It goes without saying that summer is the time for all kinds of festivals. Have you planned your holiday yet? Have you thought of going to a music festival? If not, it’s not too late! We’ve got a fine selection of European music festivals lined up for you.
Glastonbury Festival 2011 (published under CC BY 2.0, source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Glastonbury_Festival_2011.jpg)
1. GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL (of contemporary performing arts)
where: Pilton (Somerset), UK
when: June
If you’re into pop and rock rhythms, then main stages of Glastonbury Festival are for you. If you prefer more alternative vibes, you’ll find something interesting on smaller stages and in performance areas. Since 1970, Glastonbury’s been gathering people from all walks of life who want to immerse themselves in the world of music, dance, circus, theatre and cabaret (yes, Glasto is not only about music!). It is without a doubt one of the biggest open air festivals in the world, it’s attended by nearly 180 000 people each year. But if you want to get tickets – be quick! They’re sold out in minutes. Even if you miss the festival this time, keep an eye out for it next year!
Oh, and don’t forget to take your wellies.. mud is included in the ticket price.
Let’s go Glasto!
2. TOMORROWLAND FESTIVAL
where: Boom, Belgium
when: July
This festival is the ultimate experience for all electronic music fans so if you haven’t been there yet, put Tomorrowland on your bucket list. It has 15 stages and hosts electronic music superstars who know how to mesmerise their audience with electro beats and special effects. Tomorrowland is also well-known for its extremely good organisation. Go there once and you’ll be raving about it for months.
TOMORROWLAND FESTIVAL (published under: CC BY-SA 4.0, author: Cesararagon1, source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:10531397_10152373787409177_7198693746969234020_o-1024×666.jpg)
3. SZIGET FESTIVAL
where: Budapest, Hungary
when: one week in August
Oh yes, Budapest has way more to offer than its world-renowned Parliament Building. Located on a leafy Danubian island, the Sziget festival gives you more than just the best rock singers. It also gives you the best reggae, pop and hip hop bands! Apart from that, you can admire stunning installations, sculptures and visuals prepared by young artists who show their talent in the festival’s venues. If you want to taste the Sziget vibe, go to a boat party where you can dance to pulsing rhythms and admire the breath-taking panorama of Budapest at the same time!
4. MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL
where: Montreux, Switzerland
when: first fortnight of July
It’s already the 51st edition of this second largest jazz festival in the world. Originally considered a pure jazz festival, it now presents almost all music genres although jazz is still at the core of the whole event. It’s a perfect place for those who love cosy gigs as well as those who prefer performances in big concert halls. During the day you can enjoy free outdoor shows and exhibitions and at night you can go and see your favourite artists. And everything happens in a wondrous setting of the waters of Lake Geneva.
5. SUMMERJAM FESTIVAL
where: Cologne, Germany
when: three days in July
Being one of the biggest reggae festivals in Europe, Summerjam is always headlined by the most prominent reggae artists. Over the years, it’s embraced other genres as well (eg. hip hop) but you can still feel the amazing Rastafarian vibes! More than 30,000 people unite for three days by Fuhlinger Lake to chill out, take part in dozens of shows and colourful parades. You can’t miss it!
Do you have your favourite music festivals? Let us know!