BESTIVAL made its return to Lulworth Castle this weekend – and, as usual, it featured one of the most eclectic line-ups of any major festival in the UK.

It’s the first time the event has taken place in August rather than September after the main arena was evacuated due to bad weather in 2017. And the decision paid off.

Visitors who last year waded through miles of welly-high mud were rewarded this time around with blue skies and plenty of sunshine throughout the weekend.

The festival site was transformed into a big top for the event, which marked its 15th year with a circus theme. Acrobats, sword swallowers, fire eaters and trapeze artists joined the crowds, while visitors were given the chance to perform alongside circus troupes.

But the real highlight, as ever, was the music. A hugely diverse range of artists performed, including British singer/songwriter M.I.A, Mercury Prize nominee Jorja Smith and the legendary Grace Jones.

Those who stayed away from the main arenas had the chance to see comedian Vic Reeves picking his favourite reggae tracks and Madchester’s Godfather Bez playing acid house.

For those already thinking about Bestival 2019, here are six ‘can’t miss’ festival experiences.

  1.  The smaller stages – yes, the biggest names (which this year included London Grammar, Plan B and Chaka Khan) will always perform on the Castle Stage. But there are great rewards for those who strike out to the farthest reaches of the site, particularly in the evening. Temple had sets from some of the best DJs in the world, while HMS Bestival – my favourite stage – boasted a Christmas party hosted by East 17.

2. The food – it’s entirely possible to lose whole afternoons wandering about eating and drinking at Bestival. This year, stallholders included Jeff the Oyster Man, DJ BBQ and his BBQ Crew and the Arancini Brothers. It’s a far cry from my Reading Festival experience of 2005, when I consumed nothing but warm lager and Ritz Crackers for three days.

3. The gin – for the first time, a mini gin festival took place at the estate. Enthusiasts had the choice of 50 spirits, while experts gave masterclasses in cocktail making and the drink’s history. And there’s nothing nicer than getting sloshed while you’re ‘learning’.

4. The fancy dress – Bestival isn’t known as one of the most colourful festivals in the country for nothing. People absolutely committed to this year’s circus theme. If you’re not finding stray bits of glitter from 2018 in your tent and sleeping bag next year, you probably didn’t do it right.

5. The bits that aren’t about music at all – this year, an astrophysicist gave a talk, the ladies of the W.I sold tea and cakes, yoga practitioners led workshops, poets hosted readings and festivalgoers competed in Twister tournaments. I’m afraid the old cliché really is true for Bestival – there’s something for everyone.

6. The music – the diversity of the acts performing at the festival has always been the biggest draw. There’s so much going on across the site that within minutes you can go from watching a headline act storming the Castle Stage to catching a game-changing performance by someone you’ve never heard of before. That’s what makes Bestival so special and keeps the crowds coming back. See you next year!