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HOLIDAYS

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    Festival fun

    "Festival season is finally upon us"

    But festivals abroad are ten times better

    Glastonbury FOMO? Check out these alternatives

    With Glastonbury, Latitude and Bestival just around the corner, festival season is well and truly upon us. It’s a time of music, glitter and oh-so many Instagram opportunities. But UK festivals are not without their downsides. Between the rain showers, the unpredictable sunshine and a distinct lack of vitamins, you’ll probably end up with hypothermia, sunburn and flu simultaneously. And then there’s the mud. You might as well say goodbye to that white boho dress now – it’s not going to survive.


    Glastonbury and co are fantastic festivals, but if camping isn’t for you, don’t worry. If you’d prefer sunny skies and a comfy hotel room, you’re much better off going to a festival abroad. The music scene is just as varied and you’ll have all the benefits of being on holiday, like culture, history and delicious food. So swap your wellies for flip-flops, pack your flowery headband, and get ready to dance ‘til the sun comes up.

    Ibiza Rocks

    It may be a tiny island, but Ibiza knows how to throw a big party – and this year is no exception. With an all-star line-up including Tinie Tempah, Jess Glynne and Kaiser Chiefs, Ibiza Rocks is going to be huge. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel itself, you can still buy tickets to any of the shows. In the pulsing clubland of Ibiza, this A-list festival begins in June and runs right the way through to September. As well as first-class music, Ibiza Rocks serves up late-night pool parties, stunning sunsets and a celebrity crowd. Idris Elba, Paris Hilton and Justin Bieber are just a few of the famous faces floating around the White Isle, so keep your eyes peeled.

     


    If you don’t manage to book a stage-view room at Ibiza Rocks, Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza is a great alternative. It was the first Hard Rock Hotel to open in Europe and it doesn’t disappoint. Think submerged pool loungers, rockstar memorabilia and a beach club fit for a king. Plus, nightlife giants Ushuaia and Space are just down the road. But the absolute best thing about Ibiza Rocks is the flight time – it’s all just two hours away from the UK.

    Ultra Europe

    When the world’s best DJs head to Split in Croatia for a dance festival, you don’t want to miss out on the party. Past performers at Ultra Europe have included Avicii, Disclosure and The Chemical Brothers, but this year’s line-up is better than ever. From 15th to 17th July, the 35,000-capacity Poljud Stadium will be taken over by the biggest names in dance music, with David Guetta, Nero and deadmau5 all making an appearance.


    While the main event takes place in Split, there are plenty of other side-shows going on. Throughout the week, the nearby beauty spots of Brac, Hvar and Vis are awash with yacht parties, fancy dress nights and dazzling light shows. And just when you feel like you can’t dance anymore, the whole festival is rounded off with a massive beach party. Need somewhere to stay? Check out beachfront base, Riva Hvar.

    Sun and Bass

    On the beautiful island of Sardinia, Sun and Bass pairs white-sand stages with slick poolside venues. And, since the festival takes place in September, it’s a great option for adults who are looking for a teenager-free festival.


    Sardinia is famous for offering a star-studded lifestyle, thanks to its concoction of designer boutiques, yacht-filled harbours and frequent celebrity visitors. While the backdrop of Sun and Bass is undoubtedly stunning, peace and quiet is definitely off the menu. The festival is a week-long session of liquid drum and bass – and it’s loud. Expect the likes of High Contrast, TC and Goldie to be playing here, along with a hoard of up-and-coming DJs. Experience some heavy basslines after dark, and take some time out by the pool the next day. There’s no shortage of luxury pads in the Olbia region, but make sure you step out of your hotel to try some local restaurants. With homemade pasta, fresh seafood and rich desserts on the cards, Sardinian cuisine is not to be missed.

    Iceland Airwaves

    If mainstream music isn’t your thing, Iceland Airwaves is the festival for you. Icelandic artists are the order of the day, with a handful of international acts thrown in for good measure – listen out for British exports Kate Tempest and PJ Harvey. With its intimate venues and infectious party spirit, this November shindig is the perfect way to avoid the pre-Christmas slump. But it’s the layout of Iceland Airwaves which really sets it apart. The stages are scattered across the bars and churches of Reykjavik, so it’s really easy to hop between performances and must-see sights. The shows usually wrap up in the early hours, but with clubs open until five in the morning, the after-parties continue ‘til sunrise.


    If you’re feeling a bit worse for wear the next day, why not head to the legendary Blue Lagoon to recover? Soaking in those thermal waters will make you feel rejuvenated in no time. Or you could go on an evening excursion to try and see the Northern Lights – the tour is included in all our holidays to Iceland.

    Loy Krathong

    Not all festivals are about music, and Loy Krathong is brilliant for travellers wanting something a little different. This cultural celebration in Thailand literally translates as ‘float a basket’. To thank the Water Goddess for her blessings over the past year, it’s traditional to release a krathong – a banana-leaf basket filled with flowers and a candle – into a river, and watch it float away into the darkness. The people of Phuket and Bangkok often release lanterns into the sky, too. But if you want the full-on ‘Tangled’ lantern experience, hop on a plane and take an internal flight up to Chiang Mai. Here, you can watch as the night sky slowly fills with glowing orbs in a truly mesmerising spectacle.


    Of course, you can still party in Thailand while you’re there. With Full Moon Parties fuelled by beach buckets and cheap beer, it’s easy to see why this place is famous for its nightlife. Phuket’s infamous Bangla Road is teeming with street bars and neon clubs, and it’s just a short walk away from the KEE Resort and Spa.

    Dreaming of a fun-filled summer?

    Find your perfect break here.


    Author: Sarah Reeves

    Published: 31.10.2017.

    Tags: latest, culture

    Countries: Spain , Croatia , Italy , Iceland , Thailand

    Destinations: Spain , Croatia , Italy , Iceland , Thailand

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