Bestival 2014 Rob da Bank: What’s on your mind?
Rob da Bank offers a glimpse into the inner-workings of Bestival.
Bestival has always been unique in its field (Geddit? - Ed). As organiser Rob da Bank observes, “Where else can you dress up as Robinson Crusoe or Donna Summer and get lost in a field on an island for four days whilst playing ultraviolet ping pong and being served Jägerbombs by a dwarf in a miniature tree?” This year the fun and games surpass previous efforts. There’s “a new reggae and dancehall stage called Reggae Roots,” Rob explains, “a new green and eco area called Peace Valley, lots more happenings in the Ambient Forest, and of course our disco ball.” Believe it or not, they’re trying to break the world record for Biggest Ever Disco Ball. “And we’re going to do it. It’s gonna be ten metres in diameter and it’s going to be onsite at Bestival, spinning as the night falls on Chic’s grand finale and lighting up the crowd.”
The line up consists not only of the aforementioned Chic featuring Nile Rodgers, but Outkast, Foals, Beck, Disclosure, London Grammar, Wild Beasts, CHVRCHES, Tune-Yards, Temples… the list goes on. “Obviously Outkast is a big ‘un,” Rob enthuses, “and I’m super chuffed that Beck is coming to the little old Isle of Wight. As ever the headliners are important to some but it’s the whole line up this year that’s really steaming!” Newer names on the bill include MØ, Woman’s Hour, Say Lou Lou, SOHN, Bipolar Sunshine, God Damn, and Catfish and The Bottlemen (“I’m a massive fan,” says Rob).
Needless to say, it’s a lot to organise. Where does he begin? “I have a little post it note on my computer that I start writing notes on,” Rob laughs, “and then that turns into a bigger Word document. Once I really get into my stride it’s a huge bloody Excel sheet covered in ideas of heritage acts and new acts… it’s a selfish process involving what I like and what I feel the Bestival faithful will like too.” Indeed, Rob’s put together a sprawling mind-map, of sorts, to explain - which you’ll find both below, and in a super-spiffy fold out in the July issue of DIY. “I love modern art and my favourite artist is Jeremy Deller,” he says by way of explanation, “so this is a kind of homage to his acid house number, which I love. I like scribbling lists and seeing the whole picture and how it comes together, so hopefully it makes some sense.”
Taken from the July issue of DIY, out now. Bestival will take place from 4th - 7th September at Robin Hill, Isle of Wight.
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