Bestival Creators Rob and Josie Da Bank Honoured by Goldsmiths University
Bestival founders Rob and Josie da Bank have been named Honorary Fellows of Goldsmiths, University of London, almost 25 years after meeting as 18-year-olds at the university’s Students’ Union.
From Goldsmiths to Festival Fame
Rob da Bank, born Robert John Gorham, grew up in Hampshire playing trombone in brass bands while his dad listened to The Beatles. Moving to London in the early ’90s, Rob studied French and History of Art at Goldsmiths and DJed hip-hop and funk under the name Rob da Bank.
Josie Gorham, also a Goldsmiths alum, joined in 1991 to study illustration. Today, she is renowned as the creative director and producer behind Bestival and Camp Bestival. Josie’s artistic vision shaped the festival’s distinct style and promotional flair.
Building a Festival Empire
Rob launched Sunday Best in 1994, a cult club night that helped develop bar-based music culture. Josie, fresh from art college, designed flyers and banners for the night and worked with top music names like Dido and Rollo. In 2000, Josie opened Shoreditch’s “hip” bar Cocomo, designing its look and cocktail menu.
The couple’s relationship blossomed at Glastonbury, where Rob proposed to Josie in 2000. Four years later, they launched Bestival on the Isle of Wight. The boutique festival quickly grew from 10,000 to 50,000 attendees and won multiple Best UK Festival awards.
The Best Festival Experience
Bestival is famed for its comfy vibe – clean toilets, friendly security, and Josie’s hand-stitched Bollywood Tent offering cocktails on day-beds under parasols. The da Banks pioneered a festival experience that’s all about quality and comfort, raising the standard for UK outdoor events.
Speaking to Goldsmiths Alumni magazine Goldlink, Rob said: “Studying French and art, music was my true passion. Being in South London was an amazing education and life experience.”
Beyond Bestival
After graduating in 1995, Rob built a career as a music journalist and BBC radio presenter, including shows on 6 Music and Spotify. He also founded Earworm, a music supervision company creating original tunes for TV, film, and games.
Bestival now has a footprint in Toronto, and the da Banks have launched the Common People festival in Southampton and Oxford, expanding their festival empire across the UK.
