This summer hordes of music lovers will make the pilgrimage to Glastonbury to see their favourite bands, hoping against hope that the weather will hold and their campsite won't be turned into a muddy swamp. If you don’t fancy taking the risk and would rather exchange macs and wellies for shorts and flip flops, why not consider a festival in more sunny climes?
Roskilde, Denmark
When: 29 June – 6 July
Who: The Rolling Stones, Arctic Monkeys, Damon Albarn, Stevie Wonder
What: Roskilde is one of the biggest music festivals in Europe, and consistently draws an eclectic mix of world-famous names to its stages. Foodies will love the high standard of fare on offer at the site – there are over 100 stalls to choose from and all vendors are required to use at least 30% organic ingredients.
Benicassim, Spain
When: 17 – 20 July
Who: Kasabian, Tinie Tempah, Paolo Nutini, The Libertines
What: Its beachside location makes Benicassim a perfect option for those who can’t decide between a festival and a holiday. The high temperatures mean music doesn’t start until early evening, leaving attendees free to spend their days sunbathing at the beach or enjoying the festival’s creative events.
Compare holidays to Barcelona.
Sziget, Hungary
When: 11 – 18 August
Who: Blink 182, Queens of the Stone Age, Calvin Harris, Placebo
What: Sziget boasts an unbeatable position in northern Budapest, on an island in the middle of the Danube. There are a range of great activities to keep festival-goers entertained including a cinema, rock-climbing and a ferris wheel, and its city-centre location makes Sziget ideal for combining a festival with a city break.
Find holidays to Budapest.
Unknown, Croatia
When: 8 – 12 September
Who: Disclosure, Chvrches, Clean Bandit, Mount Kimbie
What: Visitors to this electronic festival in Croatia find themselves immersed in a fairy tale-esque woodland setting right beside the sea. The forest is transformed into a wonderland of hammocks, treehouses, infinity pools and art installations, and its limited attendance of around 6,000 gives Unknown an intimate feel that is missing from most major festivals.
Search for holidays to Pula.
Already going to a festival? Check out our favourite festival hacks!
By Kate Moxon – Music lover and sun addict at icelolly.com