Looking to go further afield to get your festival fix this summer? Here are some seriously awesome European music festivals worth travelling for.
I love a good music festival. It’s only been a few years since I started going to proper music festivals but since my first time at Reading in 2016, I’ve never looked back. Lately, keeping in mind my urges to travel more this year, I’ve been thinking more about music festivals around Europe and not just in the UK.
I’m hoping to make a few different ones this summer, so here’s my list of the coolest music festivals around Europe.
Rock am Ring, Germany AKA the Rock and Metal One
Rock am Ring (German for Rock at the ring) is one of the largest music festivals held in Germany (alongside Rock im Park) and is normally at the top of the bucket list for many rock ‘n’ roll fans. There’s not much to say about this – it’s simply loud rock and roll – but sometimes that’s exactly what you want, isn’t it? Away from the themes and the experiences, if you’re simply just looking to rock out then this one’s for you. Rock am Ring’s 2019’s acts include Against The Current, Architects, Beartooth, Bring Me The Horizon and more.
Electric Castle, Romania AKA the One That Takes Place in a Castle
Can you really say no to a festival that takes place at a castle? Not only does Electric Castle boast the coolest venue setting, but the festival is actually held in the beautiful region of Cluj, Romania. Offering acts such as Bring Me The Horizon, Limp Bizkit, Florence + The Machine and Thirty Seconds to Mars across five days, Electric Castle also combines music with technology and art installations too, for when you fancy a bit of variety.
Boomtown Fair, United Kingdom AKA the Offbeat
There are many great festivals in the UK but Boomtown Fair wins every time. From the varied music acts to themed stages/sets – you’ll be spoilt for choice as you enter another world at this festival. Even better yet: if music isn’t your thing, there’s so much else to explore and see. There are workshops, hidden bars and an immersive storyline to follow. Open random doors to find weird stuff going on. Get yourself a job at the job centre (and don’t forget the office Christmas party!) and spend your evenings checking out the variety of acts at quirky stages/districts such as Diss-order Alley (ska, punk and metal against a background of a run down and graffiti-covered city), Forest parties (for acid techno amongst colourful trippy deco beyond hidden forest pathways) and, new for 2019, Area 404 – who knows what this is going to bring. Oh, they’re big on sustainably too.
One Ultra Europe, Croatia AKA the Instagrammable One
If you’re looking for dance music – and an event to fill up your insta feed – get yourself to Ultra Europe this summer. This three-day festival boasts the world’s top EDM DJs against the setting of Split in Croatia. Think beautiful weather, boat parties and #summervibes. When you’re fed up of the dark and dreary weather of the UK and want something a bit more polished, head here.
Tomorrowland, Belgium AKA the Bucket List One
Tomorrowland needs no introduction, but it’s certainly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Much like Boomtown Fair, Tomorrowland is completely immersive with the belief that we should enjoy life to the fullest and should respect others and Mother Nature. I’m not really sure how to explain Tomorrowland – I think until you go, you’re never fully aware of what it has to offer – but Vice does a pretty good job of explaining it. Basically, it’s awesome and like a giant party – but I suspect part of the experience is not knowing until you get there.
Bonus: Sziget Festival, Hungary
BONUS! I couldn’t not include Sziget Festival, which, in all honesty, I hadn’t heard of until this year. This colourful festival takes place in the beautiful Budapest and boasts amazing acts such as Ed Sheeran, Foo Fighters, Florence + the Machine, The 1975, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Post Malone..oh, and twenty one pilots. Post Malone and twenty one pilots were the two main artists I wanted to see at Reading Festival this year so if it’s a toss-up between Reading Festival or Sziget Festival..I’m sorry but Sizget Festival wins!
Sure, festivals abroad are kind of pricey, but if you’re looking for a really immersive experience or a festival-come-mini-holiday, make sure to bag yourself tickets to one of the above.
Have you ever been to any of these festivals? Let me know!
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