CAMP Bestival returns this weekend after a two-year break - and organisers have been working with authorities to ensure the event will be as safe as possible.

The family-friendly festival at Lulworth Castle runs from Friday, July 30 to Sunday, August 1, although campsites open on Thursday. It will be one of the country's biggest music events being held since since the lifting of Covid restrictions on July 19.

Dorset Police say officers will be on site to provide reassurance and to deal with any problems. The force says organisers have introduced a number of measures 'that will hopefully reduce any impact felt by the local community'.

Added to Covid safety measures which are being put in place, it is warned there is a 'robust' traffic management plan which will be active from midnight tonight for a week allowing ticket holders, staff and artists to access the grounds safely, while also taking into account local access.

The traffic plan includes one-way and no stopping orders implemented on some local roads and a diversion route.

There will be a one-way system in place on the A and some of the B roads surrounding Lulworth Castle. Residents and families wishing to visit the area - not the festival - should be aware of the traffic plan. Delays are to be expected.

There will be warnings on digital road signs on the A35 at Bere Regis and Bakers Arms roundabout, on the A352 at Wareham and on the approaches to the one-way system.

Festival organisers have been working with Dorset Council’s Safety Advisory Group which includes partners from Public Health Dorset and Dorset Police, to ensure the event is as safe as possible for festival goers.

Health and safety measures include either:

- Proof of full vaccination – both doses received (with the second at least 14 days prior to the festival) 

OR

- Proof of a negative NHS Lateral Flow Test taken prior to travel on the day of arrival at the festival 

OR

- Proof of natural immunity based upon a positive PCR test within 180 days of the festival (including 10 days self-isolation following the result).

*Please note 11-15 year olds will need to take a lateral flow test if they have no proof of natural immunity as above.

A Camp Bestival spokesman said: “We are very excited to be back in the Lulworth Estate’s spacious fields, preparing for our long-awaited movie-themed event.

"We’d like to extend our thanks to Dorset Council’s Safety Advisory Group, Public Health Dorset and Dorset Police who have worked with us over the past two years to ensure that the festival runs as safely and smoothly as possible.”

Performers this year include Fatboy Slim, Groove Armada, Becky Hill and Level 42.