MULTI-award winning Camp Bestival will return to Lulworth Castle for a magical merry-go-round of endless fun for the whole family later this week.

Rob da Bank’s wonderful brainchild is the off-shoot to the Isle of Wight’s 24-hour monster celebration, Bestival and offers an unparalleled combination of music, live theatre, children’s entertainment and literary talks.

Now in its sixth year, the family-friendly extravaganza has captured the imagination of music fans and was crowned best new festival in 2008 and best family festival in 2009 and 2010.

Organiser and DJ Rob, below, said: “We need to please babies, toddlers, teens, thirty-somethings, mums, dads, grannies, grandpas, aunts, uncles and pretty much everyone in-between.

“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.”

Held in the stunning grounds of Lulworth Castle, fun-loving Camp Bestival will run from Thursday, August 1 to Sunday, August 4.

Rob, who is also a BBC Radio One DJ, said: “One of the reasons we started Camp Bestival at Lulworth Castle is because it is in one of the country's most beautiful locations.

“Then we come along and add a Dinosaur Petting Zoo, Mr Tumble, Brit School, Fairgrounds, Freestyle Sports Park, circuses and four days of music and entertainment for all the family and you have a festi-holiday like no other"

Kicking-off the magical weekend on Friday August 2 will be music from headliner Richard Hawley, Ash, Billy Bragg and I Am Kloot.

The Levellers, Mark Owen, Gabrielle and Grandmaster Flash will keep momentum up on Saturday night, with Labrinth, DJ Fresh, dan le sac v Scroobius Pip, Beardyman and The Wurzels wrapping things up on Sunday.

Camp Bestival also has a distinctly eighties feel this year, with music from Heaven 17, Billy Bragg, The Proclaimers and Nik Kershaw.

Rob said: “As a child of the 80s I love that era. One hit wonders sit happily alongside some of the most visionary pop and electronic records ever made in my record collection.

“Heaven 17 fall into that latter category and still kill it wherever they go so I can’t wait to see and more importantly hear them at Camp Bestival.

“The Proclaimers are an incredible festival act for a good old sing-along and Nik Kershaw is a boyhood idol too.”

Fancy dress is an integral part of the festival and the overall theme for this year is ‘Around the World’.

Organiser Josie da Bank said: “The best costume I have ever seen is someone dressed as a take away curry at Bestival. We once had a family come as the entire cast from Alice In Wonderland, complete with beautiful handmade costumes.”

Camp Bestival is also a renowned foodie heaven and dynamic duo Josie and Rob get involved in choosing exactly what’s available. Josie said: “I hand pick them all myself. I often give out a few free pitches to up-and-coming new foodie traders that need a hand getting off the ground.

“I have also asked a few people to become a festival trader because I liked their food so much – Peallaria is the best example of this and it’s now the most popular food stall.”

Britpop band Ash are among those looking forward to Camp Bestival.

A statement from the band said: “This is our first time at Camp Bestival and we can't wait. We've heard a lot about it and are always being asked by fans if we're playing there.

“It's an honour to be included in this year’s line up."

The festival includes family favourites, with children’s television character Mr Tumble and presenters Dick And Dom.

Justin Fletcher, who plays Mr Tumble, said: “Camp Bestival is such a wonderful festival for the whole family and Mr Tumble seems to fit right in. He always receives such a warm welcome when he comes on-stage and it’s great to see the audience reaching right back to Lulworth Castle, joining in with the Hello Song.

“I am always blown away by the response. It’s so heartwarming to see a crowd of people – young and old – all up singing and dancing together.”

Intriguing interviews, dynamic discussions and riveting talks from children’s authors will also be taking place in the Guardian Literary Institute stage located in the Woodland Story Den.

The literary line-up includes more than 50 speakers, authors, poets, journalists, scientists, philosophers, children’s writers and illustrators. Among those on the bill are Charlie Brooks and Howard Marks.