Although the mud was bad last year, the line up is always great. Get the train to Portsmouth, then the car ferry and then a cab to the festival. Sounds mad, but it takes out all the waiting for buses.

www.bestival.net/

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Anybody considering taking young children to a festival this year may want to consider buying a plain children’s tee-shirt and writing on it in permanent marker – “If I’m lost please call my folks on...” followed by your mobile number. A friend of ours dresses her little ones in them at every festival she attends, and while she has always managed to keep them together, they do have, as she tells me, “a habit of wondering away to look at all the glittery things like little magpies.”

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Bring a wheelbarrow for carting all your stuff from your car to the tent. No more annoying trips back and forth to the car to keep stocking up!

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Heavy security searches and few gates can lead to queues to get into the music area - especially for the non-camping locals, so plan ahead if there is a band you really really want to see.

Also, they ran out of beer the year we went and we were left with drink tokens that we had bought but could not exchange!!! Which was not a nice end to the festival....

Newport Isle of Wight

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A blow-up baby bath is great for the baby and anyone else for soaking your feet in the heat.

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A great festival, full of whimsy and silliness. I think everyone should go at least once.

www.bestival.net/

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To fancy dress or not to fancy dress?
Some people just aren't that into fancy dress. As one of those people, I didn't see why I should do it at Bestival. Yes, it's a festival that celebrates one of the largest fancy dress parades in the country, but once a disbeliever in stupid outfits, always a disbeliever.
BIG MISTAKE!
As one of only three people at the whole of the festival sporting normal, casual attire, I can honestly say I've never felt like a bigger idiot, ever. Bestival is a time to supress your dislike for the 'wacky', it's a time to swallow your misplaced pride and adorn something stupid. You'll feel much better for it ...

Robin Hill, near Newport, Isle of Wight

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Bestival is a fab fancy dress festival where people are laid back and it isn't too big. Yes last year was a complete wash-out, but overall because Bestival is in early September it has a brilliant sunshine record, which really helps with the party spirit.

We all know to take loo rool and wet wipes, but some less obvious tips for festival goers are:
- Take dry shampoo, or specifically Batiste Tropical. It's an amazing conditioning spray that takes away any greasiness and makes your hair full bodied and shiny. It's usually used by old ladies but don't let that put you off
- Take wine in a box and once finished, use the bag inside as an inflatable pillow to sleep on
- If you can carry them, fold away chairs are a god-send at festivals
- Dig out your sparkly sequin bolero or jacket: great for the cooler UK evenings but keeps you looking like you've made a festival effort
- Always bring a bikini, you never know when the sunshine will come out, but also useful for the festivals that have saunas. A good sweat in a sauna will cleanse you for the next night of partying
- Pitching your tent in the quiet zone can be great if you need a good night's sleep and to be fresh for work on Monday
- Take a small over the shoulder handbag so you can put all your valuables in there, sling it across your body and dance the night away!
- Choose a festival that has the right party vibe for you. It doesn't have to have the major headlining bands and you never know, at a smaller festival you may get to see the next big thing

Bestival is at Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight
11-13th September

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Between the 9th and 24th of May there is a walking festival on the Isle of Wight. There are lots of events on the website. Island Cottage Holidays have a special selection of self-catering cottages and holiday homes.

www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk/, www.islandcottageholidays.com/seasonal/walkingfestival.html

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The last and best festival of the summer. Highlights from last year included the world's largest fancy dress party and a proper cocktail bar.

September 8-10, 2006, Isle of Wight;
www.bestival.net

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