Spark At Campbestival
Camp Bestival
Thousands of Mums, Dads, children and teenagers alike descended on the hallowed grounds of Lulworth Castle for four days of wonderful music reinforced by many a fantastic activity to undertake. Spark Reporter Niall McCaughan was there to document his wild yet riveting weekend watching some of the best talents in music today.
With Rob Da Bank's creation now in its fourth year, it would only be fitting that the family-friendly festival would kick off every morning with a treat for the kids. With the likes of Dick and Dom and the Zingzillas giving the little ones something to scream and shout about, it was a perfect mood setting for a weekend jam packed with fun and entertainment.
I then headed over to the ‘Big Top' with thousands of screaming girls to get a glimpse of the ever-popular Ed Sheeran. With top ten hit ‘A-Team' and fan favourite ‘You Need Me', Ed didn't disappoint with a captivating, lively set which brought smiles to the faces of all that watched him. I managed to catch Ed's superb hit You Need Me from backstage, and the amount of singing teenagers was enough to totally wow me - I felt his stage presence and the aura of the crowd like I never had before. Ed Sheeran also performed his entire new album (which has only just been released!) at a secret gig performed at the mystical Dingly Dell trail. I wasnt allowed to give away much about Ed's new material, but what I can say, is that it is mellower than his other albums and has strong undertones of love. One to look out for in the future, I feel! Ed Sheeran '+' out now on iTunes
Blondie may be towards the latter end of their career but that by no means affects their ability to put smiles on faces of all ages. With hits like ‘Heart of Glass', ‘One Way or Another' and a reminder of the old school with ‘The Tide is High', Debbie Harry and co. once again provided a great finale to the Friday night as they have been doing for nigh on 30 years - only proving that the passion and desire to perform is still very much alive and well.
The people of Lulworth were treated to the Dub-Pop masterclass that is Katy B as the afternoon rolled on, getting young people's hands moving and people jumping twenty rows back. I was lucky enough to catch up with Katy before her performance, and you can hear that interview here.
Mark Ronson
was the Saturday night headliner and with a chilling tribute to his friend Amy Winehouse, kept Camp Bestival crowds entertained. With members of the Zutons, the View, and KT Tunstall joining him on stage to form his star-studded backing band 'The Business International', he was set for success. The producer pulled out all the stops to entertain Lulworth and made it clear his love and memory toward late friend Amy.
Eliza Doolittle
was fun and exciting and it brought the younger people to the main stage to enjoy the beautiful pop-jazz sensations' hour long set. With hits like Pack Up and Skinny Genes, Eliza wowed me and many others as she performed a main-stage masterclass.
House of Pain got people putting their kickers on and jumping around, finishing their 6 week festival tour with a real flourish. One of the highlights of my weekend, the Irish-American hip-hop duo added a real feel good element to the Sunday afternoon, and I managed to take 30 seconds out of their busy schedule to ask them about their fans.
Primal Scream closed proceedings on the Sunday night with a captivating and intriguing performance, performing the entire Screamadelica album to the thousands who made their way to the main stage for the final boogie of a memorable weekend. With Rob Da Bank's creation now half a decade old and counting, the festival spirit was beautifully captured at Lulworth Castle, topped off with a flourish by some entertaining fireworks and laser work on the castle walls. See you all next year, Hi De Hi!
Date Posted: Wednesday 21 September 11
Author: Jamie Flukes
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