Festival bans camping stoves and disposable BBQs

Crowds in front of the Camp Bestival stage. A little girl is on somebody's shoulders, her arms aloft.

Image source, Leora Bermeister/Camp BestivalImage caption,

Camp Bestival features a range of family-friendly acts and activities

Published1 hour ago

A music festival has banned revellers using camping stoves at their tents and disposable barbecues anywhere on site due to the hot weather and "dry ground conditions" expected this weekend.

Camp Bestival, which takes place from Thursday to Sunday at Lulworth Castle near the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, has instead introduced campsite cooking areas and free access to hot water.

Organisers said they were working with Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service "to keep everyone safe". Fireworks, flares, sparklers, lanterns and smoke canisters are among banned items., external

There have been several wildfires in the region this summer because of the hot, dry weather. A drought was also declared on Wednesday.

On 17 July, part of the Rustic Stomp festival near Wareham, Dorset, was destroyed by a fire that started when a camping stove set fire to a tent. An area of heathland measuring 100m (330ft) by 40m (130ft) was destroyed.

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Figure caption,

Footage shows a fire at the Rustic Stomp festival near Wareham on 17 July

Camp Bestival's announcement means purpose-built barbecues and camping stoves can only be used in the designated cooking areas within the campsites.

It said: "We know cooking together is a big part of the camping experience, especially for families.

"These changes are about making sure everyone can still enjoy a proper festival breakfast or campsite meal, while keeping our campsites as safe as possible for everyone."

Integrated stoves within campervans are permitted.

Camp Bestival is a four‑day family-friendly music festival run by DJ Rob da Bank, which is now in its 18th year.

Acts performing this year include Fatboy Slim, Self Esteem, Bastille, Billy Ocean, Black Grape, Fabio & Grooverider, and Toploader.