SUMMER MUSIC FESTIVALS YOU CANNOT MISS

​If you've never been to a music festival before (and believe me, there are the odd few who haven't), look beyond the Big Boys like Glastonbury and Reading, and go boutique for some real memories. 

You don't have to be brave enough to slum it in a tent if you venture abroad, and you are bound to come back with a suntan along with some new names in your mobile. But even the new kids on the block in the UK are well versed in unpredictable summers, and you can glamp to your hearts content. 

​Here is my pick of my summer hit list....

​ Lost Village, Lincolnshire, 24-27 ​August
Lostvillagefestival.com

As you might expect, this is an Underground festival with a capital U. It promises an immersive experience for experimentalists! With DJs, main stage, comedy, theatre and great food. This festival is happy to stay low key, in keeping with it's motto 'those on the outside will never understand'

With Swedish saunas and hot tubs at the 'Lake of Tranquility’, creative workshops in 'Forger’s Lane’, Michelin star chef munchies, this is definitely a contender for my new UK fave rave.

​Meadows in the Mountains, Bulgaria June 10-13
meadowsinthemountains.com
​
If sexy house and world music if your thang, then this dance party on the stunning mountains of Bulgaria will be right up your street. A unique setting on the side of the Rhodope Mountains is an experience you will never forget, and is what brings revellers back year on year.

With camping available, you can also stay in the village at the bottom of the hill, and really get back to nature.

​Secret Garden Party, Cambridgeshire July 20-23
secretgardenparty.com
​
The themed festival.
This year's theme is SWEET DREAMS. ARE MADE OF THESE? AND WHO ARE WE TO DISAGREE…which means that you get to dress up come rain or shine (shine is much preferable to rain- I speak from personal experience), but the Gardeners party on nevertheless. One of the most sociable festivals I have been to, there is much to entertain you alongside the music, and you are thoroughly encouraged to don your glitter and join in. 

​​Sziget, Budapest 9-16 August
szigetfestival.com
​
One of the best bargain festivals- you can get a full seven days with camping for €299, and the great thing is you can mooch around the rest of Budapest for some culture when the blazing sun gets too much for you!

​Called Island of Freedom for a reason, means anything goes, as does the party! A highly sociable fest, even if you don't want to tent it. It is on a tram route to get you to the comfort of the city in under half an hour.

Last year's biggie was Rihanna and Bloc Party, and this year look out for Kasabian, The Kills and Charli XCX.

Mysteryland, Amsterdam August 26-27
mysteryland.nl
​
​If you know your beats from your dubstep and transformative techno. There is enough hip hop, disco, electro get your feet tapping at the world's longest running electronic music festiva which is the only place to be over the bank holiday weekend.

Expect broad mindedness as this in Amsterdam, and get back to nature and lose yourself in the music, or perhaps the stunning natural setting.

Green Man, Wales August 17-20
greenman.net
​
A family festival in the beautiful lushness of the Welsh valleys, Green Man is a folky affair. Situated in the Brecon Beacons, means it is a perfect setting for rowdy children as the main stage area is set in a basin with terraces, to keep it all in!

Known for a vast selection of hearty food and real ales and ciders, the vibe is friendly (that'll be the Welsh) and safe. Last year's lineup included a variety of musical acts (Belle and Sebastian and Warpaint) along with lots of childrens activities and theatre. As it's Wales, it is advisable to bring your wellies! 

Telekom VOLT Festival, Hungary 27 June- 1 July
Sziget.hu/volt
​
Even though 2017 celebrates Volt's 25th birthday, Austria might not be the first place you think would know how to party.

However the savvy Europeans who have come back year on year are big fans of the outdoor alternative, metal, folk/world, jazz and electronica, and the festival is a sell out.

This year the highlights are Ellie Goulding, Imagine Dragons, Jess Glynne, Knife Party, Linkin Park and  Years & Years who join the rest of the knowing, beautiful people to dance the night away under the stars.

OASIS Festival, Marrakech 15-17 September
theoasisfest.com

A fairly new festival at only three years old, this is proving to be the playground for the discerning dance music fans. 

​Taking place in the stunning surrounding of the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, the days are long, and the nights are longer! No tent required as plenty of luxury accommodation available, along with the stage-side swimming pools, daily yoga sessions and lush gardens which make this a unique festival to see out the end of summer. Roll on September!

By Sara Darling