Camp Bestival 2026, held at the stunning Lulworth Castle in Dorset, once again proved why it is known as Britain's happiest family festival. The event, founded in 2008 by music specialist Rob da Bank and creative director Josie da Bank, has won Best Family Festival at the UK Festival Awards six times.
A weekend of magical moments
For one glorious weekend each summer, the grounds of Lulworth Castle are transformed into a giant playground. This year, 30,000 festival-goers enjoyed a lineup that included Fatboy Slim, De La Soul, the Cuban Brothers, Billy Ocean, Leftfield, and Bastille. But the true magic lay beyond the main stages.
Families danced to a country band in Pig's Big Ballroom, raved with kids to MC Grammar, climbed giant robot sculptures, rode a ferris wheel, and let loose on swinging chairs. The immersive world included bubble machines, giant puppets, and endless adventures around every corner.
A touching moment at the trolley competition
One of the most memorable moments came during the annual trolley competition. A family dressed as ice cream sellers, with their two toddlers as mini ice-cream cones, won cheers and applause. The mum-of-two then announced she was nine months pregnant and had just received the all-clear from cancer, making the festival a celebration of their journey.
This sense of community and looking out for one another is what sets Camp Bestival apart from other festivals, according to attendees.
Activities and wellbeing for all ages
The festival offered hundreds of free activities, including theatre, circus skills, science explorations, sports, and immersive experiences. The Slomo Wellbeing area provided a three-day programme of free sessions led by headliners such as Jasmine Hemsley, Joe Wicks, and Zita West, featuring soundbaths, meditation, breath work, yoga, and food workshops.
This year's fancy dress theme paid homage to the seaside, with participants dressing as swimmers, mermaids, jellyfish, lobsters, sailors, and a Baywatch-themed lifeguard flashmob.
Looking ahead to 2027
Festival curator Rob da Bank said: “What a ridiculously fun and sun kissed weekend we’ve had, bringing families together in proper Camp Bestival style. It always blows us away to see 30,000 revellers get stuck into so many activities. We can’t wait for 2027 and are thrilled to announce that Early Bird Weekend Tickets go on sale this Friday!”
Dan Finley, CEO of Debenhams Group, returning as headline partner for a second year, added: “After such a fantastic debut with Camp Bestival last year, we couldn’t be more thrilled to return as headline partner for 2026. The energy, engagement, and connection we saw across families and festival-goers was incredible.”
Camp Bestival by Debenhams will take place from Thursday 29th July to Sunday 1st August 2027. Early Bird Weekend Tickets go on sale at 10am on Friday 7th August 2026. Prices range from £225 for adult weekend camping to free entry for children aged 2-4 and babes in arms (ticket required).
