Camp Bestival

Where and when? Lulworth Castle, Dorset - 24-26 July.

Why should I go? To dress like a mermaid and take a dip off the Jurassic coast.

Any interesting titbits of information? The 17th century Lulworth castle is just a few miles from Dorset’s ‘ghost’ village of Tyneham, abandoned by its residents in 1943 and taken over by the military.

It’s still quite new, it’s fun for all the family and it’s a cracking good festival. Probably one to avoid if you’re looking for a mashed up weekend as kids rule the roost and it’s lights out by about 1am, but last year saw a phenomenal performance from music icon Chuck Berry, a spectacular show from the Flaming Lips, sweet daytime sets from King Creosote and Emmy the Great, top comedy and a great tipi sauna to sooth the camping aches away.

This year, there’s non other than Dorset local PJ Harvey, epic ambiance from Mercury Rev, the woody folk of Bon Iver and the arcade kings of Newport, Goldie Lookin’ Chain.

Cynical Scot Frankie Boyle makes Camp Bestival his ‘UK festival exclusive’ and is joined by some of the UK’s top funny men including Ed Byrne, Phill Jupitus and Andrew Maxwell.

What more could you need? Well, best bring a small child dressed as a bunny (there’s an animal fancy dress theme). This is a family fest more than anything, with everything geared towards making it fun, relaxing and, most of all, safe. But it’s also beautiful, set in the grounds of Lulworth castle just a pebble throw away from Durdle Door.

Ticket Price: Adult weekend tickets with camping: £130; without camping: £100; 13-15-year-olds weekend tickets with camping: £65; without camping: £50; family weekend camping ticket deal (for two adults and up to four children aged 15 and under): £295. Under-12s go free.

Accommodation: Camping, caravans and boutique camping, including tipis.

Site opening: TBA.

Capacity: 10,000

Stages: Main Stage, Insect Stage.

Travel: Nearest train station is Wool, between Bournemouth and Dorchester – every half an hour from London.