It might not be the easiest of festivals to get to, but hot damn it’s a good ‘un.
This year’s Bestival on the Isle of Wight was a showcase of talent from the likes of Florence and the Machine, Emeli Sande and the soul legend that is Stevie Wonder
The sun shined all weekend, meaning that festival goers could fully appreciate the incredible staging and props built up for the festival.
From a pumping mini disco in a giant tree, to the human bird house, huge spaceship DJ booth and elaborate Bollywood area – it must be a hoot being on their set design team.
Friday night showcased the best of British power voices, with Emeli Sande drawing in the crowds early in the evening – leaving Florence and the Machine to knock it out the park as the headline act.
Dancing and writhing around on stage in a tiered, ethereal green dress – Florence had stuck to the festival's wildlife theme by adding oversized ivy leaves to her bright red hair. Belting out hit after hit, the crowd sang along as the singer proved why she has one of the best voices in the biz.
Saturday saw fancy dress being taken to another level, as the wildlife theme brought out animal costumes of all shapes and sizes.
Highlights including men in giant stingray suits, a woman with an enormous King Kong hand around her waist, and a whole herd of, what we can only presume were very hot, penguins.
Gaymers Cider returned to Bestival as the official cider sponsor – and it appeared plenty was drunk by the overheated animals.
The festival isn’t all about the music, with there being comedy aplenty, and a whole host of activities including musical bingo and a roller disco.
Dance acts kept people jigging the night away with beats coming from Justice, Nero and 2 Many DJs.
Sunday highlights included the hauntingly atmospheric Sigur Ros and rave Gods Orbital – however the man, the legend, Stevie Wonder stole the show as the main stage’s headline act.
The 62-year-old brought everyone together with a big smile on their faces to close the festival.
The soul icon played a medley of his many hits from Superstition to Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I’m Yours – and also managed to squeeze in some numbers from Michael Jackson and John Lennon.
It didn’t even appear he had a set list, seemingly picking from his vast repertoire as he went along. He also brought out his daughter (who is one of his backing singers) to serenade her with Isn’t She Lovely. Too cute.
Despite using it as opportunity to preach to the audience slightly, it can be forgiven as he was absolutely note perfect, humble and warm on stage – clearly a man that still just loves to entertain.
Festival verdict: A wild time was had by all.
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