Caravanserai. Now there’s a word you don’t hear very often.
Initially, I thought it was a name made up by those clever bods who brought us Camp Bestival – but it really, really does exist!
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CARAVANSERAI
/ˌkarəˈvansərʌɪ,-ri/
noun
- historical
an inn with a central courtyard for travellers in the desert regions of Asia or North Africa.- a group of people travelling together; a caravan.
Caravanaserai was my very favourite thing about last year’s Camp Bestival. Both definitions above perfectly describe it.
It was a makeshift cocktail bar — created out of caravans that you could sit inside — laid out in a circle, surrounding a dance-floor in the centre.
There were tables and comfy chairs — sofas dotted about — or you could sit in an old carousel or in a Walters car.
Crazy mirrors, chandeliers and curios wherever you looked and a gorgeous laid-back, circus vibe.
We spent a good few hours in there, one sunny afternoon, catching up with our bests (who were also at Camp Bestival) drinking cocktails, dancing and people watching.
The Twinkles absolutely loved it.
Not only did they get to hang out with their godparents (and their two boys) but they also had the lovely experience of seeing their mama and daddy laughing, happy and relaxed in a gorgeous, enchanting space.
It was not only a treat for the eyes but for the ears as well.
Caravanserai at Camp Bestival
Caravanserai had some amazing DJs; playing electro-swing during the day and vintage inspired, jazzy beats under the cover of darkness.
This year the tunes come courtesy of DJ Chris Tofu and Penny Metal plus there is live music too from The After Hours ( think 1920s jazz with a modern twist) and The Brass Funkeys to name a couple.
The latter are a 7 piece brass band who describe themselves as playing —
‘soulful jazz funeral marches, galloping gypsy czárdás and pumping brass driven funk’
— pop and have a listen to them if you get chance — it really gives a flavour of Caravansersai.
Not long now folks! 14 more sleeps and counting!
Tickets for this year’s Camp Bestival 2016 (July 28th to 31st) are now on sale.
Do pop along and check out their website — click here for info on ticket options and pricing — you won’t regret it!
The Listed Home are proud to be official bloggers for Camp Bestival this year but all thoughts, words and images — as ever — are entirely my own.
Caro Davies is a former art-director turned writer and content-creator, and editor behind UK lifestyle blog The Listed Home. She writes about home-related topics, from interiors and DIY to food and craft. The Listed Home has been featured in various publications, including Ideal Home, Grazia, and Homes & Antiques magazines.
That looks so cool. I love the idea of Camp Bestival, I’ve never been into that sort of thing before but it does look so much fun. xx
Aaah it it SO much fun!! My boy and I have always loved our festivals so it make me so happy to be able to take the littles along too!! LOVE it!! :) xx
I love this – a clever adaptation of an old idea. Thanks for sharing the word with me. I do like a bit of vocabulary-boosting!
It’s SO clever — and such a cool place to hang out too :)
I can WAIT to read your review post for Camp Bestival once you’ve been! It’s on our to-do list for next year, and I feel confident taking Freddie and Sasha for the first time x
It’s SO awesome Becky — your littles would absolutely LOVE it!! :)