It’s still cold and dark, so planning what to do this summer is what’s going through everyone’s minds right now, and we are spoilt for choice.
Whatever you fancy, there’s something on offer. It’s undeniable, simply from the sheer volume of festivals available this year, that, even as the way people consume music continues to change, dance music remains inextricably linked with the rave experience. We figured we’d make it a bit easier by breaking them down into several categories, including location, performers, genres, size, tone and expense. Read on to enlightenment!
THE BIG EUROPEAN FESTIVALS:
For those wanting guaranteed sunshine and sandy beaches, it’s most likely that festivals abroad will be the ones grabbing your attention. Time Warp Festival in Germany and Awakenings Festival just outside Amsterdam are two European festivals that have big yet similar line-ups, Time Warp being slightly pre-summer and Awakenings in June, these two offer a European atmosphere and quality house and techno music from the likes of Sven Väth, Ricardo Villalobos and Richie Hawtin. The 2-day festivals are around 85 euros, which makes them all the more appealing.
If you’re not all about the music and like a visualising experience, Sónar Festival in Barcelona describes itself as a music, creativity and technology festival that explores the complexity and mergence of all three sectors. The Chemical Brothers have been confirmed for a brand new live show ahead of their new album release in 2015 and other confirmed acts include Daniel Avery and Ten Walls. Another bonus is the hustle and bustle of a city is beautifully combined with the relaxation of a beach in Barcelona and so you get the best of both worlds. Tickets are 180 euros.
VARIETY IN CROATIA:
Croatia is always offering a multitude of festivals every year, Dimensions, Outlook, Unknown, Hideout and Sonus are the big ones spread out from June to September, offering multiple stages and boat parties galore in the Croatian sunshine but be sure to set aside a fair amount of money for these week long parties, they range from £130 – £150 for ticket only.
HOME VS AWAY:
Going abroad for some festival fun is all well and good but if you can’t afford the long list of add-ons i.e. flights, accommodation then sticking to UK festivals is definitely not at all bad. Gottwood Festival in Wales have released a jaw-dropping line up for their 4-day electronic music and arts festival which is promised to be even more wild and wonderful than last year. Hidden in the mystical Welsh forest will be the likes of Subb-An, Ben UFO, Maxxi Soundsytem and Zip, and tickets are an affordable £125.
If woodland camping isn’t necessarily your thing and you’re more for the short and sweet festival vibe then Field Day in Victoria Park London is definitely one to consider. On Saturday 6th June, Ben Klock, FKA Twigs, Caribou, Floating Points, Ghost Culture and Todd Tereje to name a few will be playing the East London festival and for just £50 a ticket, there’s not much to complain about.
If you like a good dress-up then Secret Garden Party and Bestival offer a themed festival experience where fancy dress is kind of compulsory. SGP have gone with ‘Childish Things’ for 2015 while Bestival have yet to release there’s, but ‘Desert Island Disco’ last year looked like one of the best ones yet. Both being 4 days long with camping availability, tickets are around the £180-£190 mark which is worth it for the reliable line-up x fun atmosphere.
