the Sunday, but I was so glad that I had the opportunity to be there (big thanks to the people who made it so) because it was so fabulous – the icing on the cake of a weird and somewhat surreal weekend for me. I may blog on that later, but here’s what happened when I got to Bestival.

First off as I walked down into the ‘village’ around the bandstand I was overjoyed to see that the CND had taken a wee stall this year. I used to promote their ideals when I ran ‘Make Bunting Not War’ from 2006 to 2008 and I’ve been wondering where they were, so it was great to see them there with a painting workshop. They were also selling T Shirts with Olympic style five ringed CND symbols on them – I had to have one.

Next stop after my T shirt purchase was to see Pauline Henry, formerly of the Chimes, with her ‘new’ band who had all been gathered from around the Island, belting out a few great numbers on the Bandstand. They did an absolutely outstanding job of it I might add – with Doug Alldred on drums, Scott Anderson on bass, Bradley P Thomas on keyboard, Gema Brent on supporting vocals and Nigel Leppard and Dave Priddle on lead guitars. I especially liked the second to last one ‘Lost’ about desire. Is desire part of love? Or is it lust? I think it’s a bit of both myself.

Next it was time to head on over to the Big Top to see JJ Doom who were giving it large, or whatever the expression is. Lol as they say. I’ve never particularly been into hip hop but these guys were really entertaining and as I’d met them the previous day it seemed churlish not to catch their set, which I thoroughly enjoyed.

By 5pm I was getting a bit peckish and needed a sit down, but unfortunately the Oxfam marquee captured me on the way to a café. Four hats and a Joseph cardigan later (and £9 lighter) and I had to ask my mate for a loan to buy my tea and cake. Tut tut.

At 6.30pm it was Sigor Ros, who I have to say I barely knew, but now I am going to purchase at least one of their albums. Their music surrounds you like a multi-sensory blanket and I especially liked the bubbles that were being sprayed across the crowd. Suggestions as to which album I get would be appreciated.

My daughter wanted to see Bellowhead and I liked Spiers and Boden, who are part of this band, when I saw them at Folkstation a couple of years ago. So I thought it would be a great detour to go to the Replay stage to see them and I was so glad that we did. The eleven members of the band (yes eleven!) played some great songs that you just had to dance to – there was even a country dancing session going on at the back of the tent. Peter from Prufrock coffee even did a bit of breakdancing in the middle of the circle, which I sadly couldn’t capture on camera.

This made us a little late for Stevie the Wonder but it was an interesting voyage being pulled through the crowd in a crocodile of three, all holding hands and saying ‘lots of love’ to everybody whose feet I trod on.

And at last we were alongside the sound desk to hear the rest of Stevie’s two hour set that was absolutely fantastic. Everyone around us was singing along and voices were getting a little hoarse. The bass level was a bit rumbly and he did complain about his piano at one point. But what this actually meant was that he got up and sang instead – does he usually do this I wondered?

When he asked his daughter to sit alongside him and started playing ‘Isn’t She Lovely,’ I very nearly burst into tears with the love. It was just wonderful – that’s all I can say, hand on heart.

With this in mind the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival (22^nd – 30^th September) takes place this month offering lots of ideas for new routes to explore and discover, or fantastic cycling events to take part in like the Hills Killer or Chevy Chase Enduro.

As it’s harvest time there are a number of great local produce led events taking place – such as the Apple Days Festival at The Apple Farm, Afton on 15^th & 16^th September. A great free event, especially for those who have their own apple trees as you can take your apples and have them pressed into your very own bottle of apple juice! Then just sit back, enjoy the live music and peruse the stalls selling all manner of applie goodies.

And don’t miss the fabulous Isle of Wight Sweetcorn Fayre on 29^th & 30^th September at Farmer Jacks, Arreton. A true country fair,  there is welly wanging, tractor rides, beer, displays (ferrets/hawks/terriers), music and a serious amount of sweetcorn to sample.  While there make sure you try your luck (and navigation skills) in the amazing Maize Maze.

To really get involved in the harvest make sure you don’t miss the Island’s 113^th annual Ploughing Match on 29^th September at Wellow Manor Farm. The heritage of our former farming practices is kept alive every autumn in this annual ploughing match that is held at a different farm on the Isle of Wight each year.

And of courses September on the Island wouldn’t be September without the UK’s favourite – beautiful Bestival – taking place from 6-9^th  at Robin Hill – this year headlining are Stevie Wonder, New Order and Florence & The Machine.

With the jet stream now correctly realigned, Rob da Bank can afford a huge sigh of relief for this year’s Camp Bestival in Dorset. It was sunny and dry.  Next up is Bestival on the Isle of Wight, his other award-winning festival. A few years ago, the weather was so bad they had to lay a plastic floor in the middle of the night in the pouring rain.

Bad festival weather has been getting some bad press recently. “It can be very testing,” says Rob. “But festival goers are a very persistent lot when it comes to having fun come rain or shine.” Fortunately, both his festival sites have very good drainage. “As long as we can get people on and off the site – and keep people mobile; then we can keep those stresses and frustrations at bay,” he says. Ironically, the great soaking of 2008 was the making of Bestival, as the event has sold out on every subsequent occasion.

Robert Gorham aka Rob da Bank has come along way, since growing up in Warsash, a village near Southampton. His first musical foray was playing trombone in his dad’s brass band and listening to his parents huge record collection containing the Beetles and Mamas and Papas to Beethoven. “ It all started off as a hobby but my taste in music has always been diverse, which is important as a festival promoter and radio DJ,” explains Rob. He founded his club night Sunday Best in South London, back in 1995 while working as a music journalist. “At the time everything just rapidly grew out of proportion. The natural next step was launching a bigger and better party. Music festivals were beginning to take off,” he explains.

Rob 38, who married his teenage sweetheart, Josie have been going to Glastonbury ever since they met at eighteen. “We’d arrive in our little Citreon 2 CV and scurry around the fields trying to get our way into the festival!  Glastonbury was the most exciting event – and it really still is – it’s awesome,” he says.  The trigger point came when Rob hosted the Radio One stage at Glastonbury. “The whole idea of fancy dress took off from there. We wanted to do something ourselves and started to look for a suitable site on the South coast,” he says. Thus Bestival was born in 2004, held at the Isle of Wight’s Robin Hill Adventure Park.

Rob’s all-important contacts in the music industry have since ensured success with legendary performances by Chuck Berry, Amy Winehouse, The Cure and Kraftwork. “The real difficulty was convincing the Island that we weren’t a huge mega rave, so we used some gentle and persistent persuasion,” explains Rob. “It was also hugely important to us that we wanted Bestival to appeal to all – not just the 18-25 year old age group and to showcase artists that would interest the older generation too. We also wanted as many Islander’s involved with Bestival from the start from the Women’s Institute to local food producers.” Bestival has since grown steadily year-on-year to its current capacity of 50,000. Its success is down to the vibrant vibe offering an array of everything from folk, to dub-step to fancy dress parades.

Then six years ago came another catalyst for change when Rob and his wife Josie started a family. They now have three boys Arlo 6, Merlin, 4 and Miller aged 2. “ We were keen to incorporate our kids into the dynamics and amazingly, nobody seemed to be doing festivals for families,” explains Rob.  “We’d already seen the Big Chill Festival at the Lulworth Castle site, which is a fantastic spot, so we thought up Camp Bestival as a family festival.” Last year it won Best Family Festival and this year’s highlight was the Saturday night disco with Earth Wind and Fire, Kool & the Gang, and The Chic, which for many was pretty unbeatable.

Rob admits nerves can get somewhat frayed during festival time, but by Saturday afternoon he’ll be downing a cocktail or two. “You live on the edge of your seat a lot of the time, hoping everything goes according to plan, so it can be pretty nerve-wracking as there are so many things that can go wrong,” he says.  “During festival, the first thing we do in the mornings is contact the night controller to check there weren’t any incidences. We feel responsible even though it might not have anything to do directly with us,” he adds.

Despite his coup at this year’s Bestival in September with Stevie Wonder headlining and New Order, Rob puts it all down to communication, (bearing in mind he spent seven years persuading The Cure – one of his musical heroes is front-man Robert Smith.) “I spend my year talking to agents, artists and production mangers in a constant loop of meetings, phone-calls or emails trying to persuade them it’s worthwhile doing,” he says. His tenacity and dogged determination might have something to do with a competitive edge on always wanting his festivals to be the best.

Yet with 20 different stages running for up to 20 hours a day, how does Rob cherry pick what to see? “Each day I read the line up and decide on a hit list of must-see performances – but I’ll also be checking the sound and light to make sure it’s perfect,” he says. When Stevie Wonder is playing at Bestival he says he’ll be circling the audience checking all the acoustics with his cap and sunglasses on and radio walkie-talkie pressed to his ear. If he’s lucky, he may get to meet the great man backstage.

For someone who claims he is no natural businessman, he is hugely successful – and talented. There’s a political edge to him too. Seven months ago with the support of the Isle of Wight Youth Trust, he launched the Isle of Wight Music Club for local teenagers. “With services being cut on the Island, there’s a massive lack of live venues which has had a massive knock on effect with Island youths,” he says. “I wanted to help get the local children fired up about living on the Island by giving them access to music. Now we’re getting up to 80 children each session and there’s certainly enough talent on the Island to make this work.”

Since 2002, Saturday mornings Rob presents his BBC 1 radio show between 5am-7am and that means rising at his South London home at a groggy 3.30am. He also hosts a handful of DJ gigs each month so his weekends are busy. But one of his biggest joys is boarding the Island ferry and returning to his house in Thorley. A family home for five years now, with three boys under 6 years old the day can start at 5am. “If we’re lucky it’s more like 7am,” he says.  “I’m not one for lying around so we get out and about on the Island at every spare moment. We love taking the kids down to the beach – at Yarmouth, Colwell, Totland or Compton or just having a family day at Blackgang Chine and Robin Hill,” he enthuses.

A keen sailor Rob can also be spotted sailing down the River Yar in his boat or across the Solent. One hugely memorable day was recently completing the Round the Island race with the Ellen Macarthur Trust. “ I used to sail competitively as a child, so I know what I’m doing,” he muses. “And I really love the Island because of all the sailing – it’s the perfect antidote to London mayhem.”

Despite their very strong work ethic driving the couple forward, Rob and Josie do take time out with the kids for family holidays at Christmas and half-term in between lots of Island shenanigans.  “The summer months are our busiest times with two festivals. What I love most is seeing 50,000 people loving what you’ve done yet much of this is only possible because of our fantastic team and our great network of support, including the grandparents,” he says humbly. In true Camp Bestival style, all the family will be joining in with the festivities.

First of all there are absolutely loads of venues and tons of things to do and see with over 20  different stages to choose from this year. The Main Stage and the Big Top have all the headliners and this year you’ve got the amazing Stevie Wonder headlining the Main Stage on Sunday, with New Order on Saturday and Florence and the Machine headlining on Friday.  Orbital are headlining in the Big Top on Sunday for a proper rave up.

Secondly Bestival is a fancy dress party – didn’t you know? And this year the theme for Bestival 2012 is Wildlife.  “We want you to unleash the party beast from the hinterlands of your imagination, covering Robin Hill with some properly wild things – from fantastic fauna, kings of the jungle and even organisms aplenty to just the outrageously wild…” say the organisers. Don’t miss the fancy dress parade on the Saturday with prizes for the best costumes.

The Bollywood tent is home to all the best DJs including Rob Da Bank himself and this year it will have a temple themed entrance way and an old London bus is being transformed into a cocktail bar, Bollywood style of course. The Come Dancing Spiegeltent, a beautiful 19^th century style ‘mirror tent’ made from wood, mirrors, leaded glass and canvas, is the place to learn your moves as there are loads of different classes in everything from ballroom dancing to hip hop.

Film is coming to Bestival in 2012 with the Lost Picture Show – a vintage cinema to take you back to the golden age of movie going plus Rob da Bank will be rescoring the 1930s original of King Kong at the brand new Amphitheatre performance space in the Woods. Also at the Amphitheatre Stage will be Scroobius Pip’s Satin Lizard Lounge – a stellar line-up of the very best spoken word artists in the country.

The Grand Palace of Entertainment will have weird and wonderful things to do during the day and hosts the UK’s best in alternative entertainment at night whilst the Psychedelic Worm stage is the place to catch up and coming talent. The quirky and cute Wishing Tree is back again and has lots of new attractions along with DJ sets and the wacky Lost and Found gang up to their old tricks. Copperdollar presents Spidora, a magical immersive theatrical sideshow through the darkness to where Spidora lurks and Slumbarave is an irresistibly twisted, spooky hotel.

Back for the second year is the Roller disco on a giant sized jukebox stage, with vintage skates free to hire, although you can also dance without wheels.  Also back on the bayou is the Swamp Shack, a ramshackle Louisiana juke joint that has a Southern Gothic theme that was voted one of the highlights of 2011. And Bestival wouldn’t be the same without two much loved institutions the Knees Up Tent and Time for Tease.

Soul Park is the name of the new and expanded Healing Area which will feature unique spaces for yoga, massage, relaxation, hammocks and meditation with the David Lynch Foundation plus wood-burning Scandinavian hot tubs and a sauna area. It will also be the location of the opening ceremony by Isle of Wight druids.

The country’s finest young chefs will be coming together under one roof to provide fantastic food as the winners of the nationwide search for the most talented Young British Foodies will be joined by the YBF all-star foodie judges to create a never-been-done-before, spectacular eating experience. Bestival also welcomes the return of Kerstin Rodgers and The Underground Restaurant who will be bringing fine and explorative dining to a field for those who want to escape the hubbub of the festival and experience the opulence of eating like a king under canvas.

In the Village area you’ll find the WI tea and cakes marquee run by the Island’s ladies, all home-made fayre and very reasonably priced. The local Farmer’s Market also has a food stall here. Other Islanders to look out for are Ben Brown with his fresh Arreton Sweetcorn and the St Catherine’s School Tuck Shop – Rob Da Bank is one of their patrons. The Solace Tent is run by young people from the Island’s churches and has free cakes and teas/coffees!

After dark you must make sure to see ‘Arcadia presents the Afterburner’, a 360 degree stage DJ stage that shoots giant 30 foot flameballs into the sky surrounded by 12 fire breathing lamppost tree sculptures. And on Sunday night there is an amazing firework display after Stevie Wonder finishes on the Main Stage.

Tipi Holidays are situated in four acres of beautiful countryside based at Roebeck Camping, which is nestled between the village of Havenstreet and the town Ryde. You’ll have plenty of opportunity to unwind and experience life in the slow lane here, not to mention experience a unique and memorable holiday.  The tipis are fitted with a thick groundsheet and matting. Camp beds are supplied and at 18′/5.5 m diameter the tipis can sleep up to six adults comfortably. There’s also a washing-up area with microwave, kettle and fridge. The toilet, shower block and laundry room are a short distance away. Prices start from around £8 a person per night based on 4 people sharing. All you need to bring is a sleeping bag, your own cutlery and personal effects, plus for night-time that much-needed torch. A wood burner nearby can also double up as a BBQ or campfire. It can get a bit nippy out of season, so the owners have electric heating on standby.

Eve’s Tipis can provide tipis for an array of events from private parties and weddings to festivals and holidays. The brilliant thing about Eve’s tipis are that they can be hired furnished with everything you can think of or unfurnished, with just a groundsheet and coir matting flooring, so that you can bring your own choice of bedding and personal things. You can also pick a tipi friendly campsite and Eve will then erect your tipi ready for your stay.  If you don’t fancy carrying loads of bedding, you can hire one of their bedding packages, or simply just order a furnishings package, which will provide you with cosy rugs, comfortable floor cushions, a table and tea-light lanterns. Sustainability is a key part of the ethos here and everything possible is recycled. Sawdust is used in the composting toilets. Eve’s tipis range from cosy 10ft diameter for one or two people or for a children’s party, to large 20ft diameter sleeping up to eight for a family holiday or shared festival accommodation. For any honeymooners out there, soft drapes and colour-themed furnishings are provided to create the ultimate romantic setting.

As an alternative to tipis and still under canvas try a Bell tent. Cosy, yet spacious and practical, these natural canvas tents are available unfurnished or furnished from Eve’s Tipis or you can buy direct from wwwgraystipis.co.uk.

Or try Wight Bells, run by three sisters who always adored camping holidays but with a few more creature comforts thrown in. Their beautiful bell tents are set in stunning countryside. Here everything is thought of as the sisters aim is to give guests the simple pleasures of camping without any of the hassle. So you can have a good old fashioned camping holiday with a little bit extra style and comfort – by that they mean, curling up on a real bed under a cosy duvet just like your own home.  And with electricity you can even charge up your mobile and make a cuppa. Their two bell tents have a great retro look and with a floor space similar to that of a yurt or tepee so perfect for both couples and families. The tents are 100% cotton canvas which, unlike nylon, mean they are cool in the day and warm at night. And they don’t leak…perfect for the British climate!

If you’ve ever fancied a holiday under canvas but still wanted a sofa and a telly, you can do this too at Canvas Village. The tents can sleep up to 4 and have everything you can think of.  And for those going to Bestival, then stand out from the crowd, and rent one at www.bestival.net.

1. Luxuriate in it…

The Priory Bay Hotel – The hotel’s magical setting above the picturesque Priory Bay beach offers all those staying a close up and personal experience of nature as the site makes the very best of the surrounding natural environment.  Each luxury designer yurt in the hotel grounds is 20 feet in diameter and each one has been specially designed in it’s own plot. Furnished individually by a different designer the common theme here is high-end accessories and total comfort. Stylish stable door with French windows open out onto a secluded terrace with spectacular views – where you can enjoy lazing amongst dappled trees in their own private glade. An en-suite bathroom with overhead shower or roll top bath caps it all. You can also enjoy the hotel’s other facilities and a full English breakfast in the dining room. What more could you want…

2. Relax into it…

Bank End Farm- Follow the coastal footpath past secluded coves and you may chance upon two magical yurts, Moonlight and Stardust, standing proud within a 2-acre meadow tucked away in St Lawrence. Both yurts each sleep 4, with fantastic panoramic view over the farm at the front, and a wonderful woodland dell behind. Lovely cushions and colourful rugs furnish the interior and everything else is thrown in, so you can travel light. You can even look up through the roof to star gaze. Yurters can also unwind using the games room and play area with table tennis, badminton, swing ball, boules and an impressive selection of games.

3. Go Green…

The Really Green Holiday Company – Picturesque Afton Orchards is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) in Freshwater, West Wight about a ten-minute walk from the beach. There are 5 16ft diameter yurts that can sleep 5 so if you’re thinking about yurting it with a group of friends, or families, it can cater for up 25 people. The atmosphere is lovely and  laid back as there is no mains electricity so lighting is solar, candles or lanterns. Interiors luxuriate with everything you can think of including wooden floors and a wood-burning stove. There’s also a licensed café and farm shop on site to make life even easier.

4. Rock it…

Bestival – If you really want to experience the Island’s Bestival in total style, then you can rent a yurt at Hooe’s Yurts. The team are now selling beautiful yurts for Bestival 2012 and have 14ft yurts, which offer the perfect luxury stay for four people. The yurts are individually decorated with exotic textiles and equipped with beds, linen and all the extras to make your weekend incredibly comfortable. So you can travel light, relax and unwind while enjoying the music. The yurts are located in the beautiful Boutique Camping Field, so you get access to all those essential camping mod cons such as toilets and hot showers.

5. Buy it…

 I love Isle of Wight Yurts – The ethos behind Island Yurts is, “If its outdoors we cover it!” A small but dedicated team of Yurtsmen have been creating yurts out of locally sourced reclaimed material for a variety of uses – weddings, holidays, private parties, woodland retreats and any other outdoor events you can think of. They design and build everything in-house and can arrange a yurt specifically for whatever occasion you require.  You can rent them or buy them, and they are made in a variety of sizes from The Daddy, a whopping 12.5 meters diameter standing 5 meters tall. Finishes include flooring, lighting, sound system and heating.

The flags are to be all individually decorated with prayers/wishes/dreams by members of the public and by local college students during May, June and July. The flags will then be ‘planted’ in the shape of a flame that will be visible from Alum Bay beach below when the Olympic Torch takes a ride to the beach and back on July 14th.

Eva Wolfram is also known for the wonderful labyrinths that she builds on Compton beach, and at other locations around the Isle of Wight, usually at special times in the seasons’ calendar and her decorated walkways are designed as meditative tools for making a journey and contemplation. This summer (2012) she will be building one at Compton on June 23rd from 4pm with low tide at 6.12pm.

“We will aim to create a walkable labyrinth in the tidal zone and celebrate the longest day of the year with a bonfire. Walking the labyrinth, you will have the opportunity to reflect on the changing of the seasons and on how they affect your own life,” said Eva. “We will be at the Compton Farm end of the beach (the far end down the steep wooden steps) and all are welcome! Bring a song, a story, musical instrument, drum etc, and let’s celebrate!

“A labyrinth has one entrance and once exit and is a dedicated path. Once you commit to the path you don’t have to worry about anything anymore, you just follow the path and trust that it’s going to lead you in and lead you out. A very nice metaphor for life as opposed to a maze where it’s all about getting lost and finding your way,” explained Eva. “Although that’s also a very nice metaphor for life,” she laughed. “It just depends on what you want,” she mused.

“They were used by all cultures as a pathway – there are lots in Greece,” explained Eva. “I was always interested in the mythology of ancient cultures: how they upheld their spiritual connections, what practices they followed and what little remains of those practices.

“Like the labyrinth in Chartres cathedral – there’s quite a large one there in mosaic on the floor, with the centre like a flower. The speculation is that it was built on a sacred site where the labyrinth was and the only way that the people could perpetuate the labyrinth was by building it into the floor.

“I hit upon this website where they showed you how to make a labyrinth and it all went from there. The very first one I made was in the Waipio Valley on the big Island of Hawaii in 2004,” said Eva.

“I think the first one I did here was for the winter solstice in 2005 at Compton. There was a dead dolphin washed up on the beach and it was really beautiful. Obviously it’s really sad too.

“There were loads of children who came with their families and we made two labyrinths: one we drew around the dolphin to ease its passage and then we made another one for ourselves. It was quite a touching thing – they all loved it.”

“I did another one at Bembridge for the Shore Lines Beach Art Walk with funding from the AONB, with other artists dotted along the beach. We felt inspired to make a sun one and that was also a workshop where I taught other people to make labyrinths.

“I like to see people interacting with nature that’s what my goal is in this work –to get people to go out into nature and through interacting with it get energized, but also to become more aware of their place within nature.

“I think that it is one of the great ailments of our culture that we are led to believe that we are above nature. It deprives us of our feeling of belonging, of purpose. We take ourselves out of the big picture and we are lost.

“If we are removed from nature and we exploit nature we hurt ourselves and there are all sorts of implications there. But rather than preaching I like to give people a different experience, so that’s what the labyrinths do. They give you the opportunity to have a direct experience with nature.”

In 2010, as part of the Live Arts event, organised by the West Wight Landscape Partnership, Eva built a land labyrinth, from willow and other natural materials, in the field by the cliffs where skylarks nest at Freshwater.

“So many people came to that installation but there was this one lady and her husband taught me how to see the skylarks. The guy was lying outside the labyrinth on the ground and was listening to The Lark Ascending that was playing on my iPod and he was watching the skylarks as they went up and down. You can’t see them unless you watch for them to go up – and they always go from about the same spot.

“She walked into the labyrinth and sat down in the centre and she was exactly as I had envisaged a skylark – completely exposed. People don’t realise that if they walk through the fields where they are nesting they won’t even see the nest before they step on it because it is so camouflaged.”

Eva has also made labyrinths at the Bestival and made one at Ventnor Fringe festival last summer, where people were encouraged to tie a ‘wish’ to a central tree, and she often makes them on the beach at solstices.

To see more of Eva’s work you can visit her studio in Cowes over the Open Studios weekend from July 20th to 23rd, 2102 where she will be exhibiting with her daughter Laura Eva.

The one artist that the Wife and I were wanting to see (Lana del Ray – I spotted her talent months before the Wife!) was on and off before we arrived – I think the timings were a little off? I believe and have heard that she did not disappoint. YouTube being my back up….

www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS3ix2qOoR0

ELBOW followed, not my cup of tea, but a good atmosphere. By this time I thought that a nice glass of red and bed would be in order ready for the Saturday Festy’fun.

Babysitting all planned we headed out to catch Jessie J who was great. I may be sounding like my taste in music has been much influenced by my children (and the Voice!) but I rate her, her vocals at the end of the set were spine tingling.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbUisIHmmHI

Katy B was next, and having seen her at Bestival last year we wanted front row access again. It turned out that we had a little wait on our hands as Loick Essien was still on in the big top. As noted on Sky Arts TV channel some 4 hours later, the Wife and I were filmed discussing what we should do to kill the time before her set! We decided on the Hipshaker bar and caught the end of Charley Macaulay’s set – a fantastic gig – by the self billed ‘Little Lady with the Big Voice’ and boy could she sing. Katy B did not disappoint either, and as well as a new song exclusive, we were treated to a fabulous version of the Eurythmic’s classic Sweet Dreams.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTScRORdJEw

Sunday for us was a wash out and no attendance was made but, as ever, the IOW does put on a good show – well done and bring on next year (after Bestival – of course!)

Out ‘n about

Welcome 2012 with a peaceful New Year ride through the Island’s winter landscape aboard a vintage steam train with the IW Steam Railway Hangover Specials, on 1^st & 2^nd January at IW Steam Railway, Havenstreet.

All are welcome to the grand opening of a new outdoor adult fitness park, OUTFIT. OUTFIT is up the slope in the far corner of Ventnor Park. The access is easy and it will be fully opened 24/7 on 2nd of January from 11am Ventnor time when you can all come along and give it a try. There will be music, refreshments and, of course, voluntary exercise! Fully funded by the BIG LOTTERY AND GROUNDWORK with support from Ventnor Town Council and Ventnor Enhancement.

On 3^rd January why not take a Guided Tour of the beautiful Quarr Abbey, at 11am (meet in the shop).

And on 7^th January at 10.00am – get out and enjoy nature with the National Trust on their Winter Bird Walk. This National Trust walk around Newtown National Nature Reserve looking at overwintering birds, both resident and migrant. No charge, but donations welcome. It could well be wet underfoot so wellingtons are recommended and please bring binoculars if you have them. Sorry no dog (assistance dogs only). The walk will last approx 2 hours. Meet in the visitor point car park opposite Newtown Old Town Hall (SZ 423 906).

Arty

Checkout myisleofwight blogger Liz Cooke’s new exhibition: Innervisions showing at Dimbola Lodge from 1^st to 8 January. Island Artist Liz Cooke has a exhibition on at the moment which combines painting, collage and photography. The result are richly layered images inspired by the hidden realms of dreams and visions. This exhibition showcases her photo-illustration work from the hand-collaged book-jackets of the 1990’s, and her later digitally re-worked series “The Unseen” and “Temple Dreamers”, to her mixed media work from the present day.

Come and join Brading Roman Villa after the seasons celebrations for a basic mosaic making workshop at 11am. It will be on Sunday 8th January 2012 starting at 11.00 o’clock. As participants will learn to use different cutting tools on glass tiles, this workshop is for 16 to 160 years old to make a mosaic to take home. No previous experience is necessary. For further information or to book a place (spaces limited) contact Brading Roman Villa 0n 01983 406223 or e-mail bradingeducation@hotmail.co.uk

Or why not give Twilling and Plaiting small baskets with willow bark, rush and recycled materials a go on 21^st January at 11.00am. After the two wonderful weaving workshops held at Brading Roman Villa last year, they are holding two more workshops with Tim Johnston. On Saturday 21st January 2012 at 11am he will teach participants how to make small baskets by twilling and plaiting with willow bark, rush and recycled materials.The cost is £20 per person and spaces are limited, so book early.

A little bit different

If you haven’t made a Cafe Scientifique evening yet – put this one in your diary for sure. The fourth meeting of the season will be on Monday 16th January at 7pm at The Fighting Cocks and Professor Jim Smith from the School of Earth & Environmental Sciences at Portsmouth University will be speaking on ‘Is the Future Nuclear?’ Please note this is the third Monday in the month as most people will still be recovering from Christmas on Monday 9th when it would usually take place.

Fruit Tree Pruning Workshops – Back by popular demand, West Wight Landscape Partnership is running practical outdoor sessions to teach you how to best tend your fruit trees and encourage a more bountiful crop! A choice of 3 dates available for 2012; Thursday 19th & Thursday 26th January and Saturday 4th February, 10am – 12 noon. Workshops are FREE, but places are limited and must be booked in advance by calling Irene Fletcher on (01983) 759779 or emailing irene.fletcher@iow.gov.uk and stating your preferred session.

Join the Isle of Wight Star Count on 20^th January at 8.00pm. The Vectis Astronomical Society is holding another public event in conjunction with the forthcoming BBC Stargazing Live Event being broadcast on the TV 16th-18th January 2012 from 8-10pm. On Friday 20th January they are going to carry out a Star Count, which involves measuring how dark the sky is and working out how many stars we can see. The results will be collected and sent to ‘Globe at Night‘, which is a campaign to raise awareness of the impact of light pollution. Other activities include observing the amount of stars we can see with the naked eye compared to binoculars.

This little Island opens the festival season with the Isle of Wight Festival and closes the season, as it did earlier in the month, with Bestival.

Why is it the privileged location? Perhaps it’s the magical de-stressing qualities the ferry journey has on you? The escapism from the mainland? The beautiful weather we benefit from (although let’s not count this year’s IOW festival!)? Or maybe it’s due to the Islanders knowing how to through a fabulous party?

This year’s Bestival was brilliant and I haven’t met a festival goer yet that doesn’t claim it’s been the best year yet.

If I had to choose between the two, I couldn’t to be honest, as they are so very different.

The Isle of Wight festival I must admit feels a bit more structured, finding people is less hassle as there are few places to hide and if your lucky enough to have a friend with a boat you can moor up behind the festival, stay onboard and avoid all the traffic and ferry queues. It’s a small marina so you do have to book your spot exceptionally early!

Bestival however is full of surprises and the highlights are always the random unknowns you stumble across, the atmosphere is so playful and you can’t beat 60,000 people in weird and wonderful fancy dress! It truly is a magical wonderland in a valley.

The best way I heard it compared this year, was the Isle of Wight Festival is like Marks and Spencer’s, you know what your going for and that it will be quality, where as Bestival is like TK Max …. You’re never sure what gems your going to find but you know they’ll be lots!

The Isle of Wight’s Bestival, presented by Sunday Best, was voted best major festival in last year’s Festival awards. For the second year running we were invited by Rob da Bank and friends to create a limited edition design for Bestival goers. We also went along and were pleased to see a lot of Island organisations at the event as usual – Vestas made an appearance in the Science tent , The WI Tea tent and Solace tent kept us full of tea and cake and Robin Hill did a great job of organising as always.

Highlights musically included: Mogwai with their epic set at the Big Top on Friday, Katy B on the main stage on Saturday and The Maccabees on the main stage on Sunday.

We also had a great time at time for tease, the roller disco and the wall of death! – the latter two are great additions to the bill.

The Bestival has a good reputation on the Island for sustainable and local sourcing… and fancy dress, pics below of our designs printed on a 100% Organic Cotton t-shirt, ethically made in a wind-powered factory.

Bring on next year!!

Top of our list is the resurrection of the Apple Days festival  on 17^th & 18^th September. This free event is a great day out for everyone – especially those who have their own apple trees as you can take your apples with you to have them identified by the team of experts, before having them pressed into your very own bottle of apple juice! Then just sit back, enjoy the live music and peruse the stalls selling all manor of applie goodies.

Also on a foodie theme make sure you visit the Sweetcorn Fair on 24^th & 25^th September from 10am-6pm. A true country fair there is welly wanging, tractor rides, beer, displays (ferrets/hawks/terriers), music and a serious amount of sweetcorn to sample. Don’t miss the Sweetcorn eating competition or why not pop your own pop corn and make a sweetcorn fritter or try the sweetcorn chowder or fudge? Entry is £2.50 per person, and children aged under 11 go free. Price includes entry to the museum, tractor rides and discounted entry to the Bee A Hero Maize Maze of only 50p (saving £3.50).

Bestival is back (9^th, 10^th & 11^th September) and this years looks to be better than ever but make sure you check out the Island finest in the farmers market and go and support our WI ladies serving up their tasty treats…

For those wanting something a little more active fear not. On the water we have the Little Britain cup from 8th – 11th September, now  in its 23rd year it’s the largest sailing regatta in the UK after Cowes Week. Bridging the water/land sports is the Wight Challenge on 17th September – this is a cycle, run, kayak combo raising money for Wessex Heartbeat and leads nicely into the Isle of Wight Cycling Festival from 17th -25th September which is sure to have a cycling event for every ability.

The more sedate may enjoy popping along to the Steam Railway this month to see the cars in the Morris Minor Rally on 4^th September and a Celebration of Island Steam on 24^th and 25^th September – it’s definitely worth a trip to Havenstreet. And make sure you check out the crafts, costumes and kayaking at the Wolverton Garden Fair on 3^rd & 4^th September too .

Björk will be joining the previously announced bill toppers The Cure and Pendulum. Rob da Bank said:

“I honestly can’t believe Björk is coming to Bestival.  Without a doubt one of the most iconic musicians of the last century, Björk is always one step ahead of the pack with her music and innovations and the new Biophilia show is jam-packed full of technology, great interpretations of her amazing catalogue of songs and some brand new corkers.  The grand finale to Bestival 2011 just got better!”

Björk’s unique vocal flare and experimental spark has made her one of the World’s greatest artistes and her spellbinding live shows have become the stuff of legend, so it’s a complete honour that she’s coming to our Isle of Wight shindig.  In a worldwide outdoor festival exclusive, Björk will be playing a host of classic tracks, bringing things right up-to-date with her current hugely anticipated and inspirational musical project and album, ‘Biophilia’, which continues to push the boundaries of entertainment, combining music, apps, internet installations and live shows.  A surefire guarantee that Bestivalites are in for a proper treat when it comes to this year’s closing set on the Main Stage.

Remember to keep on checking www.bestival.net for all the up to the minute news.

First of all there are absolutely buckets of venues and tons of things to do and see. The Main Stage and the Big Top have all the headliners and this year you’ve got Bjork, The Cure and Pendulum headlining the Main Stage on Sunday, Saturday and Friday respectively.  The Big Top has loads of great acts too, so make sure you plan your own programme to see all your faves.

The beautiful Bollywood tent is home to all the best DJs including Rob Da Bank himself, the new Psychedelic Worm stage is packed with up and coming talent and there are vintage sounds from the Shellac Collective at the Black Dahlia Cocktail lounge as well as a host of live bands.

New for 2011 is the Roller disco on a giant sized jukebox stage, with vintage skates free to hire, although you can also dance without wheels. The Comedy and Cabaret Tent has great laughs, amazing cabaret and on Saturday night hosts Gay Bingo and a ‘Whose Talent is it Anyway’ contest if you fancy yourself as a star – first prize is a slot on the Bandstand next year.

In the village area, the Solar Powered Bestival Bandstand has a lot of local bands along with a few surprise guests – one year Will Young did an impromptu set. On Sunday afternoon the Bandstand hosts a Pants for Poverty Most People in their Pants world record attempt if you want to join in.

Also in the Village area you’ll find the WI tea and cakes marquee run by the Island’s ladies, all home made fayre and very reasonably priced. The local Farmer’s Market also has a food stall here. Other Islanders to look out for are Ben Brown with his fresh Arreton Sweetcorn and the St Catherine’s School Tuck Shop – Rob Da Bank is one of their patrons. The Solace Tent is run by young people from the Island’s churches and has free cakes and teas/coffees!

The Island’s Pink Awareness group will be selling all things pink in aid of Breast Cancer Research, and the EMH Hospice will be selling sunflowers among the throng.

At Sailor Jerry’s Ink City you catch a band and a beer, but you could also have a tattoo in the style of Norman ‘Sailor Jerry’ Collins – book early because they get very busy. Contrastingly Time for Tease fuses the tradition of British afternoon tea with the decadent world of burlesque, and can get pretty racy in the twilight hours. Or you might like to take a dance class in anything from the Polka to break dancing at the Come Dancing Spiegeltent, which is in a beautiful 19^th century style ‘mirror tent’ made from wood, mirrors, leaded glass and canvas.

After dark you must make sure to see ‘Arcadia presents the Afterburner’, a 360 degree stage DJ stage that shoots giant 30 foot flameballs into the sky surrounded by 12 fire breathing lamppost tree sculptures. And back for their second year are the Lords of Lightening who harness four million volts of electricity and then fire it at each other – using their heads!

The quirky and cute Wishing Tree is back again and has lots of new attractions along with DJ sets and the wacky Lost and Found gang up to their old tricks. Granny’s Gaff Retirement Retreat is a new addition in this field as is the Swamp Shack, a ramshackle Louisiana bayou juke joint that has a Southern Gothic theme that will host some very big name acts according to Bestival.

Rizlab is a new venue too – “a project created to allow credible, pioneering artists to freely experiment and embrace their creative passions,” which will be curated by Friendly Fires on Friday evening. Club Da Da is a surreal world where the absurd is everyday and where eccentricity is elevated to performance art. The Polka Tent is dedicated to gypsy remix, jumping polkas and hoedown folk and the Knees Up tent has an old music hall theme.

Also new for 2011 is Nofit Circus Presents Parklife, a company of ten international circus artists and musicians who will emerge from their crazy caravan to entertain you.

And if you’re feeling in need of a little TLC after all of your partying the place to go is the Heavenly Healing Sanctuary, also run by Islanders, who offer massage, therapies and relaxation or pop nextdoor to the Pamper Lounge or the Lost Horizon sauna if you dare.

So to all you Rock Stars, Pop Stars and Divas – have a great Bestival and don’t forget the fancy dress parade on Saturday that will start on the far side of the campsite and make its way to the main arena.