Countdown to Camp Bestival

The wait is almost over, it is just 10 days until we arrived in Lulworth, Dorset for our third year at Camp Bestival. We have loved previous years but this year promises to be the best yet with a stellar line up that almost feels like it was chosen just for me.
After the event last year we were sent an email to ask who we would like to see at Camp Bestival for 2015 and my top 5 list went like this:

1. Kaiser Chiefs
2. Dick n Dom
3. Mr Tumble
4. Underworld
5. Soul II Soul

They are all going to be there and more!!  Kian, our resident teen, is looking forward forward to seeing Clean Bandit, Professor Green, Ella Eyre and Ella Henderson.  Hubby and I have our 80’s hats on an cannot wait for Alison Moyet and Level 42 as well as being able to relive our teens to 808 State and Underworld.

Now it’s time to make sure everything is clean, packed and ready to go. We are not making the mistake of taking food to cook this year, there are so many food stands that there is something for everyone and it is reasonably priced too.  We will take snacks and drinks as it is important to keep hydrated, especially if the weather is as glorious as it was last year.
Our packing list:
Olpro Cocoon 8 Tent – We purchased this for Camp Bestival last year and it is a large, individual tent that is easy to spot amongst a sea of other tents.  With 3 separate bedrooms and a large living area it is perfect for our large family and essential to give the kids a bit of space.

Outwell Transporter – a fold up trolley that we used it to get all the camping equipment to and from the car and then “pimped it” with an Ikea leaf, bunting and solar fairy lights and used it to transport the kids and any other bits we wanted to take into the festival.

Nimble Nook Travel Cot – Although Sebastian has just turned two and sleeps in a bed at home, we will take the travel cot for him to sleep in.  Not only does it keep him off the chilly floor, but it will also keep him contained if he wakes up in the night.  It is also handy for keeping him into play if we are boiling a kettle.
Kelly Kettle – We may not be taking food, but I cannot be without my morning cuppa and this is the perfect, efficient way to boil water without faffing about with a gas stove.
Rav Power Charger – it is a sad fact that we rely on our phones. There is good 3G signal and I tend to instagram pics during the day so I need to charge my phone and it is expensive doing it on site. My Rav Power charger holds 6 full iPhone charges so is perfect for the weekend.

Waterproofs and Wellies – we have been really lucky with the weather in the last two years, but just incase the sun hasn’t got its hat on, these are a “be prepared” must have!
Toilet Rolls – The portaloos and compost toilets are normally very clean but they always run out of toilet paper very quickly so make sure you take plenty of your own.
Baby Wipes – There are hot showers at Camp Bestival, but be prepared to queue.  Baby Wipes are prefect for cleaning up sticky fingers or having a quick wash down if the queues for the showers are too long.
First Aid Kit – you should never be without one on days out, but take added calpol and insect repellant
Ear Defenders – It gets noisy, very noisy and it is surprising what exhausted children will sleep through but it is important to protect their delicate ears. It also remains noisy well into the early hours so I would also recommend ear plugs for the adults too.

Torches – Although there is “street lighting” I recommend that you take torches / lanterns as it can be very dark
Plenty of warm clothes – Although the weather can be glorious and very hot during the day, it can get very chilly at night.  Sleeping bags and warm clothes are a must and layers can make all the difference
GigSak – We line our outwell transporter with this functional picnic blanket.  If the unthinkable happens and it starts to rain you can climb inside it and its waterproof lining will keep you dry.

Glo Sticks – Who doesn’t love rocking out with Glo-Sticks in the dark!!
Don’t forget your costumes! – This years theme is “Wild” and you will find many people dress up.  There is even a competition for pimped trolley and best costumes – if you see a family dressed as the characters from the Gruffalo, that will probably be us.
See you there!

 
 

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