Photo: Wikipedia
When it comes to music festivals this summer, you have two options. One: spend over £200 on a ticket to a festival in England. Buy one of those flimsy festival ponchos in the hope it will protect you from the surprise downpour that will last the whole weekend. Wade through a field of knee-deep mud to watch a band. Return to your campsite to find your tent submerged in floods and your box of Strongbow stolen.
Two: ditch the wellies and hop on a cheap flight to one of the many music festivals in various locations across Europe, from Primavera in Barcelona to Hideout in Croatia. If you book with companies like STA Travel, who offer exclusive discounts for students including accommodation packages, you should spend the same amount – or even less – than you would on a ticket for Reading, Leeds, Glastonbury and any of the other big British festivals. And you’ll get a holiday and a nice tan to boot.
Going overseas for festivals is fast becoming the getaway choice for students every year. Without further ado, here’s a selection of the best festivals Europe has to offer.
Primavera Sound, Barcelona
Primavera Sound, Barcelona. Photo by festicket.com.
When: 28-30 May
Where: Barcelona
What: Primavera Sound is Spain’s answer to Reading and Leeds, having hosted the likes of New Order, Smashing Pumpkins and Blur in previous years. 2015’s line-up is no less impressive, with The Black Keys, Alt-J and The Strokes headlining each day of the festival respectively.
How much?: Weekend tickets are still available from £143 from STA Travel.
Sonar Festival, Barcelona
Sonar Festival in Barcelona. Photo by stoketravel.com.
When: 18-20 June
Where: Barcelona
What: Another festival pick from sunny Barcelona, Sonar hails itself as a celebration of Music, Creativity & Technology. This year it promises an eclectic mix of electronic dance-oriented acts, showcasing the likes of Hot Chip, Skrillex, FKA Twigs and even Duran Duran.
How much?: STA Travel are offering festival tickets and accommodation packages from just £220.
Openair St. Gallen, Switzerland
Openair in Switzerland. Photo by festicket.com.
When: 25-28 June
Where: Switzerland
What: Catch Placebo, Chemical Brothers and Noel Gallagher in the woodlands of Switzerland’s historic St. Gallen. The festival site is cocooned by Sitter River, offering the opportunity to take a dip when it gets too hot.
How much?: Grab a ticket for £128.
Roskilde, Denmark
Roskilde in Denmark. Photo by www.bt.dk.
When: 27 June-4 July
Where: Denmark
What: Roskilde boasts some of the biggest names in rock, pop and hip-hop this year with Muse, Paul McCartney, Florence & The Machine and Kendrick Lamar taking to the stage.
How much?: Weekend tickets with camping can be bought for £193.
Hideout Festival, Croatia
Hideout Festival in Croatia. Photo by festivalmag.com.
When: 28 June-3 July
Where: Croatia
What: If you’re looking for a festival with a holiday vibe, Hideout has everything you need. The festival runs from Sunday to Thursday and you can expect boat parties, pool parties and DJ sets galore. Duke Dumont, Gorgon City and Sigma take the reins at this year’s event.
How much?: Get a cheap-as-chips ticket and camping package for seven nights for only £97.