Bestival + Kids = fun!

This year has been a new experience for me - Rob Da Bank's Bestival, with two small kids. We were initially a bit apprehensive about taking two under three years to such a big event, but it was great; with a really family-friendly atmosphere. Although the site at Robin Hill is big it's not over-crowded, so unless you choose to dive into the melee in front of the main stage it's reasonably easy to keep an eye on little ones. Bestival-goers were very considerate and gave me a wide berth when I had a baby carrier on my back, which was really good.

The larger of our girls said she had an amazing time at the 'big party at the theme park' with lots of running around and dancing. The great thing about the location is that she could use the play attractions within Robin Hill, as well as everything else that had been laid on, including a specific kids area. The wide variety of rides and stalls really added to her enjoyment of the event.

With the beaches so close we were able to escape from the Bestival. We had a packed lunch on the beach at Colwell Bay on Sunday. Autumn on the Island's beaches is lovely as there's plenty of space. The sun's also not nearly as strong, so there's much less worry about sunburn. The tail end of the summer also means lovely warm sea, which the kids love for paddling and swimming on the safe, clean beach.

After our daughters enjoying the Bestival so much we are hoping to be able to go in 2010, although it'll be a tough choice between the Isle of Wight Festival in June and the Bestival in September. Maybe we'll take the kids to both!

What to do this weekend? Visit the Isle of Wight!

Another Bestival weekend over! And what a weekend - a good time had by all on Wightstay - and the weather held out too! I had a brilliant time, surrounded by great friends, with some fantastic music - roll on next year, that's all I can say! Check out another of our team's take on Bestival with kids in the next post...

Autumn on the Isle of Wight still has lots to offer. This weekend is no exception. Four big events are taking place this weekend on the Isle of Wight, and you can be part of them. Just work out where to stay on the Isle of Wight, and come over with your bike for the Isle of Wight Cycling festival.

Watch and cheer the entrants to the Wight Challenge - the charity team event raising money for the Wessex Heartbeat appeal. Come and see the International Classic Car Show with sites in Newport and Ryde. More details to follow...

Visit the Isle of Wight and see what you're missing! Have a look at our pages for places to stay on the Isle of Wight.

Bestival 2009

You can almost taste the excitement in the air here on the Isle of Wight and in the WightStay office! It's the one thing everyone is talking about right now - Bestival 2009 is nearly upon us, and with only one more sleep until it opens at Robin Hill Country Park, everyone is rushing around sorting out their fancy dress costume (amongst many things, Bestival is famous for it's crazy themes - and this years' is no exception - Space)

WightStay is pleased that Bestival curator Rob Da Bank has managed to include so many great bands this year, and as the last big music festival of the season, now is the time to really let your hair down in style - and it's a great opportunity to go star spotting (no pun intended) with Radio 1 broadcasting from the site, and lots of famous people making their way down to this incredibly popular event.

Here at WightStay, we're working out exactly which of the many bands on different stages we're going to catch! Top bands Massive Attack and Kraftwerk are making appearance, Lily Allen will be there, as well as rising star Little Boots! There is a great selection local bands playing too including Hugo Frusslinky. Me, I'm definitely going to see Seasick Steve (I missed him last time he played Bestival, no chance of that this year!)


But where to stay on the Isle of Wight? Do we camp out under the stars, or do we look for somewhere with slightly more creature comforts? Plenty of choices are on the WightStay website right now, so take a look at the site, and with great transport links to Robin Hill Country Park, you can enjoy everything Bestival has to offer! Now, I know I put my moon boots down somewhere...