My Bestival experience was pretty different to other festival experiences I’ve had. I’ve rocked out in the mud at Reading, experienced the magnitude of iconic Glastonbury, raved it up at EDC and got low at Wireless. But Bestival was totally different.
Not only because I was in the luxury of the STA Travel Hostel (full post here), but because I did some rather alternative activities and treated it more like a retreat! It wasn’t a massively boozy festival for me and I actually ended up doing a lot of exercise believe it or not! I also felt like it was a bit of an education…
So here’s my rundown of how Bestival was good for the mind and body (if not the liver).
Reggaerobics
That’s right, Reggae Aerobics. On the Main Stage. It was pretty low key at 11am with about 30-40 people in the golden circle, but still had the best atmosphere. Think about those moves you break out at 3am in a grimy club after several rum and cokes. You know the ones I mean. Grinding, winding, twerking… Except when it’s called Reggaerobics and is for the sake of your health, you’re completely allowed to bust them out in the middle of a field in the morning! This really was the most fun I’ve had in an exercise class. I just hope they do classes locally so I can sign up! (Follow @ReggaeRobics for more info)
STA Travel Hostel Yoga
There’s a ton of yoga options in the Slow Motion field of Bestival, but the STA Travel Hostel one was the most fun. I’ve touched on this in the hostel review, but yoga in the sunshine with hungover festival-goers and followed by a free Innocent smoothie? Best. Yoga. Ever.
Revolution Rides
I’m always apprehensive when I go to a Spin Class. They differ so much depending on the instructor and I find it pretty tough. But at Revolution Rides at Bestival you can rave whilst spinning! In a dark room with strobe lights and headliner DJs providing the tunes… Getting fit FTW.
Massages
Who doesn’t love massages? Ordinarily I prefer mine on a beach in Cambodia for £5 with a cocktail in hand. But a £15 massage in a field on the Isle of Wight will do!
Bestiversity
This cosy little tent showcases some talks and debates by powerful and inspiring speakers. Definitely not for after a few ciders. But always check timings. I went to go see Gemma Cairney’s talk on being a boss and accidentally found myself in a talk on circular economy… Not really my scene!
Mindfulness
As well as various yoga classes, the Huffington Post Yoga Yurt also provided the venue for various Mind, Body & Spirit talks. I went to the Mindfulness session and it was definitely insightful.
Poetry at the Ampitheatre
Not quite as high brow as it sounds, with a lot of hilarious poems and an appearance from Jordan off of Rizzle Kicks. Who knew he was into poetry? Some great content that makes you feel like you’ve satisfied your inner culture vulture.
So definitely a different way to see a festival! And it shows that Bestival really does have something for everyone. Don’t worry, I did some other more traditionally fun activities too! But more on that later.
What do you think? Would you throw a bit of exercise into your festival if it was like this? Are you more Somersby than Poetry? Leave a comment below or tweet me @HeelsInBackpack!
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