It was decks at dusk in the annual Bestival Bands and DJs competition last night (Wednesday 18th June), with some of the best in Island talent battling for the chance to play at this year’s Bestival.

As ever the competition showcased the wide spectrum of Island music, with acts first shortlisted by Bestival curator Rob da Bank and his team and then finalists picked through a public poll at www.iwcp.co.uk.

After one of the tightest competitions yet, it fell to judges Rob and the County Press’s Ross Findon to choose just one band and one DJ. From the bands, they chose avant-garde glam circus stars The Shanklin Freak Show, who stormed the stage complete with stilt-walker, juggler and a poi-flinging Jesus!

Island drum-and-bass favourites Mitsubishop and Duvstar scooped the honour of representing the Island’s DJ community on a bill that already featured some of the biggest names in the genre, including Roni Size and Pendulum.

Rob da Bank said later:

“It was another bumper year of talent from this incredibly eclectic Island. It was a very tricky choice, but the Freak Show are slightly weird and interesting, like Bestival, and Mitsubishop and Duvstar had brilliant energy.”

Isle of Wight Community News @Island Pulse.