SUMMER | FEATURE
set , which on a Friday night , at a family festival , was quite a challenge .
“ We had to turn everything else off . I remember having to race around the fields telling people to turn everything off . It was all very confusing for people who didn ’ t want to watch PJ , but she was absolutely stunning .”
Record breakers Camp Bestival became synonymous with eye-catching illustrations , the colourful dressing of stages and areas , the unusual and imaginative activities on offer , and remarkable creations such as The World ’ s Largest Disco Ball .
Having had Guinness World Records confirm the standing of the super-sized disco ball , some 10.3 metres in diameter , they were called back to oversee the world record for the Largest Disco Dance . The successful attempt took place last year with 600 people performing a routine at the Dorset event . Proceeds from the initiative were channelled into long-time charity partner the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust .
Josie , who oversees all artwork , illustrations , the décor and design of the stages , along with the festival layout , says that among her favourite features on site is the Bollywood area : “ It is one of the things that makes the festival really unique . Robby and I go to India most years and it ’ s very apparent when you get to Camp Bestival that there ’ s this big Indian influence there .”
The duo has worked hand in hand with the team at production specialists APL Event since the outset , with APL ’ s Paul and Anita Ludford having handled the festival ’ s production prior to their offspring Vicki and Philip taking over the reins .
“ Vicki is my right hand on production and has been forever , I love working with her ,” says Josie . “ I also have an assistant called Cara Kane who has been with me for 15 years . I ’ ll come up with an idea like ‘ let ’ s make a
Camp Bestival in Shropshire
Festival founders Josie and Rob
boat called HMS Bestival ’, and she will turn it into a reality for me .”
Other long-time key contributors , who Rob says have been with them for “ pretty much the whole ride ” are production managers Andy Grey and Neil McDonald from Clockwork Productions .
“ Andy has one of the calmest heads in the business , whether it ’ s Grace Jones needing a riser with a fan blowing her hair , Dick and Dom getting out of hand with squirty cream or Chuck Berry needing a hand to get up on stage ,” he says .
Another team member that Rob rates as among the best in the business is Ginger Owl , who handle Camp Bestival ’ s artist liaison and transport . A more recent collaboration is with Far And Beyond , which handles aspects of the event including traders and guest list .
“ Josie and I run things in a cottage industry , family way . I ’ d like to think a little bit like Michael [ Eavis ] and Emily
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