Coronavirus Kent: Camp Bestival promises Stay at Home Easter Sleepover in place of Dreamland Margate Sunday takeover

by Lauren Abbott

labbott@thekmgroup.co.uk

One of the UK's biggest family festivals, which was due to takeover Dreamland in Margate this weekend for an enormous Easter Party, is organising a virtual event for families instead.

Camp Bestival says it is planning 'the funnest weekend we can muster' using its DJs, live acts, comedy, crafting and family workshops.

Camp Bestival had intended to stage an Easter takeover at Dreamland but it got cancelled

A raft of performers were due in Kent at the Thanet theme park on Easter Sunday for a takeover, which was expected to be enjoyed by thousands of families, until all events had to be cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak.

The Easter Sunday party in Kent, organised by DJ Rob da Bank, forms part of Camp Bestival's warm up events before its main festival in Dorset in July, which this year is due to be headlined by Fatboy Slim and One Direction singer Liam Payne.

Organisers have yet to confirm whether that three-day event will still go ahead in light of the current social distancing rules and restrictions on large gatherings.

Thousands of people enjoyed last year's Easter event in Margate

But writing on its facebook page, Camp Bestival organisers have said for all its 'faithful fans on lockdown' it was attempting a 'Stay at Home Easter Sleepover' to keep families entertained.

Set to run from Saturday morning (April 11) until Sunday evening across all Camp Bestival's social media channels, the virtual event is promising 'Camp Bestival style' entertainment.

Rob Da Bank, who is behind the festival alongside wife Josie, wrote: “We can’t all get outside right now, so we’re bringing you some of our favourite Camp Bestival acts for a Stay At Home Easter Sleepover. "Josie and I know what its like to be cooped up with our darling children for weeks with no break, so we hope we can take your mind off the news and dive into a world of fun, music and family vibes. Forget about home schooling for the weekend and join us for a one-off Easter extravaganza!”

Families are encouraged to find festival vibes for an Easter sleepover

Camp Bestival is encouraging families to set up front room camps and dens, dig out the fancy dress, and create a family festival vibe indoors.

A line-up for the event is expected to be announce on Thursday, organisers have said.

The event will also be raising funds for the Ellen MacArthur Cancer Trust and Trussell Trust, with participants encouraged to look out for donation links and pledge where they can during the event.