8:00am Saturday 25th July 2009
By Juliette Astrup
THOUSANDS of music lovers descended on Lulworth yesterday for the start of the three-day musical extravaganza Camp Bestival.
They rocked up to the grounds of Lulworth Castle to see a day one line up which included Florence and The Machine, DJ Gilles Peterson, Hayseed Dixie, Kid Creole & The Coconuts and Mercury Rev.
Organisers said traffic had been flowing smoothly into the site as festival-goers arrived.
But for those camping for the weekend it is set to be worth it, with Annie Mac, Goldie Looking Chain and PJ Harvey, making her only UK festival appearance this year, among the highlights today.
Tomorrow’s line up includes Will Young, Roots Manuva and Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe, as well as the stunning finale with music from festival curator DJ Rob da Bank, accompanied by a contemporary dance performance by the English National Ballet, and finishing with a choreographed light and fireworks spectacular.
The sell-out event also includes comedy and spoken word performances, all with the family flavour the festival became known for at the inaugural event last year.
Family friendly diversions include the knitting tent, run by I Knit London, returning after a highly popular first year, and new for this year the sewing tent, called Little Sew & Sew.
There is also a dressing up area, Bollywood tent and Big Top.
Jerome Payne, 32, from Peterborough, said: “It’s the first time we’ve been and it looks great – I’m really looking forward to Florence and the Machine and Frankie Boyle.”
His wife, Jo Payne, 29, added: “The tent’s up, the wine’s open and we’re ready to roll.”
Sarah Goldthorpe, 26, from Winchester, said she was looking forward to PJ Harvey’s performance.
She added: “The weather won’t dampen anyone’s spirits and the site is looking beautiful.”
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