B E S T I V A L countdown (part IV)

Hurrah, hurrah – I’ve saved the best for last. My pals and I are off to Bestival early to play with tigers, goats, lions and monkeys at a zoo on the Isle of Wight so this be my final entry before we lope. The zoo belongs to my friend’s lovably eccentric auntie. She makes the most delectable pine nut salads and the finest brandy cake – all without a sense of taste as she lost it when she was young. 

* Food drool*

Anyhow, everything about The Cure breeds sweet nostalgia. Love Cats was the theme tune to my first year at university and Just Like Heaven reminds me of my prepubescent sisters and I jumping around the living room when we were small enough to not hit our heads on the pearl lampshade.

So next Saturday is going to be a sweller than swell evening indeed because what isn't there to like about The Cure?

I. SIMPLY. CANNOT. WAIT. 

GET. ME. TO. THE. MUD

Must dash – off to buy a torch and some Simple baby wipes.

B E S T I V A L countdown (part III)

The first time these guys captivated my eyes and ears was back in January 2007. The endearing Metronomy - along with their customised push light t-shirts - were supporting Get Cape.Wear Cape. Fly at the now defunct London Astoria.

Since that snowy evening I have subsequently experienced their idiosyncratic performances and unfathomable dance routines at Underage, a Lily Allen and Friends recording and at Benicassim. Throughout the years their lineup has been revised several times – most recently including former Lightspeed Champion drummer Anna Prior and bassist Gbenga Adelekan. Despite these new artistic influences, this kooky bunch have remained true to their enchanting sounds that are so far removed from reality.

Next week at BESTIVAL is my fourth experience with the inimitable band and gee whizz what an experience that will irrefutably be.

With their third album The English Riviera being released earlier this year, I’m eagerly anticipating buoying along to the seaside melodies of The Look and the hypnotising Love Underline, as well as being charmed by a performance of The Bay.

Excitement aside, there’s a hideous rumour floating around on Wikipedia that the push lights have been replaced by pre-synced chest lamps and I can only pray to the stage Gods of St.Bestival that they’re as magical.

B E S T I V A L countdown (part II)

Sunday’s headlining act is irrefutably one of the most spellbinding icons of our time – the devout Goddess Bjork.

*Bravo Da Bank, Bravo*

Playing her only outdoor festival show in the world this year, the legendary songstress will be showcasing her innovative repertoire of songs and some inspirational new corkers.

Featuring an Icelandic female choir and a range of specially crafted instruments such as a bespoke pipe organ that accepts digital information, Bjork’s headline show will push the boundaries of festival experiences.

What a memorable extravagance we have in store indeed. And if she whips out the ole Marjan Pejoski swan dress then I can float on home a satisfied Bestivaler.  

B E S T I V A L countdown (part I)

There are a mere 19 sleeps separating me from attending my third field party of all field parties. Despite marking the end of festival season (pardon the premature lamenting), Bestival is the epitome of escapism and perpetually pushes the boundaries of festival experiences - roller disco arena with Hyperdub anyone?

With too many DJs to compartmentalise into a “must see” list, I thought I’d divulge the live acts who have got me all giddy in anticipation.

The mythical folk that are Hercules and Love Affair are sure to be a spectacle on Thursday with their jacking house and overtly disco vibe.  

Having released their second album “Blue Songs” earlier this year, exclusive twists and treats from this record will no doubt feature in their set - hurrah.

“Blue Song”’s lead single “My House” is already an international club staple and hearing it reverberate through Bestival’s speakers is almost as tumultuously exciting as seeing what dazzling attire they will be donning.

That reminds me - must.pack.glitter. 

smells like...

Of all places to draw inspiration, Dizzee Rascal is my most unexpected source. The rapper and song writer's spectacle headline performance at Bestival unearthed my newfangled love for him.

He performed a cover of 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' with such panache wearing Nirvana's classic smiley face t-shirt. Post Dizzee performance blues induced a need to blast 'Nevermind' through my JBL's- I forgot how raw they are.

Once I washed off 5 days worth of dirt and restored my sleep, I jumped onto ebay to grab myself said smily face t-shirt.

au revoir...to Bestival I lope

I have failed in my endeavours to complete an A-Z guide, sorry. I have been too busy with work experience and  such so, to round up, here are my final names. Go forth and discover their wonder.

Markus Lupfer and Mawi

Nicole Farhi

Oxfam

PPQ

Richard Nicoll

Sass and Bide

Twenty8Twelve

Unconditional 

Vivienne Westwood Red Label

Wolford

Yang Du

Zoe & Morgan

I'll be fortunate enough to jam to this at Bestival in the forthcoming days: