Europe's Five Must-visit Summer Music Festivals
- [For Iberia]
- Jun 1, 2017
- 2 min read
Festivals have long been places dedicated to hedonistic revellers seeking an escape from reality. In recent years, higher demand has caused festivals to push the boundaries of what is both attainable, and affordable. As a result, many summer festivals promise incredible experiences in unforgettable environments. Here are five of Europe’s must-visits this summer...
Traverse genres at a Czech ironworks…
As Czech Republic’s third largest city, Ostrava falls under the tourist radar a little. However, with a festival ticket which provides discounted entry to the city’s historic attractions, Colours of Ostrava, 19th-22nd July, certainly brings the city onto the European stage. Situated amongst an intimidating disused ironworks, the visual impact of this festival is astounding. Add to the mix an ethos which places emphasis on genre diversity, and you have yourself a must-go. Norah Jones and Jamiroquai are two of the standout performers.
Experience the underground in Roman ruins…
Dimensions Festival, 30th August - 3rd September, takes place in Pula, Croatia, and has perhaps the most unique of all festival locations - Fort Punta Christo, an ancient Roman fortress. The venue harmonises perfectly with a hard-hitting line-up that showcases the best in underground electronic music and reggae. Go to a rave in the moat of the fortress, take in the Adriatic on one of the daily boat parties, or even better - witness the opening concert with the likes of Grace Jones and Moderat in a Roman amphitheatre.
Take a trip to Chicago, in Rotterdam…
Established in 1976, North Sea Jazz Festival, 7th-9th July, serves up a gigantic helping of over 1,000 musicians across fourteen stages, landing it the label of the largest indoor music festival in the world. Contrary to the name however, the festival also exhibits genres such as gospel, world, funk and hip-hop amongst others. Based in the Dutch port-city of Rotterdam, this year’s festival theme focusses on Chicago’s influence on jazz. Expect show-stopping performances from Mary J Blige and The New Power Generation’s ‘Celebrating Prince’ show.
Join Berlin’s avant-garde for an audio-visual adventure…
Resurrected in 2013 after a 23 year hiatus, Berlin Atonal festival is definitely for the more avant-
garde festival-goer. Taking place from August 16th-20th, Atonal is a platform for innovative and experimental electronic music and art, with several world premiere commissions and audio-visual installations being revealed, including Turner Prize-winning artist Wolfgang Tillmans’ latest collaborative project. Kraftwerk Berlin will host the festival - an imposing former East German powerplant - setting the stage for an extraordinary festival experience if the venue’s website is anything to go by.
Spend a week on ‘The Island of Freedom’...
A week-long music and cultural festival on an island in the middle of the Danube anyone? Well that is what Sziget Festival in Hungary is all about, and having won the Best Major European Festival award twice in the last six years, it is a safe bet for an unforgettable multi-genre experience. Situated on the green island of Obuda two kilometres from historic Budapest,
Sziget has several unique features including a futuristic amusement park and a hectic performing arts schedule. Sziget runs from 9th-16th August and welcomes artists such as Kasabian, Pink and Wiz Khalifa.
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