By Two Mums, One Tent, and Two Wildly Excited Girls
Once upon a time, in the land of laundry baskets and packed lunches, two mums decided to swap the usual bedtime routine for something a little more magical. They bundled up their daughters—Matilda (8) and Effie (9)—packed up the car with pillows, pyjamas and snacks, and set off on a grand adventure to Camp Bestival 2025, where this year’s theme was… Pyjama Party!
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Chapter One: The (Very Late) Arrival
As the sun dipped behind the Dorset hills and the clock ticked past bedtime, we finally arrived. But instead of stress, we were greeted by one of the weekend’s unexpected fairy godmothers: the Charity Concierge Festival Taxi. For £35 (supporting Child.org no less!), we were whizzed across the site to our Camping Plus pitch. After a long journey, it was like being carried on a pumpkin carriage… minus the pumpkins.
Chapter Two: Camping Plus = Peace of Mind
Camping Plus felt like a blessing for tired mums and excited kids. No frantic pitch searches, no bickering over tent pegs. Just neatly marked-out spots, toilets that didn’t make us cry, and fewer late-night teen party vibes. Our Blue Zone pitch was closer to the festival action and further from the car park — but with the added concierge taxi, it was perfect!
Chapter Three: A Very Sleepy Theme
Each year, Camp Bestival picks a theme, and 2025 was Pyjama Party. At first, we thought, “Is this too simple?” But in the spirit of things, we all donned fresh PJs and joined the fluffy masses. Bananas in Pyjamas, star costumes, onesies, Tooth Fairies—the field was full of creativity, even if we secretly hope next year offers something even more outrageous and wonderful!
Chapter Four: Adventures in Every Corner
While the main crowds gathered at Castle Field, we explored the quieter corners of the kingdom. The girls adored the Lower Kids Garden—especially the South West Skate Ramps sessions. But the real magic? Watching Matilda and Effie tell jokes at the comedy tent, then soar on the trapeze like circus stars in training.
Chapter Five: Hungry Tummies & Lessons Learned
We tried the Kids Extra Pass for £45, which came with lunch, dinner, fruit, water, and a daily treat. Day one? We nearly missed lunch entirely thanks to monstrous queues. In hindsight, a mix of vendor meal deals (£6!) and snacks from home might’ve given the girls more choice—and saved time we could’ve spent making memories, not queuing.
Chapter Six: Music for the Masses (And the Mums!)
The girls were buzzing for the headliners—but let’s be honest, the mums were more so. Basement Jaxx? Unreal. A real show. And thanks to the natural dip of the main stage, we could all see perfectly—shoulder rides included! We even braved the front for Annie Mac, surrounded by fellow dancing families.
But the surprise highlight? The silent disco. Three channels, lots of bopping, zero noise complaints. Effie loved it so much she’s requested one for her next birthday party!
Chapter Seven: The Magic of the Crowd
From toddlers in fairy wings to teens in glitter, the atmosphere was dreamy. Families shared snacks, stories and sun cream. Of course, by Sunday the tiredness set in (tears included), but it was all part of the tale. A few unsupervised teens roamed a little too freely—but most were polite, and the vibe stayed safe and warm.
Chapter Eight: A Fairytale Twist – Reward Points
A little-known plot twist was the Club Reward Points system via the Camp Bestival app. Every penny we spent earned points. And when we discovered 2,000 points could be swapped for fairground rides? Game-changer! Our girls went on ride after ride—all the ones they would’ve begged for anyway—completely free. A real win for wallets and whirling fun.
Chapter Nine: A Mum’s Mini Escape
While Helen and the girls sorted breakfast, I snuck off to Slomo, the on-site wellness retreat. Picture this: stretching in the morning sun, followed by a sound bath so relaxing someone actually fell asleep mid-session. Then came the sauna, cold plunge, and showers with Dyson dryers and Tropic skincare. It was a total reset.
On Sunday, it was Helen’s turn—and well earned! We loved Slomo, but next year we’d suggest a quieter location away from the basslines of the Castle Field. Also, those hot tubs are fabulous… if you don’t mind rocking a swimsuit in full view of the crowds!
Chapter Ten: Happily Ever After (For Now)
Three days. No naps. A thousand memories. We didn’t see everything—how could we? But maybe that’s the beauty of it. There’s always another chapter waiting.
Camp Bestival 2025 was everything a bedtime story should be: dreamy, chaotic, magical, and at times a little emotional. There were high highs, a few tired tears, and the occasional moment where two mums just needed a deep breath and a cider. But the sunshine never stopped shining, and the smiles always came back.
It wasn’t perfect—but it was perfectly us.
And next year? Well, we’re dreaming big. We’ve heard whispers of a place beyond the main gates… a mythical land known only as Backstage Camping. With tales of real beds, flushing loos, and coffee on tap (OK, and cider too), it might just be the enchanted upgrade to make this fairy tale even more perfect.
The Moral of the Story?
- Don’t arrive without a plan – or a Charity Concierge Festival Taxi!
- Camping Plus is a lifesaver with kids.
- Mix and match food options for flexibility and less queuing.
- Explore beyond the main stage – quieter areas often hold the best magic.
- Use the app’s Reward Points – it’s like free wishes for the fairground.
- Take turns to recharge – Slomo-style.
Tickets for Camp Bestival 2026 go on sale Friday 8 August.
Grab those early bird prices and split the cost with a payment plan—because the best stories are ones the whole family can afford to be part of.
Until next time… sweet dreams and sleepy disco beats
