An epic new cabaret and entertainment stage is coming to Camp Bestival this summer – on a huge ship.

HMS Camp Bestival, a life-sized ship, will make its triumphant landlocked debut at the Lulworth Castle site.

The family-friendly Camp Bestival, which has appropriately has a maritime theme this year, will be held at the Dorset venue from July 26-29.

From panto and cabaret to cruise ship entertainment and interactive amusements for all the family, organisers say the new stage is ‘guaranteed to be a huge shipload of fun’.

Entertainment includes The Ginger Johnson Experience, Pirates of Panto, The Bluecoats, a fancy dress parade, beard and moustache competition, hat decorating with the Ellen MacArthur Trust, a ‘Pimp my Trolley’ section hosted by DJ Sara Cox, early evening discos with Big Fish Little Fish, Rob Da Bank, and a DJ set from Fearne Cotton.

Festival founder Rob da Bank said that he was hoping the latest instalment of Camp Bestival at its home at Lulworth would be a major success.

He said : “This is one of the most exciting additions to Camp Bestival in its decade sailing the seven seas.

“From family raves with me and my 12-year-old son Arlo going back to back, and Fearne Cotton spinning the wheels of steel, to our very first cabaret shows, the good ship is gonna be off its anchor all weekend!”

Music on the main stages at this year’s Camp Bestival includes Simple Minds, Rick Astley, Clean Bandit, Orbital, Basement Jaxx (DJ set), Rae Morris, Shed Seven, and many more.

A large section of the festival site is devoted to children and entertainment this year includes Mr Tumble, Dick and Dom Pirates of Penzance – The Musical, Dinosaur World Live, Mister Maker and the Shapes and Royal Albert Hall’s Seafaring Symphony & Workshops.

For all the latest information see campbestival.net and the Facebook and Twitter pages.

Book tickets on 0844 888 4410.