The dust is settling after an incredible musical bonanza at Glastonbury and it would not be surprising if this Monday is a bit of a struggle for most. If you are already suffering from festival withdrawal symptoms we have compiled a list of European festivals that are worth booking some time off work for this summer.
Melt Festival
Where? About 45 minutes outside Berlin in Ferropolis, Germany. Buses run from Schonefeld airport to Melt.
When? 18th – 20th July
How much? A four day camping ticket is €135
Why should I go? Melt has been a favourite on the European festival scene since 1997. It takes place over a weekend in July in Ferropolis, an open air museum of old industrial machinery. The festival arena is in the midst of large, looming, iron and steel features and lies beside a lake, which you can even swim in if you fancy it. The line up this year is stellar as always with the likes of Haim, SBTRKT, John Grant, Bombay Bicycle Club, Chet Faker, Clean Bandit, Future Islands and Metronomy to name but a few.
Benicassim
Where? Benicassim, Costa Azahar, Spain
When? 17th- 20th July
How much? €159
Why should I go? Benicasim takes place in sunny Spain, only 10 minutes from the beach. The festival is renowned for it’s beautiful location and great weather year after year. Acts start around 5 – 6pm to avoid the mid day heat and continue right into the night. Prime time headliners perform between 11-12pm and this year some of these will include; M.I.A, Ellie Goulding, Klaxons, Kodaline, Tinie Tempah, The Libertines and a highly anticipated return from Cat Power.
Wilderness
Where? Cornbury Park, Oxfordshire, UK
When? 7th – 10th of August
How much? £151.50
Why should I go? Wilderness is an award winning multi disciplinary festival in Oxfordshire that is rapidly becoming an unmissable stop on the summer festival circuit. Throughout the weekend ticket holders can take part in cooking classes, a lakeside spa, banquets and feasts as well as yoga and talks. Let’s not forget about the music either; headliners this year include London Grammar, man of the moment Sam Smith, Hozier, Jessie Ware and Metronomy.
Sziget
Where? Budapest, Hungary
When? 11-18th August
How much? €229
Why should I go? This year Sziget, nicknamed ‘The Island of Freedom’, offers an incredibly varied line up with acts such as Placebo, Queens of the Stoneage, Deadmau5, Lily Allen, Madness, London Grammar, Jimmy Eat Word, Miles Kane, Calvin Harris and La Roux. Sziget even has it’s own cashless payment system for purchasing alcohol and food in the festival grounds. Despite ticket holders being able camp pretty much anywhere that there is room to pitch tent, reports always surface that Sziget is one of the cleanest festivals in Europe. Keep in mind, temperatures usually hit 30 degrees throughout the festival.
Electric Picnic
Where? Stradbally Estate, Co Laois, Ireland.
When? 29th – 31st August
How much? € 229
Why should I go? Electric Picnic‘s Festival organisers have knocked the ball out of the park this year with acts such as Foals, Outkast, St Vincent, Portishead, Beck, Blondie and Paulo Nutini all heading down to beautiful Stradbally estate. We are looking forward to lazing in the Body and Soul area, raves in the forest and catching a mixture of talented young things alongside renowned festival favourites in a magical setting that never disappoints.