Camp Bestival has been cancelled during its final day due to severe weather conditions.
The family orientated festival in Dorset opened its gates on Thursday (July 26) and was due to run until this evening (July 29). Sets from Simple Minds, Shed Seven, Orbital and The Undertones were scheduled to take place at the Lulworth Castle site today.
However, this afternoon saw organisers release a statement to announce that the site was being closed as a safety precaution. The decision came after flood warnings were issued across England and Wales as the scorching heatwave came to an end.
The update reads: “Dear Camp Bestival, we are utterly devastated and heartbroken to say that we have been advised by our safety teams that we can not re-open arenas again today due to the severe weather and the forecasting of continual high winds and rain today.
“We have had the best 3 days in Camp Bestival’s history, it’s been our greatest ever show with all our favourite performers, shows, stages and artists which we have thoroughly enjoyed sharing with you all.
Update from Camp Bestival. pic.twitter.com/cWl3tyXqQH
— Camp Bestival (@CampBestival) July 29, 2018
The post continues: “You are by far the best festival audience and we love you dearly. This has been such a tough decision, but the safety of all you guys, the families, kids, and our working staff has to be of paramount importance.
“The campsites will remain open tonight if you want to continue with your Camp Bestival stay regardless of the conditions. Thank you so much for coming and please get home safely.”
Those in attendance shared footage of the extreme wind and rain hitting the site.
@SkyNews loved my time at #CampBestival but an early escape was essential. Wow, what a weekend, what a storm pic.twitter.com/aG2qWjB8Ih
— ⚫️ Mel Brolly ? (@melmel2801) July 29, 2018
Such a shame. 30 degrees and blue sky to hurricane. We still had a great time, basement jaxx rocked big top last night. Kids and adults partying hard. ?#campbestival pic.twitter.com/7W1OsVoI5x
— C Willows (@Cryptopherw76) July 29, 2018
#campbestival come down. Decamped to pub waiting for storm to subside. #remainers #campmageddon pic.twitter.com/EjdrS53pCB
— Alison Richards (@richards_alison) July 29, 2018
@CampBestival we’re hanging in ! What’s the news? #campbestival #shedseven #festivalnotruinedyet pic.twitter.com/KIOwLnA8jA
— Carla Creighton (@Carlacreighton) July 29, 2018
Today entertainment at @CampBestival , guess which side of the tent will collapse next ?⛺️? pic.twitter.com/YFMSVxoU45
— Julie W⌚tch (@Watchisthename) July 29, 2018
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Last night saw a headline performance from Clean Bandit, with the likes of Declan McKenna, Basement Jaxx and Jane Weaver appearing throughout the penultimate day.
In a bizarre turn of events, punters were left bemused as Bake Off‘s Mary Berry played drums for Rick Astley during his headline set on Friday. Festival organiser Rob Da Bank shared footage of the pair rehearsing – describing it as “one of the odder” moments of the weekend.
Bestival is due to take place at Lulworth Castle next weekend (August 2-5) and will be headlined by London Grammar. Earlier this week, day tickets for the event appeared online in a two for the price of one deal.