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Why Choose European Festivals?

By Sean Mahon

Posted: 5th March 2015 11:43

Festival fanatics will know that the UK knows how to put on a good show. With household names V-Fest, Reading, and Glastonbury garnering attention from the biggest acts in the music business, you’d almost be forgiven for thinking that muddy UK fields are the only way to spend summer weekends. I say almost, because of course, you’d be wrong. Festivals on the continent are as big, as bold, and as brilliant, as anything the UK produces, and attract internationally renowned acts in some of the most stunning locations. We’re beginning to think that the UK may need to take a side-step to make room for its European brothers. 

Need convincing? Just type ‘Glastonbury floods’ into any search engine to see some spectacular images of semi-submerged tents and wellie-clad visitors squelching knee deep in Somerset mud. Dramatically decrease your risk of soggy socks by heading a little further afield for your festival frolicking; not only is there less chance of rain, but in general temperatures rise too, which also means lighter clothing to pack – wins all round!

Flights across Europe are cheap, and you may find that jumping overseas is pretty reasonable in comparison to pricy train tickets! Be prepared to travel with budget airlines and to arrive at odd hours. Also, by travelling further afield for your festival, you can fit in some sightseeing as well. Benicassim, in the Castellon region of Spain, is close to the gorgeous cities of Valencia and Barcelona, easily reached by train. Consider arriving a few days early, or leaving late, to turn your festival trip into your summer holiday destination for the year, too.

Headline acts tend to be a picky bunch, with UK exclusives cropping up all over the place. This is all well and good if you’ve managed to secure tickets to the one festival that your favourite artists are playing at, but there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Fear not! Kings of Leon, for example, are appearing at Isle of Wight as their only UK festival. However the US rockers will also be appearing in Belgium for Rock Werchter, at Rock-a-Field in Luxembourg, and at both Rock am Ring and Rock im Park in Germany. Don’t just look to the headliners, either.  By heading out of the UK, you’re likely to see some bands (both local and international) that you’ve never seen or even heard of before. You might just come home with an unknown new favourite to introduce to the unfortunate friends unable to join you overseas.

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