It’s England that dominates the music festival circuit during August with V Festival, Leeds and Reading, Cream Fields and the list goes on. Swide are not shunning these iconic festivals but, with most of the big ones sold out, why trade for something a touch more European? Here are 5 from Swide…
Off Festival Poland 3 - 5 August
Held in Dolina Trzech Stawow, Katowice, Off Festival is internationally celebrated as being an alternative music festival and one that supports a variety of independent arts and cultural events like workshops, movie screening and exhibitions. 2012’s line-up sees Death in Vegas, Shabazz Palaces, Pissed Jeans, Iggy and the Stooges, Ty Segall, Battles and Dominique Young Unique, taking to the stage and warming up the revellers there, at the former Eastern Bloc. If you like discovering new music, beers and mixing aural pleasure with other art forms, then Off Festival is for you
MysteryLand Netherlands 25 August
Mystery Land prides itself on being known as the oldest dance festival in Holland, being the first festival of it’s kind since its inception in 1993. This festival is always evolving (AKA changing its mind) and some years it lasts for 3 days and others 1. 2012 sees the festival blasting the speakers for one day, but that doesn’t mean you are missing out. The line-up is pretty damn exciting, featuring Calvin Harris, Hardwell, Simian Mobile Disco, Aeroplane, The Partysquad, Zombie Nation, Fake Blood, Riton etc etc etc. The list goes on and it is very very pleasing. If you want to lose your mind in the Netherlands, head to Haarlemmermeer and discover why they call it the fairytale setting, which has made it famous.
Rock en Seine France 24 - 26 August
The title says it all, really. The west of Paris comes alive from 24 -26 of August, welcoming people to spin in circles of glee to the likes of Placebo, dEUS, Green Day, The Shins, Grandaddy, Miike Snow, Little Dragon, Grimes and Friends. For those who are wanting to rock out but with a sense of euphoria Passion Pit, Beach House and Sigur Ros are on hand to keep the piece… at least, that’s what we think. Rock en Seine takes place at Domaine National de Saint-Cloud and was part of music history when, in 2009, Oasis announced they were splitting moments before taking to the stage as the main act. Fair play. If you’re a lover of Paris and want your 2012 choice of festival to have a smattering of rock and roll, then head on down to Rock en Seine.
Lokerse festival Belgium 3 - 12 August
Not even I think I could do what hundreds of thousands of you do, every year, throwing yourselves in 10-day festival frenzy at Lokerse! But maybe this is the year that I mix my festival going habits up, a little bit. Located in Lokeren, Belgium, Lokerse Feesten is a 10-day party, celebrating both Belgian and international artists. This year’s line-up includes Damian Marley, Bryan Ferry, The Magician, The Beach Boys, The Specials, Suede, Regi, Kraantje Papple and New Order, amongst many other amazing acts. Another point to make is that you’ll have a full stomach thanks to the local specialities, including Lokerse paardenworsten (AKA horse meat sausages). So, if you want to be a trooper and sing your heart out for 10-days eating horse sausage, you’re on to a winner with Lokerse Feesten.
Arenal Sound Spain 2 - 5 August
If your British and want to escape the miserable Summer that 2012 has offered up this year, then I suggest that you get yourself on a plane for Valencia, Burriana bound. The beach of Arenal Festival is a multi-genre music affair that kicks off properly on 2 August, featuring Crystal Fighters, Zahara, Love of Lesbian, Metronomy, Metropol, Crookers, Los Campesinosi, Catpeople, Felix Da Housecat, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah and the list goes on. What could be better than listening to your favourite bands, on a beach and working on your tan whilst dancing? Yes, please! So, if this sounds like your idea of fun, check out the link below for all the info you need.
Written by Ben Taylor
Post a comment
To leave a comment sign in to MySwide, or use your Facebook account: