Camp Bestival & Bestival: Caravanserai
Caravanserai is a unique festival venue and living sculpture by Pete Bateman, blending old-world charm with contemporary entertainment at Camp Bestival each year. With its vintage caravans, classic fairground rides, and performances by Cirque Bijou alongside internationally recognised hype-man Chris Tofu and his Continental Drifts collective, it has grown into a beloved centrepiece of the festival. Caravanserai’s unconventional structure presents an exciting challenge for both creative and technical lighting design. Vans are stacked to form a cabaret stage, a caravan perches atop a structure, and an old waltzer ride serves as the main stage, while a jaunty hearse is repurposed as a DJ booth. Many lighting fixtures are reclaimed or antique, meticulously restored to meet modern safety standards while preserving the venue's authentic aesthetic.
The venue also features 80 individually controlled, video-mapped lampshades that respond dynamically to the music, adding an extra layer of energy and immersion to show. The result is a dynamic and colourful space that perfectly complements the eclectic energy of Caravanserai. Our work ensures the venue remains a standout favourite at Camp Bestival, bringing together the whimsy of a vintage fairground with the excitement of live music and circus performances under the stars. It’s a project that continually inspires and challenges us, year after year.