The Best Festival?

Proud owner of countless awards, including Best [medium sized] festival 2009 (and yes, such a thing exists) and Most Innovative Festival 2005, Bestival greets thousands of eager, welly-clad festival goers this weekend as it begins its seventh year of fun, frolics and fancy dress.

Though renowned for its endorsement of carefree and crazy attire, Bestival is one of those rare gems of an event that also owes a lot to its perfect yet unimposing location. Nestled in the beautifully scenic Robin Hill Country Park on the Isle of Wight, Bestival surrounds itself with natural beauty, and of course an onslaught of comparison with its equally renowned counterpart; The Isle of Wight Festival.

But honestly? Bestival is a fantastic weekend in its own right. No comparison necessary.

The brain child of DJ Rob da Bank, Bestival has much to thank its creator for, not least an undoubtedly wide range of music-industry contacts which have led to this year's line up to include artists such as Bjork, Pendulum, and this year's Mercury Prize winner; PJ Harvey.

This year will most certainly live up to high expectations, and we're sure Bestival will follow its own tradition of introducing new and wacky offerings - how does a wedding in an inflatable church sound?

Remember to check out the Bestival website for more info on the arenas and lineup, and keep up to date with their photo gallery for news on the best fancy dress efforts.