They might have moved location and changed the date over the past few years, but for their 2018 edition the OG charm and awesome line-up for Rob da Bank’s mighty Bestival remains. Taking place in the Lulworth Estate, Dorset, over a new weekend in August (2 – 5), the Circus themed bash is already set to be huge. Here’s what we know so far:
Bestival headliners
Confirmed:
Thursday: Jorja Smith
Why she’ll be great? In a UK festival exclusive, rising star Jorja Smith is set to headline The Big Top stage on Bestival’s Thursday night. This year’s Brit Critics’ Choice Award winner has collaborated with Stormzy and worked with Drake, and has her own hefty back catalogue of garage-tinged bangers, so is sure to put on a massive show.
Friday: London Grammar
Why they’ll be great? In another festival exclusive for Bestival, baroque-poppers London Grammar will be bringing their idyllic tunes to the Dorset countryside. Their own brand of dreamy electronica is a delight live, so their Friday show at Bestival will no doubt be a treat.
Saturday: Silk City (Diplo and Mark Ronson)
Why they’ll be great? The two massive DJs are Bestival veterans, and making their return to the festival in a way that you’ve never seen them before, with their electric new project Silk City. Their headline slot on Saturday is sure to get the party started, with a stage show that is promised to be full of surprises.
Sunday: M.I.A.
Recommended
Why she’ll be great? Closing Bestival for 2018 will be the legendary M.I.A.. With countless bona fide anthems in her back pocket, the immense talent will bring a grand finale to this year’s event, followed by the annual firework show.
Who else is playing Bestival this year?
With a huge line-up across the weekend, punters can expect to be treated to Bestival’s trade-markedly brilliant and bonkers bill. What with legends Grace Jones and Chaka Khan, the best in new music with Shame and Stefflon Don, and the maddest parties courtesy of East 17’s Christmas Party and Sink the Pink, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here’s the entire line-up so far.
Castle Stage: London Grammar / M.I.A. / Grace Jones / Plan B / Chaka Khan / Special Guest / Mura Masa / Sundara Karma / Thundercat / Jimmy Cliff / David Rodigan & The Outlook Orchestra / Stefflon Don / Kojey Radical / Dubioza Kolektiv / Gentleman’s Dub Club / Songhoy Blues / The Cuban Brothers / IDLES / This Is the Kit / Chaka Demus & Pliers / OMG! It’s the Church / L.A. Salami / Son of Dave
Big Top: Jorja Smith / Django Django / IAMDDB / Kelela / Mike Skinner & Murkage pres. Tonga: Holy Goof, Donea’o & Jaykae / Mabel / Not3s / Kojo Funds / Charlotte de Witte / Agoria (Live) / Ghetts / Mr Jukes / Casisdead / Lotto Boyzz / Sink the Pink / Phil Taggart pres. Slacker: Ratboy, Shame, Superfood, Black Honey, Confidence Man, Touts & whenyoung / We Are Scientists / Nilüfer Yanya / House Gospel Choir – Frankie Knuckles Special / Hak Baker /Adrian Sherwood / Caravãna Sun / Grace Carter / Mellah / The Correspondents / Kitty, Daisy & Lewis/ Blossom Caladron / Beans on Toast / Dutty Moonshine Band / Digital Love: A Tribute to Daft Punk / London Astrobeat Orchestra Perform Talking Heads / Elvana: Elvis Fronted Nirvana / Park Hotel
Temple: Rudimental (DJ Set) / Bicep (DJ Set) / Amelie Lens / Solardo / Denis Sulta / Mall Grab / Honey Dijon / Artwork / Camelphat / Flava D / Palms Trax / Objekt / Nastia / Eli & Fur / Alex Niggemann / Benjamin Damage / Amine K / Mella Dee / Moxie / Darkzy / FineArt / HAAi / Jamz Supernova / Goldierocks / Tasty Lopez / Bradley Gunn Raver
Bollywood: Goldie pres. Metalheadz / Rodigan pres. Ram Jam / Ram Records: Loadstar B2B DC Breaks B2B Mind Vortex / 2Bears / Billy Daniel Bunter & Raindance / Rob da Bank / Radar Radio / FooR / Happy Meals / Nathan Dawe / Biig Piig
HMS Bestival (AKA The Port): Faithless (DJ set) / East 17’s Christmas Party / Jaguar Skills / Chali 2na & Krafty Kuts / So Solid Crew, Wookie & Matt Jam Lamont, Shogun Audio pres. Alix Perez, Technimatic, Pola & Bryson, Glxy & SP:MC & Visionobi / Bez’s Acid House / Stanton Warriors / Big Freedia / DJ Brace / Jodie Harsh & Friends / Kiddy Smile / Savage / Schlachthofbronx / Buttmitzvah / Hard Cock Life
Stacey’s: Gilles Peterson / Hot Chip Mega Mix (DJ set) / Norman Jay / Craig Charles / Donna Leake / Andy Blake / Reach Up – Disco Wonderland / JazzHeadChronic pres. The South London Soul Train / Shaka Loves You / Amy Alsop / Perry Kaye
Club Dada: Vic Reeves (Reggae set) / Reggae Roast ft. Natty Campbell / DJ Shepdog (Nice Up!)
What about the theme for this year?
This year will boast a circus theme – so it’s time to don your ringmaster outfits and get practising your fire eating.
Where can I get tickets for Bestival 2018?
Tickets for this year’s festival are on sale now for £172.00. You can buy them here.
When is Bestival 2018?
August 2-5, 2018
Where is Bestival 2018?
The Lulworth Estate, Dorset