While England is home to an abundance of great festivals, it’s worth checking out what the rest of Europe has to offer.
Aside from (usually) having the benefit of warmer climates, European festivals also often boast the best locations in the world – it doesn’t get much better than raving in an abandoned fort or abandoned military unit.
So if you’re feeling adventurous this summer, check out some of the best festivals the rest of Europe has to offer and get your plane tickets sorted…
Outlook
Where: Croatia
When: September 2 – 6
How much: £140
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This Croatian festival has everything going in its favour; prime location, huge line up, idyllic scenery and weather… All in all, it’s simply a must for any fan of bass music. It’s not often you get the chance to rave in the ramparts of an abandoned fort, which includes a vast moat, or that you get the chance to see your favourite DJs on a boat in the middle of the ocean. This year’s line up features Noisia, Jurassic 5 and Goldie, to name just a few…
Dimensions
Where: Croatia
When: August 26 – 30
How much: £140
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Set in the same incredible location as Outlook, Dimensions is something of a more chilled out affair with less drum & bass and more techno. Similarly to its older, angrier cousin, Dimensions features a mightily impressive line up which consistently showcases the finest purveyors of electronic music. This year’s event features Four Tet live, Ben Klock and Little Dragon.
Sea Dance Festival
Where: Montenegro
When: July 15 – 18
How much: approx. £90
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Our very own beach festival… This one can’t be missed. Run by Sea Dance – the same team behind the epic EXIT festival – we’re teaming up with The Sound You Need to take over two stages on the beautiful Budva shores. Acts confirmed so far include The Prodigy, Rudimental, Wilkinson, Sigma, Gramatik, ODESZA, Bondax, FKJ, TCTS, Star Slinger, Crew Love, Soul Clap, Pillow Talk, Nick Monaco and many more. Join us!
Exit
Where: Serbia
When: July 15 – 18
How much: €159
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Like many European festivals, Exit can boast a prime location to go with its equally prime line up. This Serbian shindig, set in a Novi Sad fortress, is well established now with this year being the 16th consecutive event and the experience is evident; impeccable soundsystems, huge stages and a beautiful backdrop make it one of Europe’s favourite festivals. We are hosting the mainstage for the X-Bass takeover once again with the likes of Goldie, Breakage, Kasra, Enei, Dirtyphonics, Zomboy, Enei and loads more!
Tomorrowland
Where: Belgium
When: July 24 – 26
How much: from £185
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One of the biggest festivals in the world in terms of both people and visuals, Belgium’s Tomorrowland is Europe’s answer to America’s gargantuan festivals. The fact that last year’s official aftermovie already has 30 million views on YouTube tells you all you need to know. While it’s largely been focused on EDM over recent years, there’s much more diversity on the line-up this year. But good luck trying to grab a ticket… It sold out pretty much instantly.
Dour
Where: Belgium
When: July 15 – 19
How much: €140
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Although it’s perhaps not quite as well known as some of its rivals, Dour Festival in Belgium always packs a punch with its varied annual line ups. Unlike some festivals, Dour has managed to combine a meaty line up with a laidback vibe; a certain recipe for success. This year’s feast features the likes of Andy C, The Prototypes and Camo & Krooked.
Sun & Bass
Where: Sardinia
When: September 5 – 12
How much: €189
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The name says everything; plenty of sun and plenty of bass. This Italian festival is a gem for drum & bass fans. Each year it brings the best from the genre to the town of San Teodoro. It’s not uncommon to go from seeing one of your favourite DJs play next to a swimming pool before seeing another one on the beach, which makes it feel like a holiday and festival rolled into one glorious package.
Let It Roll Open Air
Where: Czech Republic
When: July 30 – August 1
How much: from £59
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Another one for the drum & bass heads… Let It Roll has become renowned for being one of the biggest events in the genre’s calendar since its inception. Held in a disused military zone in the Czech Republic, the festival’s line up is just as foreboding as its location; this year’s event features Spor, Hype, Black Sun Empire and many covering the full spectrum of drum & bass.
Sonar
Where: Spain
When: June 18 – 20
How much: €180
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Sonar is a carefully thought out event that takes over the majestic city of Barcelona for one weekend each year. As much about culture and art as it is about music, it’s a forward-thinking festival with a difference, as anyone who has been will tell you. Of course, the main attraction is always the music, and that’s certainly the case this year as The Chemical Brothers, Skrillex and DJ Fresh are among those heading to the Catalan capital.
Hideout
Where: Croatia
When: June 28 – July 2
How much: £135
Info
Since launching in 2010, Hideout has become a favourite for lovers of electronic music all over the world. When you combine a line up that features the biggest names from a range of genres with a location as perfect as this Croatian paradise, its popularity is no surprise. This year’s blowout features a wealth of talent including Duke Dumont, Jamie Jones and MK.
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