Camp Bestival: first timer all advice welcome

[Momzilla82]

Finally aged 7 years of diary clashes we've managed to get our arses in gear to get tickets to Camp Bestival.

Looking for any thing I need to know, buy to take with and advice about how to make sure we don't lose a kid, miss all the good bits and generally lose our shit trying to keep everyone happy. The kids are 8 and almost 4. Help!

Things I'm not sure about:

1. are there places to fill up water bottles?
2. are the queues for showering really that bad?
3. where should we camp to make life easier? Not camping plus....
4. ways to decorate a festival cart
5. how expensive is the food?

I’m keen to know stuff too... I can’t find anywhere to ask messages, both Facebook and Instagram don’t answer questions. If you find somewhere please let me know xxxxx

There are several free water points around the main arenas and campsites. Take the squeezy capsules of dilutable squash (Robinsons Squash'd) if your dc aren't that fond of water.
Take glow sticks and bubble mix for the dc. Last year my DC had body glitter and neon face paint but it got everywhere and came off on clothes. This year I'm putting transfer tattoos on them instead, before we go.
No-water shampoo or this shampoo cap is a good idea www.boots.com/nilaqua-rinse-free-shampoo-cap-10219520 and likewise for no-water wash mitts and expandable Nilaqua wipes
Cut your nails before you go!
The showers are quietest in the afternoons.
Fairy lights for your tent or trolley.
A flag or bunting to identify your tent.
Take ear plugs for sleeping
If you're careful, you can find some reasonably priced food options and it's definitely worth visiting the food trucks at least once or twice over the weekend as it's part of the experience. However, it quickly adds up and so try to take your own snacks and breakfasts at least.
Don't camp at the bottom of a hill, just in case it rains.
We know people who have stayed at the fantastic Pitch Village on site, where a package includes a pre-pitched tent, sleeping bags and air mattresses along with tea and coffee available 24hr, valuables storage, phone charging, showers, private toilets and a Freshen Up cabin with hairdryers, straighteners and mirrors as well as customer reception and friendly staff 24/7, and security too! Pitch Village is brilliant if you crave a few home comforts and don’t want to lug your tent with you then attempt putting it up although it costs around £100 per person extra on top of the festival ticket price.
You can pick up wrist bands at the entrance for the DC in case they get lost.
Don't let the programme timings stop you from going off plan and exploring the site. There is so much to see and do and still things we are discovering for the first time on each visit. My best advice is to have little moments where you just explore and take everything in. When we did this one year we discovered some domes that we climbed inside to learn about the planets and constellations.
For £20 you can pick up a powerbank from Amazon that can keep your phone powered for the whole weekend. It’s also handy to have power on your mobile so you can maintain contact with your family on site in case you split up to catch different acts.
The theme for 2018 is Camp Bestival Sets Sail so think pirates, mermaids, jelly fish!