Rocking- Bestival

The hotel crew had a rocking weekend. Two bands in one weekend was a lot to take in. The Mad Professor and Basement Jaxx. What a variety.

Now, I am serious rock festival virgin. Yes, I have been to several classical concerts all over the world - Bun Rakhu in Japan, Belly Dancing in Dubai and a host of performances in India, UK and Europe. But Rock Festivals - nah. Osi Bisa in 1978, in India is as far I go!!

So, in a state of euphoria at being given Family VIP passes to watch Basement Jaxx at the Bestival on the island. Equipped with a great bottle of red wine, 2 wide eyed kids and a husband in tow - we set off.

Robin Hill - the venue of the rock festival is one of the most eco-friendly theme parks I have been to. We walked in to the passionate rendition of The Cuban Brothers. Mesmerising.

The children were most awed by the scenes around them. Men, women, chidlren dancing in the sort of clothes that they not seen before- even as ex-London kids. When Fatboy Slim emerged to DJ - the crowd metamorphosed into a teeming mass of writhing, moving men, women on foot and in wheelchairs , moving in total harmony to the various rythms he seemd to throw at the audience. It was a wondrous vision- half naked men and women, dancing in a total meditative abandon to the wild music and moods. We joined in -- kept our clothes on though.

The festival was clean - yes smokers and drinkers and spliffers - no doubt - but there was a sense of peace and a sense of humaneness. No violent episodes while we were there. We thought that it was a perfect introduction to a rock festival for the children.

And of course, Basement Jaxx stayed at our hotel. 9 of them- all here. Their AC coach couldnt cope with the hairpin bends on the island roads - so a short brisk walk to the hotel, for the band.

They were delightful and respectful as were the other bands that have stayed at our hotel. Somehow, it was important to demystify the myths about rock bands - temperamental, wild, arrogant. Perhaps they will all be, one day, when they are true international celebrities, or not. For now, all these bands have been friendly, warm and particularly respectful of the privacy of other guests in the building.

As for the 2 delightful Jaxxes- Vula and Cassandra- wonderful warm personalities that match their talent. Fabulous singing and dancing skills. Delightful young women. As were the others but we only had a brief chat with Felix and Simon. We managed to take some photgraphs of the band:

Me and the band :-)



Me, Mark, Justina and Aleksandra and the band




All the bands we watched were talented - no pop music which was huge relief. The Bollywood Bar on the site was resplendant with colourful umbrellas and Bollywood filmes screened against the backdrop of the tent. Surreal.

Marketing:

For now it is back to the drawing board to come up with plans for winter revenues. Any ideas from readers or even contacts for workshops, residential weekend, Tai Chi - Yoga days, staff away days - email us please.