Ventnor Blog

Here’s Jack’s conclusion of his time at Bestival 2006. His personal view.

(if you’re a sesquipedalophobic, skip this paragraph) . . it seems we pander to the coulrophobics (fearers of clowns) . . . but what about the pogonophobics (fearers of beards)? . . or vestiphobes (clothes)? . . pity the ochlophobes (crowds) too . . . but at least the pluviophobes (fear of being rained on) needn’t have worried, it’s been a beautiful weekend & we bask like exotic lizards in September sun . . . (incidentally, if you’re not a hypochnodriac or too easily scared, there’s a comprehensive (& frankly entertaining) list of phobias here.)

. . much of the evening i spend in the wonderful Come Dancing Spiegeltent, where revellers have been enjoying Salsa, Mambo and Tango lessons today . . i really think dancing is good for the soul . . yet on the surface, it’s one of the most ridiculous, pointless things we do . . . but the sillier the better . . . ballroom dancing has always struck me as particularly silly, reminding me of a choreographed version of the Ministry of Silly Walks . .

. . it’s a fantastically surreal thing to be doing, & next year i’m gonna spend a day there and really learn something properly . . . i was thrilled to see the Jiving Lindy Hoppers again, and The Magic Number, the swing band accompanying them, set the place alight (not literally) . . to add to the surealism, two of their members look like they’d be more at home in a thrash metal band . . . one punter particularly impressed with his X-Men like skill at producing from his head vegetables from spikes when he grimaces . . .

. . i was sorry to miss my mates Care in the Community . . but you really can’t see everything . . i missed much else, including most of Scissor Sisters who, to be honest, sound a bit like an Elton John tribute band to me . . . i made another of those casual discoveries later when i came across the delightful Psapp in the Blue Pavilion . . . the band uses toy instruments, empty cola bottles, ashtrays . . as well as violins & a strong element of whimsy . . . audience members were treated to occasional gifts of plastic toy cats, and a witty line of repartee from the lead singer . . . despite admitting to running in a couple of new band members and being a ‘bit tipsy’, they gave a wonderful set, ending with a rousing rendition of Everybody Wants to be a Cat from The Aristocats . . .

Victory - Six of Wands: When we have searched long enough, when we have taken all the necessary effort, the breakthrough comes suddenly and we are unexpectedly victorious . . an exalted feeling of strength overcomes us leading to victory on all levels . . . the six wands of energy are harmoniously arranged . . . the lotus blossoms (love), the phoenix heads (rebirth, renewal), and the winged balls with the snakes (creative energy) are united and provide each other with mutual strength . . the flames are burning again . . . Jupiter, the planet of happiness and expansion, joins with the creativity of Leo . . all goals are easily attained . . the victory, however, should never without good reason disadvantage other people . . battles must be carried out by fair means and should serve a good cause for all involved . . . [Ziegler]

. . . i had survived the ups & downs of the Bestival and had, overall, a fantastic time . . and all without succumbing to temptation . . . i had proved that i could maintain sobriety even in the most seductive environments . . . & was happier for having done so . . . after years of addictive behaviour, it was indeed a very special kind of personal victory . . . roll on Bestival 2007.

Festivals