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The Q Festival Blog - A chat with the boss: Bestival's Rob da Bank

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Rock legends, superstar DJs... and fancy dress? It can only be the Isle Of Wight's Bestival. With preparations in full force for this year's event (6-9 September) which features the likes of Florence + The Machine, The xx, New Order and more, we caught up with the organiser, a certain Mr Rob da Bank for the ultimate insiders' guide to this year's festival.

How are the preparations for this year's festival currently going?
"Swimmingly! I love the big wind up til September with all the insane preparations. It's probably as much fun as the actual show. The show is close to sell out again which is pretty mad in such a crazy year for festivals. The odds have been against us but we're looking very strong!"

What acts on the bill are you most proud of booking this year?
"Sigur Ros for their only UK show, Stevie Wonder - I don't think I need to explain that one - and Justice have played twice before but are going to smash it more than ever. I saw them at Coachella and they were off the scale. So many great new acts playing too."

Who else are you looking forward to this year?
"Who aren't I looking forward to more like?! Everyone from AlunaGeorge to Bat For Lashes, see what Kate Nash has got up her sleeve, Sister Sledge for some disco action, De La Soul and New Order to relive my childhood and The xx to blow my mind. DOOM will be crazy too."

Have you managed to 'sneak' any personal favourites on to the bill (that's got to be a perk right?) if so who?
"Well I book about 98 per-cent of the bill so they're all my faves! I'm excited to have junglist ragga legends Top Cat and General Levy joining the legend that is David Rodigan...always a sweaty one and Orbital are one of my favourite ever live acts."

Can you recommend us one non-musical thing from this year's event?
If push comes to shove I'd have to say the Ambient Forest with an amazing cinematic line up including the Yellow Submarine, The Chemical Brothers film Don't Think and double bills from David Lynch and Tarantino!"

Any site changes we should note?
"Loads more camping space and yes some new little arenas and areas to get lost in. We're keeping it under wraps til September though."

What's the latest travel advice for this year's event?
"Book your ferries ASAP. We're very confident in our traffic management and transport in general but there are 50,000 people coming so be prepared for any eventuality, hopefully not caused by us."

What one act who you haven't booked yet are you still desperate to have on?
"Kate Bush."

What inspired this year's Wildlife fancy dress theme?
"It's more of an overall theme than a fancy dress idea but we thought it was a very broad topic open to many different angles and we like people having to think outside the box!"

For the latest, including ticket news head to Bestival.net, plus download The Q Festival App for iPhone now for the latest news, line-ups and more.

10:43 AM | 16/08/2012

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