Camp Bestival 2019 Review – A First-Timer’s Guide
What it’s really like for a first-timer at Camp Bestival: arrival, family camping vibe, the best areas, music highlights and practical tips.
Camp Bestival 2019 – at a glance
- Where: Lulworth Castle, Dorset
- When: Thu 25 – Sun 28 July 2019 (Monday departure)
- Who it suits: families, first-timers, and anyone who likes a “festival holiday” vibe
- Camping feel: roomy, family-heavy, lots of gazebos and full camp kitchens
- Big takeaway: it felt calm and well organised compared to bigger festivals
What arrival is like
- First impression: relaxed, friendly and not intimidating.
- Queues: I was surprised how quick wristbands were (no endless waiting).
- Car park: well managed and straightforward.
- Weather: hot and sunny on arrival (proper summer Dorset hills vibe).
If you’re nervous about your first festival, this is exactly the sort of arrival you want: calm, quick and easy to understand.
What camping is really like
- Yellow campsite: about a 10-minute walk from the Yellow Car Park.
- Space: plenty of room for tents, gazebos, chairs and “camp kitchen” setups.
- Who’s there: lots of families, very “holiday” energy.
- One watch-out: the ground slopes — fine in good weather, but could be messy in heavy rain.
It’s not the cramped “survive the weekend” style of camping. It’s more like a family mini-break with music.
Getting your bearings
- Helpful moment: I toured the site with a photographer (Jamie) which made the layout click.
- Audience setup: picnic blankets, camping chairs and trolleys were everywhere.
- Overall feel: it’s clearly designed for families to feel comfortable, not overwhelmed.
If you like a festival that feels “easy to live in”, this one really delivers.
Music highlights (what stood out)
- Castle Stage evening: Jess Glynne, The Human League and The Wailers brought the big “shared moment” feel.
- Family-friendly chaos (in a good way): Vengaboys with kids on stage, plus the festival’s silly surprises everywhere.
- Sunday finish: Annie Mac’s DJ set felt like a proper end-of-weekend party for all ages.
My favourite area: The Caravanserai
The Caravanserai was the best “wander around and discover stuff” part of the festival. It felt like a mini world of its own: quirky stages, odd little attractions and constant movement.
If you only explore one area properly, make it this one.
Is it good for first-timers?
- Yes — for organisation: arrival, wristbands and leaving were all smooth.
- Yes — for atmosphere: friendly, relaxed and not “edgy”.
- Yes — for comfort: it felt like a festival built around people settling in and enjoying themselves.
- Main downside: sloping camping ground could be rough in bad weather.
I turned up nervous, and left feeling like I’d found the perfect “first festival” gateway.
Weather notes
- Max: around 23°C later in the weekend
- Saturday: sunny spells + isolated showers
- Sunday: brighter spells + scattered showers
- Monday: windier with some rain (as people left)
Line-up highlights (2019)
- Big names: Nile Rodgers & Chic, Lewis Capaldi, Jess Glynne
- Also on: Annie Mac, The Human League, Bombay Bicycle Club, Sister Sledge
- Peak “Bestival weirdness”: Napalm Death alongside Vengaboys, East 17, Big Shaq, plus Elvana (Elvis + Nirvana)
- DJs: Grandmaster Flash, Sara Cox, David Rodigan (and more)
Things to do (beyond the music)
- Theatre and kids shows: loads of child-friendly options
- Meet and greets: family favourites (e.g. Wallace & Gromit, The Gruffalo)
- Hands-on fun: workshops, dressing-up tents, craft areas
- All the extras: circus, cabaret, science shows, swing boats, face painting
This is why it feels like a holiday: even if you skip an act, there’s always something else to do.
FAQs
Is Camp Bestival good for families?
Yes. The crowd vibe is genuinely family-first: picnic blankets and chairs at the main stage, loads of kids activities, and a relaxed feel that makes it easy to settle in.
Is Camp Bestival good for first-timers?
Yes. Arrival and wristbands were quick, the site felt welcoming, and even leaving on Monday was smooth. It’s a good “starter festival” because it’s organised and friendly.
Planning your own Camp Bestival trip? Start here: