The Traveller's Magazine
Ready to pitch your tent among hundreds at a music festival this summer? It’s like going on holidays on the other side of the world, or better on another planet altogether. From England to France, Belgium and Spain, here are the summer’s most anticipated festivals.
Glastonbury: the legend
Started by a group of hippies in the 70s in Britain’s Somerset region, this festival has become one of the most famous in the world and one that should not be missed on the summer circuit. This is where you’ll find the most rich and most varied program with performances by the Arctic Monkeys, Rolling Stones, Tame Impala, Mumford and Sons, Enter Shikari and a ton of others. Glastonbury is more than just music though, street art, dance, theatre and circus acts all find their place here.
- Dates: June 26-30th
- More information: Glastonbury official site
- Getting there: flights to London
Eurockéennes: a French adventure
Belfort has earned itself a place of luxury on the European rock and roll map. It is undeniably one of the best rock festivals on the continent. This year the program is fully loaded with performances by Blue, Jamiroquoi, Kavinsky, Skunk Anansie, The Bloody Beetroots and more. Get a daily pass for €45 or a 3-4 day pass for €102 and €129.
- Dates: July 4-7th
- More information: Eurockéennes official site
- Getting there: flights to Strasbourg
Dour: five days of love…
…and alternative music in Belgium. In the Plaine de la Machine à Feu, close to the French border, you’ll find the Dour Festival welcoming everything from rap to rock, electro and more. For its 25th year, the line-up is pretty rich: Bonobo, Amon Tobin, the Smashing Pumpins, Tryo… Tickets are still available and festival-goers can pitch their tents as early as Wednesday July17th at 4pm.
- Dates: July 18-21st
- More information: Dour official site
Vieilles Charrues
This festival hardly needs an introduction and if you’re familiar with the European music festival scene you’ve probably already been to this one in Carhaix, Brittany. This year catch performances by Benjamin Biolay, Rammstein, Oxmo Puccini, Phoenix, The Hives, Vitalic and more. Note: only day tickets are still available to buy.
- Dates: July 18-21st
- More information: Vieilles Charrues official site
Sonar: the avant-garde
Skrillex, Kraftwerk, Pet Shop Boys, Paul Kaulkbrenner… these are the main acts at this Spanish festival this summer. Plus, it’s a great excuse to discover Barcelona. The festival pass costs €175 and day passes will set you back €40.
- Dates: June 13-16th
- More information: Sonar official site
- Getting there: flights to Barcelona
Which festivals will you be rocking at this summer?
