IT IS raining in London and Owen Clarke of hip and happening electronic band Hot Chip is grinning and bearing it.

“We’ve been lucky because we have been away for most of it but we’ve got the impression it’s not been good.

“And now I have sampled it – in fact,” said Owen as a bus rumbles wetly past, “you could say I’m wearing it.”

Hot Chip are one of the headline acts performing at this year’s Camp Bestival , DJ Rob da Bank’s family-friendly three-day music fest taking place next weekend at Lulworth Castle .

As well as Hot Chip, the musical line-up is an eclectic mix that includes Chic featuring Nile Rodgers, Happy Mondays, Stooshe, Rizzle Kicks, Rolf Harris and Bellowhead.

There’s also 100 free events to keep children happy as well as lots of silly Olympic-themed activities, entertainment from The Cuban Brothers, Mr Tumble, Dick and Dom plus comedy, theatre, dance, interviews, cracking food suppliers and so much more.

And whatever the weather, festival veterans Hot Chip are determined to have a great time.

“The weather was quite something at Isle of Wight and T in the Park and when we played Lovebox there were dark clouds overhead which gave a real sense of foreboding, a pregnant atmosphere like something will happen,” said Owen.

“But the great thing about festivals like Camp Bestival, where you have families there, is that people are in it for the long haul whatever happens. People dress up and have a good time and don’t take much notice of the weather.”

Legendary musician Nile Rodgers feels the same way about the British festival-going public and their cool disregard for the weather.

Nile, who performed to ecstatic Camp Bestival crowds three years ago, said: “The thing is, Americans don’t seem to have what I would call ‘the festival spirit’ whereas in the UK you have this type of family outing where you run into a bunch of strangers and you trust and love each other and get along and have a good time.

“These people and their families have to endure less-than-perfect meteorological conditions, but they still show up and have an incredible time.

“I love it, it’s just amazing.”

  •  Camp Bestival takes place at Lulworth Castle from July 27-29.

Visit campbestival.net