CAMP Bestival Dorset returns to Lulworth Castle this summer – celebrating 15 years in the fields – and has announced a raft of new additions to the line-up, incuding a new stage.

The family festival returns between July 27 and 30 for a special 15th birthday bash extravaganza.

And it has been revealed the festival will see the return of fan-favourite, the HMS Camp Bestival stage, showcasing a line-up including Fat Tony, Woody Cook, Jaguar Skills, as well as Gok Wan back-to-back with festival curator and DJ, Rob da Bank.

Rob and Josie da Bank

Saturday will see dancers, pyrotechnics and party vibes as the HMS Camp Bestival stage docks in the Magical Meadows.

The line-up to get the crowd – and boat – rocking will see Captain Rob da Bank manning the helm alongside first mate Gok Wan, as well as Marawa’s Majorettes, the troupe of world record-holding hoopers, wowing the crowds.

Fat Tony will bring his Ibiza vibes to the decks, as well as Woody Cook of the ‘Fatboy Slim’ DJ dynasty.

Jaguar Skills will be launching his pot of birthday bangers to the crowds with a very special Camp Bestival 15th birthday mashup and 24 Hour Garage Girls (featuring SHOSH) will take the crowd late into the night with their original flavour of Bassline and UK Garage beats.

The additions join headliners Grace Jones, Craig David Presents TS5 and The Kooks, plus iconic acts Confidence Man, Melanie C and Sophie Ellis-Bextor on the bill, as well as Sam Ryder and Ella Henderson.

Also set to perform  are Dick & Dom, Cosmic Kids Yoga, Junior Jungle and Mr Tumble, to entertain families of all ages at the four-day event.

Camp Bestival curators, Rob and Josie da Bank, said: “Can you believe it? We’ve been 15 years down in Dorset and, as you know, we love any excuse for a party, but this is a good one.

“Not a bad age to reach in festival years and to be this old – or maybe this young – so we’re going all out with a major new stage and some ace talent additions.

“First up we’re bringing our ship into the fields of Lulworth – yup that’s right Josie and her creative gang are dusting off HMS Camp Bestival, our beloved boat from The Port stage at Bestival, giving her a brand-new look and sailing her up The Solent to moor up at Camp Bestival Dorset 2023.

“This is honestly one of the funnest, coolest looking stages out there in festival land and we’re gonna have some serious naughty nautical antics aboard.

“Gok Wan blew us all away with his high energy DJ set last year and he’s kindly agreed to let me go back-to-back with him onboard.

“We also have Fat Tony – a legend in his own lifetime – and someone who knows how to rip up a party, plus we have the amazing and practically Camp Bestival resident Jaguar Skills and 24 Hour Garage Girls, plus a special shout to Woody Cook, joining us for his inaugural DJ set.

“Anchors aweigh and look shipshape me hearties! See you there.”

Gok praised the event ahead of his appearance at the birthday celebration.

“Family, vibrant, exhilarating and discovery are just some of the superlatives that you can say about Camp Bestival, one of the finest curated events this country has to offer, it was without a doubt up there as one of the top three events I did in the summer of 2022,” he said.

“It’s no mean feat in a hugely competitive market to get to a 15th birthday and still be as relevant and loved as they are.

“Big love to Rob da Bank and his incredible team, here’s to 15 more.”

And house legend Fat Tony added: “Can’t believe it’s been 15 years of Camp Bestival. What an honour to be playing this year.

“This is absolutely going to be one of my highlights of the summer and I’m excited to be part of the wider Bestival family.”

The Kooks, who will headline at Camp Bestival Dorset in July

Elsewhere, new line-up additions include rising star Sam Tompkins, esteemed DJ and Producer Krystal Roxxand, Camp Bestival favourites Dub Pistols, while family ravers, Big Fish Little Fish, will be gracing the Lulworth fields with their family rave experience.

New to the Camp Bestival line-up is Vote Pedro, a mariachi duo who will bring the tequila-filled Mexican sunshine madness to Dorset.

The Bowie Disco will also offer adults and teens a total throwback blast to the past with legendary Bowie tunes throughout the weekend.

The whole family will also be able to enjoy the high energy and euphoric pop and fancy-dress party brought to the Jurassic Coast by Club de Fromage.

This year’s festival will see the grounds transformed into a magical menagerie for the whole family to let their inner animals shine, with an ‘Animal Snap’ theme.

Tying in, Camp Bestival will also partner with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) for the festival.

Louise Oakley, director of events and community fundraising at WWF, said: “Across the world, and in the UK, nature is on its knees. More than 40% of UK species are in decline, and our recent Living Planet Report found that population sizes of global wildlife have plummeted by 69% on average since 1970.

“But it isn’t too late to turn things around. WWF is delighted to be working with Camp Bestival this year to share our work with festival-goers and get vital support to bring our world back to life. We can’t wait to join in the fun.”

Camp Bestival Dorset takes place at Lulworth Castle between July 27 and 30.

Adult weekend camping tickets start from £190 (plus booking fee) and child weekend tickets from £75 (plus booking fee). For tickets and more details visit dorset.campbestival.net.