Everyone has heard of V Festival, Glastonbury and Hard Rock Calling in the UK when it comes to festivals, but what about those that can be found across the globe? Fortunately, we don’t have to do all the leg-work, as the marvellous Kim from Door2tour has done all the research for us. So without futher ado let’s take a look at some of the worldwide festivals that most music fans would give their left plectrum for…
Roskilde Festival, Denmark
For a music festival that is truly out there, you should consider Roskilde when you’re in Denmark during late June or early July 2012. Warm-ups begin on 30 June 2012 with the festival kicking off on 5th July 2012. Here you’ll find everything from metal bands to Scandinavian punk in a four day event that revolves around the music, cinema, skate and art industries. Artists due to appear this year include Bjork, The Cure, Bruce Springsteen, The Roots and Mew to name a few. Approx. 90,000 people attend each year and camping is the thing – this is one event where you have the chance to rent a tent but only if you’re quick off the mark!
Optimus Alive, Portugal
All us Brits know that you can never truly guarantee that the weather will be rosy here in the UK when it’s festival time. Should you be looking for a sunnier alternative to Glastonbury and Bestival, why not consider Optimus Alive which takes place in beautiful Lisbon. This year’s event takes place between 13-15 July 2012 and will feature artists such as The Stone Roses, Snow Patrol, Radiohead, Florence & the Machine, Snow Patrol, Tricky and Katy B so if you’re in Portugal during this time, you’re sure to have a great experience at Optimus Alive 2012.
Benicassim Festival 2012, Spain
Hopefully the rain will not fall in Spain when the Benicassim Festival or FIB (as it’s known by the locals) gets underway. This popular four-day music festival takes place on 12th-15th July 2012 on the east coast of Spain between Valencia and Barcelona. Headliners for 2012 will be The Stone Roses with artists such as Florence & The Machine, The Vaccines, Noel Gallagher, Katy B and New Order also rumoured to be playing. Organisers of the event promise that Benicassim will be the must go to European Music Festival for 2012 with plenty more bands being announced over the coming weeks.
Pukkelpop 2012, Belgium
In August, are you planning to be in Belgium around 14, 15 and 16 Aug 2012? If so, a visit to the Pukkelpop Festival is a must if you like artists such as Keane, Foo Fighters, The Black Keys, Chase & Status, Hot Chip and others all confirmed to appear at this year’s event. Pukkelpop attracts thousands of visitors from across the world to what is one of the biggest alternative open-air music festivals in Belgium. Each year, approx. 200 acts play on one of 8 Pukkelpop Stages during the three-day festival (from Thursday to Saturday) – you’ve got to see it to believe it!
Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, USA
A lot of ‘A List’ celebrities are known to attend this annual three-day music and arts festival held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California. This popular event features many genres of music that include rock, indie, hip hop and electronic music. Artists who performed here in 2012 were the Arctic Monkeys, Radiohead, David Guetta, Dr Dre and Snoop Doggy Dogg to name but a few. The main stages are: Coachella Stage, Outdoor Theatre, Gobi Tent, Mojave Tent and the Sahara Tent. The event for 2013 will take place over two weekends; Weekend 1 (12-14 Apr 2013) and Weekend 2 (19-21 Apr 2013).
