After travelling through forests, misty seas and hazy hot sunshine we are here at Bestival, year of the fantastic.....

Arriving on site, we were greeted by a very friendly attendant who set the tone for the whole festival: Thousands of almost exclusively nice people tramping around camp in the most impractical of fancy dress, apologising to one another for inevitable bumps and stumps on toes.  It is unsurprising that the festival has become so vast in a mere 6 years, as the line up is designed to appeal to a very broad demographic.  Bestival itself feels well organised and safe and sound, with families and children as well caterered for as the shoals of partying but unintimidating teenagers.
 
The arenas sit in a valley surrounded by hilly, gloriously green countryside and is beautifully decorated with flags and props in keeping with Bestival's 2010 theme: the fantastic, which as you can see lent itself to an anything goes approach to costume.  A massive amount goes on from 11am to 4 am (so no all night partying on offer other than quietly, in camp) so punters stand to gain a large return on the admittedly steep ticket price (£200*).  For most this also involves shelling out for an Isle of Wight ferry trip on top of ordinary travel costs however this is part of the charm of spending 4 days at Britain's sunniest spot, Robin Hill. It's worth it though, given the absolutely immense quality of music on offer.
 

bestival 2010 run-riot from Helen Marshall on Vimeo.

La Roux and Dead Guy - DJ Set, Big Top
 
These ladies provided chilled funky sounds reminiscent of London's 333 bar as their set opened and moved onto some surprise classics, When the Doves Cry by Prince is a firm favourite and Tease Me by Chaka Demus and Pliers.  Ok, so the set was not what RR were expecting from La Roux and was mainly mid tempo, but it suited chill out night and warmed us up for a weekend of diverse music.
 
Janelle Monae - Live Band, Big Top
 
This woman is one to watch, having the impressive vocal range, power and projection to rival any platinum selling diva but producing songs with much more heart and soul.  The band are wild and if anything the layers of beats and melodies in every track are a little too complex: RR wanted to hear the vocals and were indulged by just her and accompaniment from her brilliant guitarist as she launched into Smile.  Talent like this does not go unnoticed and it turns out Janelle contributed to new Cee-Lo track, Cold War, which was a particular highlight, as was the band's funky nun costumes and mock praying during the set.  
 
Late Night - Club Dada, Come Dancing
 
RR were listening to the wee small hours to the sounds of Coley, Mark E and P45 and was shocked and delighted to be gyrating to a Bomb da Bass track, It's a Megablast played by a DJ for the first time in decades and everybody loves Tupac, whose California Love always goes down a storm.  So sweaty condensation dripped from the ceiling, we ended 3 out of 4 nights at Bestival in this club, open until 3 or 4am most nights.

bestival photos 2010 from Helen Marshall on Vimeo.

Friday:

Neon Indian - Sailor Jerry's:
 
This chill wave, US outfit produce quality music created by Alan Palamo.  Having started his musical career after penning a song of apology after standing up his girlfriend, "Sould Have Done Acid With You" the album Psychic Chasms was released Stateside in 2008.  Musically sound and well worth a watch, their album containing remixes .  Their videos are also well worth a look: the clip for Sleep Paralysist is a masterpiece in time delay: check out their My Space for more details: UK album release date 20 September.
 
Romain Bno & Bart & Baker  - DJ sets, Club Dada/Come Dancing:
 
Romain Beno and B&B's back to back sets from French DJs gave RR an introduction to the Electro Swing Revival, Chris Tofu having sourced the creme de la creme of the French contingent to Bestival.  We can name few of the tracks, in the same vein as Gramaphonedzie, Why Don't You but a good crowd danced themselves silly and left the club drenched in sweat.  Different and fun for a night out: check out Chris Tofu's Facebook  page for upcoming gig details.
 
Saturday:
 
And the rain came down but high spirits prevailed, as RR wandered the balance of the site taking many a picture.  Best costumes of the weekend were noted on this day, including the 3 little pigs and RR's favourite, a swarm of boistrous smurfs: next year RR is going as Smurfette!
 
Example - Main Stage:
 
A strong set from this young songwriter, with Watch the Sun Come Up being RR's favourite.  Example is keen not to be labelled as an act with only one song and this performance proved he was not: RR was impressed anyway.
 
Chic - Main Stage:
 
True professionalism in entertainment form.  Who could go wrong with Nile Rodgers' repertoire and entourage?  Responsible for huge hits such as We are Family, Dancing in the Street, Le Freak and Good Times, the band and vocalists sounded note perfect, making it look easy to boot.
 
Best in Show / Arcadia - Arcadia Present the Spider:
 
Wow!  Amazing band playing the dirtiest bassiest sounds to keep the ears happy while the eyes glory in circus performers spinning from nets and hoops strung from a huge spider containing stage and DJ booth, made entirely from recycled materials.  RR were lucky enough to meet some of the performers, who really are dedicated, brilliant at conveying the ghoulish charm of the characters and seemed so happy to be doing what they love.  The Electric Boys were shockingly good: running electric currents around their bodies and through their heads this is an act which must be seen and should be a household name with State funding.  Best in Show!
 
Best Live Band / The Egg - Bimble Inn:
 
We met Ned Scott (vocals/keyboards) 1/4 of this 4 piece band, chilling out in the press tent and were glad we covered this gig.  These relative unknowns have been honing their brand of ambient funk for a decade or so, and were really tight and together and even. RR will be catching up with ned & co soon and, if you like Air or Groove Armada you will love the Egg, live or recorded, the basslines alone are worth it.

Sunday:
 
Pants to poverty - Tomorrow's World: we saw Bestival break 2 world records for the worlds smallest and largest pairs of pants, the latter of which was filled by Bestival goers in their underwear.  Like Glastonbury, Bestival is admirably committed to raising environmental issues and campaigning for 10% reduction in emissions and RR appreciates the sentiment and effort bring issues to the fore through "edutainment."
 
Best Dance / Horsemeat Disco - Bollywood Tent:
 
Brilliant, sweaty, funky ol' tunes with lots of bass.  Wish they had played longer but boogie on down to their club night at Kennington Lane on Sundays to see what the fuss is about.
 
Prodigy - Main Stage:
 
The Bestival Headliners pulled another performance out of the bag, with Warriors Dance and Breathe getting the best reaction.  No surprises here: lots of effing from Keith and Liam and the sound was turned down and not as good as their MK Bowl gig in July, but with a back catalogue like that, who cares!
 
Fever Ray - Big Top:
 
Well one of RR's best loved bands played some great music but are elusive, dimming the lights for their performance and then illuminating the stage with lamps, which went on and off at intervals.  Whilst this means that you pay attention to the vocals, basslines, beats and melodies RR confesses to feeling a little unfulfilled by not seeing the artists and wanted to see them really reach a crescendo and come into the light.
 
Conclusion:
 
Finishing our night and festival season off by heading back to Arcadia for more Electric Boys and brief sets from Rob da Bank and the Dub Pistols, RR danced until the plug was pulled in the White Wedding and Bimble Inn tents.  Josie and Rob Da Bank, whose Brainchild Bestival is, should congratulate themselves on another bumper year: RR will be going again, whatever the weather.

Q & A with CHRIS TOFU