UK Festival Awards. Having made its home among the rolling hills of Robin Hill Country Park, the fest is huge on atmosphere yet cosy in size.

Around 48,000 fans will attend the colourful four day jamboree from September 8-12. Often seen as the closing party of the festival season, Bestival always attracts an impressive line-up of top performers.

Pendulum, Primal Scream, PJ Harvey and Public Enemy. Eccentric Icelandic pop pixie Bjork will close the proceedings on Sunday night with a multi-sensory show featuring music from her new album ‘Biophilia’.

Hot new acts including Katy B, Nero, Zola Jesus and Wretch 32 will

also rock the masses around the site. But those in the know are well aware that Bestival is about more than just standing in a field watching a band.

There’s a whole escapist world of madness, mayhem and mindblowing loopiness beyond the music. Famed for its zany fancy

dress, the shebang will revolve around a ‘Rock Stars, Pop Stars & Divas’ theme this year. Fans are encouraged to come along as their musical heroes - with legendary disco band The Village People judging the best. Other outlandish fun includes The Wishing Tree, Heavenly Healing, Fireworks Spectacular plus quirky comedy and sideshows. New for 2011 is the Roller Disco, where you can strap on freebie skates as music blasts from a giant-sized jukebox stage. And check out the Swamp Shack, Afterburner arena and the thrilling Wall of Death. French company Quidams will unveil their bewitching after-dark

show Herbert’s Dream.

the romance of a fully Alfresco Ballroom is being offered up for the very first time. Salsa with the sun on your skin or enjoy a late summer breeze in your hair as you shimmy through a cha cha.

MsMarmiteLover AKA Kerstin Rodgers will host three sittings a day at her achingly cool supper club The Underground Restaurant.

Other bonkers attractions include a massive Crazy Golf course, the NoFit State Circus plus The Ambient Forest, hidden deep in the woods.

Bestival is very kid-friendly and even boasts a Breastival baby

temple for new mums. There will also be mammoth inflatables, clown shows, a junior disco and the Noisy Oyster Theatre Company. And don’t forget the all new rocking Bestival Block Party on Saturday afternoon.

Taking inspiration from Brazil’s Rio carnival, this giant parade will be divided up into a number of blocks, each with its own name, identity and uniform. And if you can’t make it along, fear not.

Two hours of Bestival will be broadcast live every day in 3-D on Sky. Anyone wanting to taste the kookiness will have to be quick.

Tickets are available via main ticket agent Ticketline or either of the ferry companies, Red Funnel and Wightlink.

Go to:

www.ticketline.co.uk/bestival-tickets / 0844 888 4410

www.redfunnel.co.uk/bestival / 0844 844 9988 (inc optional Ferry travel bundles)

travel bundles)

Or for Bestival Tickets including coach and ferry travel there’s Big