South Coast Festivals: The Best To Visit In Summer 2017

For the dance music fans…

Bestival is upping sticks and making the short trip across the Solent back to the mainland. The festival, that’s run by former BBC DJ Rob da Bank, is moving from its home of thirteen years at Robin Hill on the Isle of Wight to Lulworth Castle in Dorset.

The festival aims to offer a truly diverse roster of artists ensuring there’s something for all, but Bestival has a grassroots relationship with dance music, always reflected by their dance-heavy lineup. 2017 welcomes French dance duo Justice, Queen of BBC Radio 1 Annie Mac, Scottish tech/house legend Jackmaster and bassline prodigy Preditah, who will all perform among many others. This year’s bill is a wide variety of live acts, some of which are nostalgic like the headline slot from The Pet Shop Boys and some of which focus on the best current buzz artists like Rag ‘n’ Bone Man.

Bestival’s colourful, fun approach to events means there’s so much more than just music on offer. Bestival always comes with an annual theme; this year being colour. This immersive theme encourages guests to get lost in the forest, and uncover roaming live entertainment, theatre, comedy and much more. Bestival continues to fly the south coast festival flag, creating an unforgettable weekend of immaturity for all electronic music fans and festival lovers alike.

Bestival | 7th-10th September | Lulworth Castle, Dorset | Tickets & info:www.bestival.net

For families…

If you fancy a festival away from prying corporate eyes, then step into Hampshire’s three-day wonder that is Blissfields. This micro-festival marvel plays host just 2,500 people in a relaxed, family-friendly setting deep in the Hampshire countryside.

Blissfields aims to please your musical taste buds with a host of acclaimed indie bands and electronic music producers, not to mention the strong emphasis on local talented local bands who each get their own slot. Blissfields’ main stage will play host to Friday headliners The Cinematic Orchestra, bringing their unique style of electronic jazz, and Saturday headliners Metronomy, the British indie electronic four-piece.

Blissfields is still a family-run affair, and this shows through within the event’s undying charm. A whole host of activities for all ages can be found slotted nicely alongside the eclectic lineup. Arts & crafts, hot air balloon rides, and unique boutique camping areas will make for an inexplicably exciting weekend!

Blissfields Festival | 6th-8th July 2017 | Vicarage Farm, Woodmancott, Hampshire | Tickets & info: www.blissfields.co.uk

For lovers of the weird and wonderful…

The independent festival known as Boomtown has grown into one of the UK’s biggest events, with capacity growing to 60,000 this summer. Boomtown offers a unique and fully immersive experience with a background story that develops year-on-year and nine individually themed districts that compliment the story and make the festival actually feel like a city.

Boomtown also comes complete with a niché lineup that differs from the norm. Some of the world’s best artists in hip-hop, garage, reggae, ska and drum & bass play across the many multi-diverse venues. Headliners include ska band The Specials, M.I.A and 90s hip-hop sensations Cypress Hill.

Away from the music, Boomtown’s fully immersive world gives you access to the festival experience of a lifetime. Actors, who play a variety of characters in each of the districts, connect with festival-goers to emphasise this incredible living story. Dive headfirst into a mad world of music, art installations and incredible sets. This is a serious party and you won’t be disappointed.

Boomtown Fair | 10th-13th August 2017 | Matterley Estate, Hampshire | Tickets & info: http://www.boomtownfair.co.uk/