Another year, another summer. Another summer, another Bestival. Bestival is a staple of UK summertime — it is the last blowout that is forgotten in June, but law by September.  However this summer, Bestival comes with a twist. No more tedious ferry queues snaking for miles. No more questionable journeys made on Monday morning, unable to tell sea sickness from hangover. No my friends, the pilgrimage is over. Bestival has come to the mainland! And we can’t wait. Now based in Dorset with its Jurassic Coast views and white(ish) sandy beaches, we can see how Lulworth Cove seems like the perfect relocation.

So what’s in store for prospective 2017 Bestival goers? Still the same variety of good music; with the crown jewels of hip hop A Tribe Called Quest being reason enough to test out this regenerated Bestival. And if you missed him at Leeds’ very own Belgrave Music Hall & Canteen — as many, many of us did — Loyle Carner will be taking centre stage here in September. As usual, the line up hosts some big names and it’s good to see Bestival have capitalised on some great new albums released recently. The Parisian duo Justice will be here performing their 2016 album Woman (their first in 6 years!), as well as The XX with the much anticipated I See You. Newer artists like Ray BLK, Romare and Let’s Eat Grandma catch the eye on the line up list, and promise a funky time whether you’re into experimental pop, orchestral DJing or some more classic R&B.

Leah Dolan

(Image: Victor Frankowski)