The festival season is well and truly in full swing, even though I feel like they have been part of my life for the last 10 months having done a 12,000 dissertation on international music festival motivation. Having spent a lot of time researching and talking to 'participants' about festivals they have attended in Europe, I thought I'd compile this list on the European festivals that are currently on my bucket list, and probably should be on yours too!
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1. Tomorrowland, Belgium
No list is complete without one of the biggest electronic music festivals in the world. Even if this isn't your music scene the stages and atmosphere itself is enough to keep you entertained. This years line-up includes the likes of Martin Garrix, Alesso, Eric Prydz and Steve Aoki. Belgium is only an hour plane journey from London and two hours on the Eurostar so the journey isn't long at all!
2. Sziget, Budapest
Sziget festival brings you a mix of everything and for half of the price of many festivals in Europe. This years line up includes Kasabian, Wiz Khalifa, Macklemore, The Chainsmokers and Pink. It's also held in the beautiful city of Budapest, which is also one of the most inexpensive cities in Europe and has plenty to do day and night if you fancy a bit of a longer trip.
3. Hideout, Croatia
Croatia is no stranger to international music festivals - Hideout, Ultra and Outlook are just of the few taking place accross the summer months. Hideout is predominantly an electronic music festival that takes place in Novalja and boasts a week of beach and boach parties accross the festival. This years line-up includes Jamie XX, Major Lazer, Stormzy and Marco Carola.
4. Benicassim, Spain
Benicassim (or FIB) festival takes place near Valencia in Spain every year and doesn't have to rely much on marketing for attendance as people just know it's great. The festival gives you the best of both worlds as music starts later in the evening which means you have time to head to the beaches in the morning and not sweat to death whilst bopping to The 1975. This years line-up includes The Weeknd, Liam Gallagher, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Kasabian.
5. Gibraltar Calling
Gibraltar has become a new contender for festivals in Europe. During the summer locals and tourists have a plethora of music events to attend including the Holifest, Gibraltar Electronic Music Festival, The Festival of Colours and the National Day celebrations. After years of hosting the Gibraltar Music Festival in September, it has now been rebranded as Gibraltar Calling and is being sponsored by MTV. This years line-up features the likes of Bastille, Tinie Tempha, Charli XCX, Fatboy Slim and Kaiser Chiefs. What's best about the location is that the festival isn't far from the airport and you get a holiday in the sun out of it too!
Which music festivals have you been to? Which international festivals are on your bucket list?
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