BESTIVAL INTERVIEW: John Hughes OUT OF OFFICE HOURS
Co-promoter loves being on the ground meeting Bestivalites
MUSIC man John Hughes prefers tramping round Robin Hill to going stir crazy in Bestival HQ.
As co-promoter he is tasked with checking all is going to plan throughout the zany weekender.
For John that means being on the ground chatting to revellers - not cooped-up in a portacabin.
He says: “I’m at the business end of things but I’m afraid I’m simply not the office type. It would drive me nuts.
“For me, getting out there and seeing for myself what is happening is key.
“Bestival is a pretty full on few days. There is so much to be constantly taking care.
“We have to ensure the ticketing systems and entry points are running smoothly and monitor the flow of human traffic.
“I also want to be able to talk to our customers about their festival experience.
“Doing that is vitally important because we can always learn something new from them - then make any improvements year on year.
“On top of that we have all the talent which is performing to look after. Then couple that with lots of on-site meetings to run.
“We have a big team on the ground, but ultimately it’s our responsibility so we need to be all over every aspect of the operation.”
John and good mate Rob da Bank kickstarted Bestival in September 2004.
The duo were long-standing pals and regularly worked together on assorted projects.
John - who has worked in live Advertising: Call (01983) 861 007
venues and events for over 15 years - reveals: “We’ve been friends for a long time.
“I run an artist management company and some of my acts, like The Cuban Brothers, were regulars at Robbie’s Sunday Best parties.
“We did lots of shows together, like hosting Radio One Stages at Glastonbury and Ibiza.
“We also presented our own festival arenas, so starting Bestival seemed like a natural progression.”
John is delighted with how their annual gathering has snowballed in just eight years.
He says: “We’ve grown quite organically and only increased capacity slightly year on year in line with audience demand and business targets.
“Our strategy was to create a show of excellence and we deliver that every time.
“As a business it’s been challenging. But with sheer risk, determination, very hard work and many sleepless nights it’s turned round and is on track.”
John goes on: “In eight years we have grown into a major festival, but without compromising our boutique sensibilities. That’s what makes it special.
“As promoters we care about the audience and that shows in the event we produce and the services we provide.
“We don’t compromise on essentials like safety, security and key facilities like showers and toilets.
“Even then we still deliver the best creative experience in the market.
“It’s important to remember that Bestival remains truly the
life style
JOHN HUGHES
only independent festival of its size in the UK.”
The Bestival Foundation charity launched on the Island last August.
It aims to improve the Isle through a series of exciting and groundbreaking initiatives.
The trustees include John, his wife Ziggy plus Rob and Josie da Bank.
One of the first community- based projects will see a fully recycled water bottle gifted to every under-16 Island schoolkid.
It is hoped to teach youngsters about water saving and help move local schools towards their eco-school goal.
John says the Bestival Foundation is committed to the Isle as a thank-you for its continued backing.
He tells us: “The Island is pretty special. We always get great support from everyone.
“We set up the charity to give something back to the Island.
“We have a lot more very exciting youth initiatives in the pipeline which we plan to
announce soon.”
John hinted that Bestival could soon be stamping its unique mark beyond the Island.
It has already spawned Camp Bestival - an award-winning four-day extravaganza which takes place at Lulworth Cove, Dorset, from July 28 to 31.
As well as music there’s comedy, ballet, medieval fancy dress and plenty to keep youngsters entertained.
John teases: “We created Camp Bestival for the family crowd.
“Some of our audience has grown up with us and still want that Bestival experience but with even more family- friendly facilities.
“This allowed us to grow the brand but keep Bestival at the same size as it is currently.
“We do have international plans, but you’ll have to watch this space.
“Right now just getting through it all year on year without going bankrupt is good enough.
“Festivals are a risky business.” July / August 2011 69
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