In just about a month the northern part of our planet will be in bloom again. We are about to leave the dark winter behind and we’re slowly getting ready to welcome the good times. That’s right, spring is coming! And doesn’t everybody agree about spring’s best feature? We do! The start of the festival season! Rockstone Sessions looked into what Europe has to offer and enlightens you with five tips of amazing festivals outside of The Netherlands. Be inspired and get into your campervan!
1. Snowbombing/Mayrhoven, Austria/April
We didn’t base this ranking solely on the line-ups, but we looked into the total festival experience. Take Snowbombing in Austria. Of course there’ll be amazing musicians to entertain you, but the best thing is that it’s a ski vacation and a music festival in one. As said on their website: “A festival filled with fresh air, blue skies, black runs and white-hot parties.” Imagine being on your board all day long and then exchange your soft boots for your dancing shoes, in order to party at a live show of
Fatboy Slim and many others. No wonder it’s been called ‘The greatest show on snow’. Furthermore, you can choose your own accommodation in order to make it as affordable or extraordinary as you want. Let the 2014 highlights video below be a teaser for you!
Location: Mayrhoven, Austria – 949 km from Utrecht by car.
Dates: 6 – 11 April
Price: Accommodation/entertainment combinations start at €380,33
Information: www.snowbombing.com
2. Nuites Sonores/Lyon, France/May
Since 2002 the French organisation Arty Farty organises this electronic music festival in Lyon. The entire city will be captured by the events that take place at forty different locations. This is definitely not a festival that is just about the music. According to the festival’s organisation it is “dedicated to electronic, independent, visual and digital cultures where music, design, graphic arts and architecture are intimately connected.” The crowd moves from event to event usually by foot, bike or public transport. It is a different kind of festival, which transforms the French city into an arty farty playground for multiple days. Are four days and five nights a bit too much for you? No problem, it’s possible to buy single day- and single night passes as well. Interested? Check out the trailer video below.
Location: Lyon, France – 889 km from Utrecht by car
Dates: 13 – 17 May
Price: Single day pass: €25,00. Single night pass: €40,00. Many combinations are possible as well, also with accommodation, prices vary.
Information: http://www.nuits-sonores.com
3. Isle of Wight Festival/Isle of Wight, England/June
You’ve probably never been to this island before or might have never heard of it. That alone is already a reason to go. And with that, there are many more reasons, such as The Black Keys, Pharrell Williams and Paulo Nutini. Yes, the line-up is amazing and still expanding. Apart from this, there are different kinds of campsites available that allow you to choose what kind of rest you deserve after the long nights. You can choose between a regular one, a unique boutique camping, or the VIP luxury camping with backstage access. Furthermore, there are a lot of options for people who don’t like sleeping in a tent at all. The amazing line-up, its extraordinary accommodation and the unfamiliar location must make this festival a special and superb experience! Click on the video to see ‘the story so far…’
Location: Isle of Wight, England – 622 km from Utrecht by car (includes a ferry-boat) Dates: 11 – 14 June
Price: Accommodation and festival tickets start at €264,49 for adults (teens and students can get discounts)
Information: www.isleofwightfestival.com
4. Northside/Aarhus, Denmark/June
The Northside festival up in Denmark is a little bit different than what you’re probably used to. The event is created on the basis of three core values: innovation, sustainability and of course music. An innovative feature is for example the fact that it doesn’t have a campsite. Visitors are encouraged to couchsurf or to book their own accommodation. This way the audience is expected to be at the festival area at all times, instead of throwing their own parties on the festival camping. Regarding the sustainability principle, Northside has multiple initiatives to reduce the environmental strain of the festival, which is admitted to be a difficult task. The music is the festivals’ top priority though. Every year it succeeds to host major international artists. This year is no exception with artists like Incubus, The Black Keys, and the The Wu-Tang Glan. Besides that, the best of the local Danish music scene will be happy to play for you. Check out the video for a nice impression.
Location: Aarhuis, Denmark – 811 km from Utrecht by car
Dates: 11 – 14 June
Price: One-day tickets: €119,00. Three-day passes start at €185,00. Ticket + hotel package: €190,00.
Information: www.northside.dk
5. Sónar/Barcelona, Spain/June
Sónar is definitely the best-known festival in this list. It has a unique format and content since its origination in 1994. The main focus is on electronic music, but it includes multiple musical styles, as well as other digital content creation. The festival aims at emphasizing the link between creativity and technology. Everyday has a special Sónar by Day and Sónar by Night program. The former focussing mainly on new talent, while the latter hosts the leading names in the international music scene. After being a great success in Barcelona, the festival has expanded to many other cities worldwide. Some names that will be playing in Barcelona this year are The Chemical Brothers, Duran Duran and Lee Gamble. Clicking on the video below gives you more information about the line-up. Going to this festival would be the best way to end the spring!
Location: Barcelona, Spain – 1526 km from Utrecht by car
Dates: 18 – 20 June
Price: Day ticket: €54,00. Night ticket: €72,00. Sonar passes start at €180,00
Information: www.sonar.es/en