The leading news brand will expand its presence at the UK’s ultimate family festival, with extensive behind-the-scenes coverage, appearances and more.

The Independent has announced it will be the exclusive news partner of Camp Bestival for the second year running. Held at Lulworth Castle on Dorset’s Jurassic Coast, Camp Bestival is the UK’s ultimate family festival and brainchild of renowned music specialist Rob da Bank and creative director Josie da Bank.

This year’s lineup includes the iconic Fatboy Slim, who will make a much-anticipated return to the festival on the Sunday with the first Fatboy Slim and Friends All Day Castle Stage takeover. Rapper and producer Example will appear before Bastille on Saturday evening, while pop icon Self Esteem and legendary Billy Ocean will take to the stage on Friday night. 

This year’s partnership will see The Independent’s branding throughout the festival, directing festivalgoers towards exclusive coverage of Camp Bestival. As the exclusive national news partnership for the festival, the news brand will bring its music-obsessed readers behind-the-scenes access to news, reviews and interviews. Alongside editorial, The Independent will provide ticket giveaways, produce social content and newsletters, including a special edition of the Now Hear This music newsletter. 

Shakira Akabusi, women’s health expert and host of The Independent’s fitness channel Strong Like Mum, will be appearing at the festival at The Library, Camp Bestival’s space for conversations around culture, literature and more. Her talk will take place on the Friday.

The Independent’s Music Editor, Roisin O’Connor, says: “I’m delighted that The Independent is partnering once again with Camp Bestival, undoubtedly one of the best family-friendly events in the UK and with as brilliant a lineup as ever. 

“Organisers Rob and Josie have proven yet again that they know just what’s needed to give both parents and children a truly unforgettable summer experience, and we can’t wait to celebrate another fantastic year with them.”

Josie and Rob da Bank, curators of Camp Bestival, remark: “Josie and I are super excited to be working with The Independent again this year as our official news partner. Sharing culture and music is at the heart of what we do at Camp Bestival so we’re very much looking forward to coming together and creating inspiring content to share with their readers. The Independent will also be joining us in The Library – our space for conversations, talks and lovers of literature. Summer can’t come soon enough!”

Host of Strong Like Mum, Shakira Akabusi, adds: “I’m so happy to be bringing Strong Like Mum to Camp Bestival for the first time. Strong Like Mum aims to power women through every aspect of motherhood, fitness and family health. Since Camp Bestival celebrates positivity, confidence, creativity and making the very most of family life, I truly can’t think of a better place for Strong Like Mum to be.”

Camp Bestival will take place from 30 July-2 August 2026. Tickets are on sale here.