Camp Bestival Loves the 80s

We love the 80s at Camp Bestival HQ! Pac-man, deely boppers, odd coloured fluorescent socks, Knight Rider, break dancing, Sloane rangers, it really was an ace time, so for one weekend only we’re bringing 80s mania back. Turning Lulworth Castle into our own little time machine, we’re going to be celebrating one of the greatest decades in human history from August 1st-4th, with a glorious triumvirate of newly announced legends of the age and some proper down the disco type action from inimitable rogues The Cuban Brothers. And that’s not all as we have added even more mighty fine cutting edge live acts and DJs all for your delectation.

Kicking off with a band that was the personification of the 80s on their debut album ‘Penthouse and Pavement’, we are extremely pleased to be welcoming the fantastic Heaven 17 to Lulworth Castle.  Stalwarts of new wave synthpop, Heaven 17 lit up the charts with a string of Top 40 hits and quickly became one of the 80s biggest bands, so we can wait to take a trip down memory lane and catch their unmissable live set.

The greatest twins of the 80s were unquestionably The Proclaimers. Purveyors of some of the decade’s most memorable and enduring anthems, we’re mega-excited that Charlie and Craig Reid’s raucously infectious live show is coming to Camp Bestival. Utterly irresistible, you know you’re going to find yourself bellowing every single word of ‘I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)’ and ‘Letter To America’ at the top of your voice along with absolutely everyone else and we can’t wait!

Speaking about Camp Bestival The Proclaimers said: “We are looking forward immensely to our first appearance at Camp Bestival and enjoying first hand this unique event.”

We’re also over the moon that 80s icon Nik Kershaw is coming to Camp Bestival too! With massive sing-along hits like ‘I Won’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me’ and ‘Wouldn’t It Be Good’, Nik spent more time in the charts in 1984 than any other solo artist. Having carved a successful career as a songwriter, Nik is still a regular on the live circuit, gaining regular plaudits for his hit-packed sets, so make sure you join us down the front for a sing-along.

Commenting on his appearance Nik Kershaw said: “I am delighted to be playing Camp Bestival this year alongside an amazing line up of artists from across the genres. It’s going to be a lot of fun and I look forward to seeing you there!”

Camp Bestival loves the 80s so much in fact that we've got our resident retro heroes The Cuban Brothers to present some special themed spectaculars hosted by their alter ego characters Barry Peters featuring Special Guests for that truly big night out feel. 80s throwback Barry will unleash his many years of wisdom as long-term resident for Zany’s Niteclub, Skipton and as the undisputed number 1 DJ at Halifax Hospital Radio to create the ultimate party experience. Aided by his son, Kevin Peters and Derek Japan, AKA Double Penetration, the trio will take you to the dizziest heights of proper entertainment and guarantee you a night to remember dancing around your handbags without a care in the world. Expect a mash up of all the mega-hits from the era of joy, special guests and, of course, their uniquely riotous stage presence. And just to help you really feel you’ve gone back in time, 80s cocktails will be served! Dig out your leg warmers and bring your Rah-Rah skirts, its 80s mania all the way!

And don’t forget that there’s plenty more sublime 80s action going on at Camp Bestival with previously announced legends Musical Youth, who will be passing the dutchie like only they can and Kid Creole And the Coconuts, whose live set is the very definition of booty shaking.

As much as we love the 80s, it’s not all about reliving the heady heights of our youth at Camp Bestival, we’ve also got some bang up to date musical treats to keep you on your toes. We’re thrilled to announce that Mercury Prize nominated folk singer Sam Lee and Friends will be showcasing their unconventional take on traditional folk and Molotov Jukebox (whose singer Natalia Tena will be familiar to the Camp B crowd as Nymphadora Tonks in Harry Potter), will also be on hand with their gypsy, samba, ska, dubstep and swing-blending ways. Ady Suleiman is also set to wow the crowds with his strikingly soulful voice, there will be folk-infused melodic pop from Hudson Taylor, epic acoustic delights from Lloyd Yates and slick flows from rap wunderkind Isaiah Dreads. 

We’ll also have Craig Charles supplying an irresistible array of funk and soul sounds from his famous trunk of funk, the very welcome return of the Sunday Best Forum Allstars who will be rocking the ones and twos and the esteemed DJ Dapper Dan who will be getting the crowds skanking to his conscious riddims!

There will be bounteous Easter tips, blogs and competitions on our Facebook and Twitter pages plus the continuing in-depth look at our line-up with the A-Z of Camp Bestival in the coming week’s some make sure you check them out. And please visit www.campbestival.net for more announcements coming soon.