Lauren Tabbron shares her favourite things to do in Manchester
Jess Astbury regales tales of festivities in warmer climates.
With summer term underway, it’s definitely time to start thinking about how to spend that not-too-far-away summer holiday. Music festivals are always a popular option, but if you’re on the look-out for something new, somewhere new, then a festival in a different country is a great option. Here’s my pick of the best European music festivals out there:
In Belgium:
Rock Werchter is a four day long festival in Werchter, Flanders and headline acts this year include Coldplay and Chemical Brothers. With just two stages, it’s relatively small but there is a great range of acts, from Portishead to Chase and Status to Ozark Henry. Situated right on the outskirts of the small town of Werchter, you’re able to wander around the town and get a morning croissant if the usual festival food gets a bit much for you. The festival runs from the 30th of June till the 3rd of July and tickets for the four days cost €195, though day tickets are also available for €76.
If you don’t want to leave York before the end of term but the idea of a festival in Belgium still appeals, then consider going to Pukkelpop. The festival is also happening in Flanders but from the 18th to the 20th of August. Headlining this year are Foo Fighters and Eminem and other acts include Netsky and The View. Combi tickets cost €155, including the camping fee. Both Rock Werchter and Pukkelpop tickets include the cost of rail travel within Belgium to get to and from the festival site’s nearest train station. Free shuttle buses then operate between the train stations and the festival sites.
In Croatia:
Outlook festival, for all you Dubstep, Reggae and Drum & Bass lovers, is the place to go. Happening right next to the beach, in an abandoned fort in Pula, it’s also a great location and you’re guaranteed great weather, with the festival running from the 1st till the 4th of September. Benny Page, Iration Steppas and Friction are all playing and the festival has the added benefit of organizing boat parties during the day and at night. In terms of accommodation, you have the choice of camping by the beach or there are holiday apartments for rent close to the fort. Tickets cost £119 and direct flights are available to Pula airport from several UK airports.
In Spain:
Any sun worshippers should head to Benicassim on Spain’s East coast. Between the 14th and 17th of July you’ll get the chance to see at least 60 bands, including Arcade Fire, Portishead, Primal Scream and The Strokes. Tickets cost £165 but be prepared to spend a bit more on accommodation, with heat as intense as 40° Celcius, a hotel with air conditioning might be more appealing than a campsite! The nearest airport to the festival is Valencia airport and shuttle buses operate between here and the festival site; a single bus fare costs about €5.
In Ireland:
Oxegen, in county Kildare in Ireland, is the most expensive of these festivals at €244.50 for a four day camping ticket. The organizers have a payment plan though so that you don’t need to pay the full ticket price right away, you’re able to pay in three installments. Furthermore, being just a ferry ride away, this could be one of the cheapest festivals to get to. Playing there this year are Arctic Monkeys, Coldplay, Foo Fighters and The Black Eyed Peas. You’ll be bound to enjoy the Irish craic here and Nokia are also putting on a 3D Audio Visual show on the Friday and Saturday night. The festival runs from the 8th till the 10th of July.
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