Best of Bestival: 10 highlights from the line-up
By Nick Bond
With Bestival taking over the Isle of Wight in just under a month, we thought now would be a good time to survey the highlights of the four-day festival’s oh-so-gay-friendly-line-up.
We’re giving away a VIP package to Bestival, including two weekend tickets, access to the VIP bar and premium camping passes. Here are our top 10 picks for must-see acts…
Missy Elliott
Sadly, rapper and musical innovator Missy Elliott has been largely absent from the charts in the past decade – she emerges every once in a while just to remind everyone how incredible she is (see: her show-stealing cameo during Katy Perry’s Superbowl halftime show). Headlining the festival in a rare live appearance, she’s guaranteed to provide a hit-filled set of rap classics.
Lianne La Havas
We really liked Lianne’s first album. We LOVE her new one, Blood, released this week. It’s so exciting when an artist fulfils the early promise of their debut – she’ll surely be one of the must-watch sets at the festival.
FKA Twigs
Like the sexed-up lovechild of Kate Bush and Aaliyah, FKA Twigs may only be on her debut but she’s already garnered a reputation for intense, artistic live sets. Don’t expect your average festival set here: Twigs will BRING IT.
Duran Duran
Because almost 35 years on from their debut album, they’re still churning out impossibly cool music. Heard their new single Pressure Off yet? Featuring Janelle Monae and old friend Nile Rodgers, no less.
Roison Murphy
Her long-awaited new album, Hairless Toys, is a subtle collection of dance-pop gems that get under your skin and should shine in a live setting. Just as importantly: What is she going to WEAR?
Duke Dumont
I Got U. I Need You (100%). Won’t Look Back. With those three massive hits alone, he’s got all the ingredients for an unmissable set.
Mark Ronson
Because Uptown Funk is undoubtedly the most overplayed song of the past 12 months and we’re STILL NOT SICK OF IT. What is this witchcraft, Ronson?
The Jacksons
Not only are they part of the most famous family dynasty in pop, The Jacksons have an arsenal of disco classics at their disposal.
Neneh Cherry (with Rocketnumbernine)
Two words: Buffalo Stance.
Charli XCX
Her latest album Sucker is perfectly bratty pop-punk – the Spice Girls meets The Runaways. Grab a cider, grab your friends and go bump into people on the dance floor to Break The Rules like you’re 16 again.
Bestival takes place on the Isle of Wight from September 10-13. Tickets and info.