Bestival Day 1 ft. Jamie xx, Flo & Kimchi

We arrive to the docks to pick up our wristbands and were greeted by some balloons and dark skies. As the rain got stronger, everyone huddled under a building to look out at the unwelcoming water we have to cross to Bestival. As we herd onto the ferry we wonder if the 'Best' in Bestival can make up for shit weather conditions?

We are welcomed by a more than thorough body search (underneath bra included) and stripped of our Wonderbar we were saving for a snack. We explore start to explore the wet grounds and come across activity stations, seating areas, stages- and a wedding chapel?? The UK know how to throw down a festival.

Bestival was founded by Radio 1 DJ Rob Da Bank and his wife Josie in the UK in 2002. The event is hosted annually in Isle of Wight and has received numerous awards including "Best Festival 2012". The festival has gained so much attention that the founders decided to bring it over to good old Canada to share the love. This is the first time Bestival has left the UK and we are happy to be a part of their first of many experiences in North America.

Our first movements at Bestival involved feasting on a Kimchi Pulled Pork Poutine from the incredible M.e.n.u food truck then heading over to the Bollywood stage to catch Jamie XX. His hour and 45 minute set started off with some jazz, funk, and soul throwing in some classic R&B. Halfway through the set three dancers get on stage mesmerizing everyone with their moves. The crowds were not the only ones digging Jamie XX, Tei Shi was in with the crowds vibing with her friends just like everyone else.

A large part of our excitement about Friday was culminating around seeing Florence and the Machine. I had never seen her perform before, but after years of having her albums on repeat and reading about her performances, I knew that she wasn’t an act we could miss. It is with no question that I saw she is one of the most incredible performers in the game. She walked out on stage in a red pant suit looking like an absolute queen and immediately hit the mic, opening with “What the Water Gave Me”. The audience was transfixed. You could hear the hum of the audience singing along with her, but this proved entirely useless, her voice triumphed over all. With ease and grace she twirled, thrashed and danced all over the stage for an hour and a half, continuously engaging and the audience. She had everyone STOKED during “Shake It Off”, reminding us that every night is followed by a morning full of promise and excitement. She created an incredible atmosphere that inspired calm amongst a crowd of thousands. There was no pushing, the debauchery was at a complete minimum. She said over and over how important it was to love and respect your neighbor, whether you’ve known them forever, or not for a moment. Where sometimes her wise-words could come across a little preachy, there was a sense of ingenuity in her delivery. Her ability to command the attention of the crowd was nothing short of incredible. She lead us out with “Dog Days Are Over” where even I found myself jumping around in complete euphoria. Such an incredible way to end the day.

The crowds were kind and respectful of other people's space for the most part. Energy was high despite the weather and everyone seemed to have left happy..until the ferry line ups. The day 1 transportation fiasco created bitter and angry VIP ferry-goers of having to wait. Despite transportation, there was definitely love floating in the air- so much, that a couple legally got married in the blow up Chapel!