REVELLERS got straight into the festive spirit on the first day of Camp Bestival in the grounds of Lulworth Castle.

The event looks set to surpass last year's debut with thousands of people descending on the site for a weekend of music and family fun.

Festival-goers wasted to no time exploring what was on offer.

As the weekend goes on they might appreciate the pamper lounge and hairdressing salon that greeted them on entry to the arena.

And the massage tent will help weekend campers sleep more comfortably on the Lulworth Estate's fields.

Camp Bestival was living up to its reputation as a family event with children swarming through the kids' garden.

They were entertained by an insect circus, comedy routines, knife-throwing and rope trickery.

The kids theatre and bookshop was also open to entertain the whole family.

Visitors with a taste for more than the average festival fare visited Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's River Cottage tent for a spicy muffin burger or a wood-roasted veggie burger.

He was due to appear for book signings at his tent today.

Early arrivals had to contend with he odd shower but the sun broke through as VV Brown took to the main stage in the early evening. Later Florence and the Machine and Mercury Rev were due to entertain the crowds.

Today's line-up includes music from Bon Iver, Goldie Looking Chain, Laura Marling, Phoenix and The Cuban Brothers. The highlight for many will be a performance by Dorset's own PJ Harvey.

Comedy includes turns from Andre Vincent and Craig Campbell while there will be poetry and spoken word performances from Excentral Tempest and Inua Ellams to name a few.

On Sunday festival goers will be treated to the likes of Chic, Candi Staton, Roots Manuva, Will Young, Dub Pistols, dan le sac Vs Scroobius Pip and Zane Lowe.

The day starts with Mr Tumble and ends with a grand Son et Lumiere extravaganza featuring a performance from the English National Ballet and music by Rob da Bank.

Comedy performances include Lee Mack and Early Edition with Marcus Brigstocke, Phill Jupitus, Andre Vincent and Carrie Quinlan.

  • Sunday tickets are still available.