Labrinth, Mark Owen, Ash and Gabrielle Aplin among the stars

The four-day family festival, which takes place at Lulworth Castle, is now in its sixth year and organisers Rob and Josie da Bank are working hard to ensure the usual high standards of fun and entertainment are maintained.

Although weekend tickets sold out ages ago, there are still a few day tickets left for the family friendly festival of music, mirth and more, which runs from August 1-4.

Top acts include chart topper Labrinth, Take That star Mark Owen, songstress Gabrielle Aplin and Ulster rockers Ash.

Others include teenage Dorchester rapper Isaiah Dreads, who performed at Glastonbury, former Pulp and Longpigs star Richard Hawley, The Levellers, I Am Kloot, Nik Kershaw, Billy Bragg and hundreds more.

Electronic singer-songwriter Labrinth – real name Timothy Mckenzie –first came to prominence a few years ago when he featured on the Tiny Tempah singles Pass Out and Earthquake.

Since then he has become a star in his own right and worked with some of the biggest names in pop including Rihanna and Emily Sande.

He said: “I played Camp Bestival year and it was amazing.

“This year I’m headlining so it will be even more fun. It’s a great buzz, a great vibe. I recorded it last year and watching it back it was brilliant to see everyone having such a great time.”

Labrinth has a musical pedigree – he grew up in a house with a musical, Gospel-singing mother and eight siblings who went on to form their own band Mac 9. He was influenced by everyone from Nirvana to Donna Summer and still tends to listen to music, or write his own material, as a way of relaxing.

“I think that if you work hard enough at what you want to do, it will come to you, it will happen,” he said. “My mum is very talented with music and she is very proud of what we have all achieved. There is a lot of love in the family.”

In complete contrast ethereal-voiced singer Gabrielle Aplin – who sung over last year’s John Lewis Christmas adverts – is also performing at Camp Bestival.

Up until then she was an expert in the art of self-promotion and best known to fans of her Youtube feed, but her haunting cover of Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s The Power of Love brought her to the attention of millions of people.

Last year she played the Camp Bestival bandstand, but now she’s on the main stage.

“It will be great to be back, it’s a wonderful festival with a great atmosphere,” said Gabrielle, who grew up in Somerset.

“It’s been a mad year but I’ve really enjoyed it. I’m working on new things and learning so much – I’m loving it!”

Other acts at this year’s vb include Take That member Mark Owen, who is showcasing his new album The Art of Doing Nothing and bringing his family with him to join in the festival fun.

Teenage Dorchester rapper Isaiah Dreads, who performed at Glastonbury, will also be on stage before he heads off to Camp Bestival ‘big brother’ Bestival, and there are performances from ’90s rockers Ash, Richard Hawley, The Levellers, I Am Kloot, Nik Kershaw, Billy Bragg and hundreds more.

And it’s not just about the music. Kids will love Mr Tumble, Horrible Histories, the Woodland Story Den and Dick’n’Dom. There is a whole world of global food on offer plus a massive programme of literature, comedy and theatre.

Rob da Bank said: “We need to please babies, toddlers, teens, 30-somethings, mums, dads, grannies, grandpas, aunts, uncles and pretty much everyone in-between. It’s not as simple as booking three headliners and be done with it.

“We spend as much money on non-musical entertainment, from arts tents and soft play areas to sit-down restaurants and even a knitting tent, just to try and tick everyone’s box.”

It isn’t just festival-goers who welcome Camp Bestival to Dorset. The knock-on effect of the four-day extravaganza is that the county as a whole reaps the benefits of hosting a major cultural event.

“You can’t underestimate how many families use Camp Bestival as the start of their summer holiday and then go and stay locally and spend locally,” said Rob.

“We certainly get welcomed by most businesses and hotels down there for what we bring to Dorset each summer. We also use local suppliers and staff wherever possible and work with lots of local charities. My personal favourite locals are the Women’s Institute, who make a cracking cup of tea when you’re feeling a bit knackered!”

And despite the financial climate, tickets keep selling and punters keep coming, leaving no doubt that Camp Bestival will be a success for many years to come.

Josie da Bank said: “Our plan is to keep it going, to keep it the same size, to see the same children coming back and getting older and also to welcome and meet new families. We want to make sure we keep the content changing every year – and for the sun to keep shining on us!”

For full details and ticket info visit campbestival.net

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