Camp Bestival presented by Debenhams announces the first of 2026’s headliners, the legendary Fatboy Slim & Friends: join the ultimate family ‘Festi-Holiday’ At the Seaside
The UK’s favourite family festival Camp Bestival presented by Debenhams returns to Lulworth Castle, Dorset from 30th July – 2nd August 2026 for a weekend of seaside-themed family fun with the newly-announced Sunday headliner – legendary DJ and producer of era-defining beats, Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim.
Marking his much-anticipated return to the festival, he’ll be hosting the very first Fatboy Slim & Friends All Day Castle Stage takeover on Sunday 2nd August – a day of non-stop, feel-good-vibes with some surprise special guests; the biggest family party in the UK next summer.
Norman Cook aka Fatboy Slim comments: “Given that there’s a seaside theme at Camp Bestival this year, I can’t think of anybody more qualified than me to be providing the authentic seaside experience. I’ll be bringing all my seaside friends on 2nd August for the Castle Stage takeover. Fatboy Slim with a seagull…
I think the genius of Camp Bestival is the multigenerational raving: it’s kind of for kids but it’s kind of for adults too. The two seem to co-exist in a very interestingly symbiotic way!”
Festival curators and husband and wife team Josie and Rob da Bank are super excited to see Norman’s return to Camp Bestival. Rob da Bank commented: “Hi de hi Campers! Every year we run a survey with you, our wonderful audience and every year there’s one name that tops the list of ‘Acts You’d Like To See Most’ …and yes, it’s my mate Norm from Brighton, aka Fatboy Slim!
We’ve been doing the Eat, Sleep, Rave, Repeat formula with Norm since I did one of the first in depth interviews when he’d just invented Fatboy Slim in the 90s and I’m happy to say we’ve been mates ever since. Norman brings the party like no other, so I decided let’s give him the whole main stage to programme for a day and we’ll be unveiling the acts joining him very soon… In the meantime rest assured Sunday at Camp Bestival will be an off-the-hook spectacular finale!”
And with Christmas on the horizon, now’s the time to snap up tickets with the brand-new Festive Instalment Plan: the perfect gift for the whole family. Pay just £50 deposit now for the full ticket order and any extras, with nothing more to pay until February 2026 (offer runs until 24th January 2026). Plus, KIDS UNDER 5 GO FREE, but only for a limited time.
Grab your bucket and spade for the 2026 festival fancy dress competition: the biggest yet. Expect a full-blown celebration of seaside spirit. Think seaside entertainers, sunbathers on stripy deckchairs, knotted handkerchiefs, cheeky seagulls, melting ice creams and fish and chips.
As a festival created by families, for families, Camp Bestival presented by Debenhams blends the magic of a festival with the excitement of an action-packed seaside camping holiday. Marking its 18th year, the festival’s usual eclectic four-day lineup of family-friendly entertainment and activities includes so much more than just incredible music. There’s a whole world of free activities to dive into: amazing food stalls and hands-on foodie masterclasses, immersive theatre, circus spectacles, pop-up sideshow commotions, comedy, author talks, live podcasts, family sports, outdoor adventures, arts & crafts and the Slomo Wellbeing Festival – festival-within-a-festival curated by Josie and Rob da Bank offering a family wellbeing programme for all ages. The weekend culminates in a spectacular Sunday night firework finale with Fatboy Slim & Friends on the main stage.
