Bestival organiser Rob da Bank has told Islanders to look out for a new event in 2017. He thanked the Island “for hosting us” and paid tribute to his event’s “13 magical, amazing, inspirational years on the Isle of Wight, our spiritual home.” Island resident Rob has also pledged to continue to support the Island even though September’s Bestival event now has a new home at Dorset’s Lulworth Cove. “We remain fully committed to supporting the Isle of Wight through music, charities and projects and will be giving Islanders an exclusive ticket offer for the new site. Plus we’re working towards a new event for the Island. Watch this space…”
In response to this announcement, Alexander Dabell, Managing Director of Vectis Ventures, the company which owns Robin Hill Country Park, said, “We are obviously very disappointed to hear this news not just for the impact on Robin Hill but for the Island too, as Bestival has become such an important event in the Island’s calendar.”
“Over the last twelve years we have worked closely with Rob da Bank and the management team, developing what started as a small boutique festival into the event it has become today, attracting tens of thousands of visitors. The site at Robin Hill with its ancient woodland and valleys has always been considered an integral part of what made Bestival unique, and over the years it has been satisfying to see how our own creativity of the site has complemented this event, and this will continue as part of our ongoing development of Robin Hill.”
“Having been part of Bestival and watched it grow over the years, it is regretful that the decision has been taken to move this festival off the Island, but we must respect this decision, and look to the future for new opportunities which will benefit the Island. We wish Rob and his team all the best in their new venture.”
