Music

Now celebrating its sixth successful year, multi award-winning boutique festival Bestival has become renowned for its three days of utter escapism in the magical surroundings of Robin Hill Country Park on the lovely Isle of Wight.

With a wildly diverse musical menu, a full-on carnival atmosphere and (hopefully) another dose of blazing sunshine, BBC Radio One DJ Rob da Bank’s intimate and interactive affair always promises to close the festival season in style.

Headlined by seminal trip-hop duo Massive Attack, Electro pioneers Kraftwerk and Mercury Music Prize winners Elbow, the line-up is certainly one the most eclectic on the circuit.

Over the weekend you can expect to enjoy the psychedelic delights of MGMT, Florence & The Machine, the live return of nu-ravers Klaxons, Bat For Lashes and ol’ time blues dawg Seasick Steve.

And some of our favourite talents will be crossing the Solent on September 11-13th to join the merry mayhem - Drowned In Sound’s tip for the top bleep-beat poet George Pringle, the latest signees to Sunday Best Recordings, Bastila (whose debut LP was produced by former Ride frontman Mark Gardener), Skylarkin’ regular DJ Derek and, of course, BBC Introducing’s very own Huw Stephens will, as ever, be on hand to highlight the very best in new music.

Aside from the mind-blowing music and fantastical frolics, Bestival has always been renowned for its world record-breaking fancy dress. In 2009, they’ve decided to go cosmic, as Rob da Bank explains: "Due to the fact that this year is the 40th anniversary since Man landed on the Moon, it's going to be a Space theme – Bestival 2009: A Space Oddity. So get needle and thread out, dig out the dressing up box and prepare for lift off!"

So, whether you’re going for a Buck Rogers disco get up, rocking the Jedi look or painting yourself green to catch Captain Kirk’s eye, it’s guaranteed to be out of this world!