FAMLIES and music lovers descended on Lulworth Castle as this year’s Camp Bestival got underway – with a much-anticipated headline performance from Blondie set to end the first day.

For the first time, organisers opened the gates on Thursday lunchtime and thousands were already on site that evening to make the most of three days of entertainment.

Camp Bestival – this year promoting a medieval fancy dress theme – prides itself on being for all the family and kids were kept busy from the start, with shows from favourites including The Zingzillas, Dick and Dom and The Gruffalo.

The music got underway on the main Castle stage at lunchtime yesterday but as the Daily Echo went to press, it was a headline set from post-punk legends Blondie that had the crowd waiting with bated breath.

Ian and Tilly Foster, from South-bourne, visit every year. Ian said: “It’s just the fact that it’s about the kids.”

Becky Dovey, from Martinstown, added: “It’s very good, it’s huge. We came because it’s family-orientated. That and Blondie.”

Carlo Rastelli, from Oxted, East Surrey, added: “It’s a family festival and it’s a great vibe, there’s something for everyone.”

Other musical highlights yesterday included rising stars Ed Sheeran, The Nuts and Claire Maguire, ’80s pop gods ABC and Laura Marling.

James Hallybone, from London, said: “We’re looking forward to Blondie, ABC and Katy B.”

Wife Dawn added: “Definitely the Wonder Stuff. I saw them at university about 22 years ago.”

Elsewhere, comedians including Marcus Brigstocke and Jack Whitehall kept the laughs coming. Today sees Mark Ronson and the Business International perform what could be an emotional set following the death of Ronson’s friend Amy Winehouse, along with Groove Armada, Eliza Doolittle, Ms Dynamite and Newton Faulkner.