Photo: Press

Bestival has announced that it’s to return in 2018 with not only a circus theme but also a brand new date in the festival calendar. Having been held every September, next year’s edition will be held a month earlier on August 2 -5 and will return to Dorset’s Lulworth Estate.

The 2017 event was held at the Lulworth Estate for the first time, having relocated from its previous home in the Isle of Wight.

Organiser, Rob da Bank said: “We don’t like to rest on our laurels at Bestival, so after moving location last year we’re now moving date due to popular demand.

“So many people, from students to doctors and nurses and parents of school-age kids, have always thought we were too late in the season, so we decided 2018 would be a good time to make the move to an early August weekend.

“So, it will be all the same colour, magic and madness but four weeks earlier.”

Though next year’s line-up is still being put together, the circus-themed festival will feature Art Car Night Circus Parade, Caravanserai flying trapeze, fire eating, knife throwing, bearded ladies, the Insect Circus Museum, sword swallowing, hall of mirrors, circus workshops and free haircuts.

Speaking of Festival’s circus theme, Rob Da Bank said: “Yes, fellow Bestivalites, it’s time to run away and join the Circus, Bestival style!

“Bearded freaks, insane acrobats, high wire daredevils, mutant jugglers and an out of control ringmaster all eager for you to join the most colourful show on earth await! And what makes this show even more unmissable is we have moved into peak season August style and will be open a month earlier than usual… so what are you waiting for?”

Pre-sale tickets priced £139 go on sale at the Bestival website at 10am, Friday, November 3.