Though the UK festival season is still a couple of weeks away, there are plenty of festivals kicking off around the world. So grab your festival outfit and a tent as we’re off on a trip around the world, sampling the finest festivals this year!
Coachella
One of the world’s most well known festivals has just hit California. The Empire Polo Club is home to some amazing acts this year; headliners include The Weeknd, Beyonce and Eminem, who are sure to blow the roof off the stage. Located in the Colorado desert, Coachella takes place over two weekends, 13-15th and 20-22nd April. In addition to the live music, Coachella is also a showcase for world class food and art. Large scale art installations provide a visual treat for attendees and many of the pieces are interactive. Since the beginning of the festival, the art has grown to be bigger and bolder. Coachella commision the work of some of the best established and up-and-coming artists, as they see it as a essential element of the festival. You won’t go hungry either, with over 100 vendors serving everything from wood-fried pizza and hand-crafted burgers to tacos and thai cuisine. There is something for every budget and appetite, with plenty of selection for vegans, vegetarians and gluten-free guests. The only struggle is getting the tickets in the first place!
Tomorrowland
Boom, Belgium, is the home to Tomorrowland, the biggest electronic festival in the world. This festival is across two weekends too, 20-22nd and the 27-29th July. This year’s storyline is called ‘The Story of Planaxis’ and aims to show a fascinating story of love and unity. Register your Tomorrowland bracelet with your name and top up with ‘pearls’ – Tomorrowland’s official currency. You’ll need to… as it is a completely cashless festival! The elaborate stages will play host to the likes of Alesso, Martin Garrix, Tiësto and David Guetta. DreamVille is the campsite that welcomes the visitors after a day at Tomorrowland. You’ll find a wide range of accommodations, marketplace and food stands. The DreamVille Marketplace has a supermarket, jewellery store, hairdressers and beauty salon, everything needed to get glammed up for the festival! The Gathering provides the perfect opening party; from the moment your tent is up until late at night, carefully selected DJ’s will give it their all. Unfortunately, you’ll need a DreamVille or Global Journey package to grant you access to The Gathering. You’ll have a smashing weekend at Tomorrowland!
Lollapalooza
Lollapalooza festival is taking place from 2nd to the 5th August in Grant Park, Chicago. This is the penultimate festival in the Lollapalooza series having already visited Sao Paulo, Santiago and Bueno Aires and set to hit Paris in July and Berlin in September. There are more than 170 bands across eight stages with Arctic Monkeys, Bruno Mars, The Weeknd and Jack White headlining. Lollapalooza has plenty of stuff going on around Grant Park to keep you entertained. The art market makes searching for jewellery and accessories easy. At Green Street, you’ll find a bit of everything, from fair trade goods to handmade posters and vintage homewares. Kidzapalooza is a mini festival for children to enjoy some family friendly music! You’ll find band camps and hair-do tents as well as helpful necessities such as baby changing stations. Kids under 10 get in for free with their parents. Chow Town offers the most delicious festival food, drinks and sweets from Chicago’s favourite restaurants. All items are reasonably priced and you can pick up many types of food; from southern fried chicken and burgers to noodle boxes and burritos, topping it off with some ice cream. Lollapalooza is fun for all ages!
Rock in Rio
Rock in Rio is heading to Lisbon, Portugal, on 23rd, 24th, 29th and 30th June. Headlining over the four days are Muse, Bruno Mars, The Killers and Katy Perry. The festival originated in Brazil (hence its name) but has later branched out to other locations such as Lisbon, Madrid and Vegas. When it hits Rio, it’s one of the largest festivals in the world, with over one million people attending. It’s expected that 350,000 people will be attending in Lisbon. Bela Vista Park will be transformed into the ‘City of Rock’ for over 12 hours of performance per day! The ‘World Stage’ will host the leading names from international music while the ‘Electronic Tent’ will be home to leading national and international DJ’s. You could always head over to the ‘Hot Stage’ for alternative sets from top artists and upcoming bands. Relax in the garden areas and enjoy the entertainment activities that Bela Vista Park has to offer. The ‘Radical Space’ gives festival goers the chance to enjoy a real indoor snow slope! There’s also a kids space with lots of activities for children. So take your little rock stars to Lisbon this summer!
Fuji Rock
Fuji Rock is a really unique festival. Held in Naeba Ski Resort, this three-day event is taking place from the 27-29th July. Headliners are N.E.R.D, Kendrick Lamar and Bob Dylan & his band. The main campsite is used by nearly 17,000 people every year and it’s no surprise as she is the closest to the festival. It’s called Fuji Rock due to the fact the first event in 1997 was held at the base of Mount Fuji! The backdrop to the festival is one of the most beautiful as the mountains of Naeba are lush and green in the summertime. It is a very environmentally-friendly festival and the organisers do everything they can to preserve the grounds from the thousands of festival goers. Its aim is to be the cleanest festival in the world. Be prepared for all weathers, as the mountainous micro-climate can give you a drenching. There’s a great vibe at Fuji Rock… a bit of rain won’t hurt!
Though the UK festival season is still a couple of weeks away, there are plenty of festivals kicking off around the world. So grab your festival outfit and a tent as we’re off on a trip around the world, sampling the finest festivals this year!
