There’s no better time to enjoy a music festival than summer. Equally, there’s no better thing to do in the summer than to go to a music festival. Whether you’re just up for watching your favourite band, meeting new people, or having a fun camping weekend with friends, you will most definitely be making memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Never been to a music festival before? Well, the best way to start is to go big! We’ve put together a list of some of the biggest and most exciting music events happening all over Europe that are bound to become the highlights of your summer in 2017.
1. Boomtown Fair
When & Where: 10-13 August 2017, Winchester, UK
Headliners: The Specials, M.I.A, Cypress Hill, Arrested Development, Ziggy Marley
Price: from £170
Tired of your daily routine? Looking for doing something out of the ordinary this summer? Look no further. There’s nothing “usual” or “ordinary” in Boomtown. For a few days every summer it turns into a whole city that is and isn’t anything you’ve seen before at the same time. So leave your civilian clothing at home, and be prepared for a crazy ride. Especially with the Chapter’s 9 theme being “Behind The Mask”.
2. Sziget
When & Where: 9-16 August, Budapest, Hungary
Headliners: Chainsmokers, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Major Lazer, P!nk, Kasabian, Wiz Khalifa
Price: from £56/day
For those who feel they’re ready to leave not only their hometown but go to a different country for a festival, we present Sziget, The Island of Freedom.
The reputation precedes the festival by a decade, making it one of the top music destinations in Europe. The lucky ones who have previously attended Sziget say it isn’t just a festival but “an alternative way of living”, with an eclectic selection of both art and music acts and both performers and visitor from literally all over the world coming together for this show of the year. Sziget clearly has a potential to become the show of a lifetime for you, and all of that for as little as £56 per day.
3-4. Balaton Sound & VOLT Fesztivál
If you haven’t had a chance to visit Hungary before, we have not one but three reasons for you to do it. Sziget isn’t the only music event happening in that beautiful country. Here are two more festivals that you might want to check out.
Balaton Sound
When & Where: 5-9 July, Zamardi, Hungary
Headliners: Kygo, Hardwell, Armin van Buuren, Tiësto, KSHMR, Jason Derulo
Price: from £52/day
This Electronic/Dance festival has proven to be on top of the European music events list. It has everything to become the highlight of your summer: a varied lineup of world-famous DJs and performers and a stunning location — Balaton Sound is taking place off the shores of the beautiful Lake Balaton.
VOLT Fesztivál
When & Where: 27 June-1 July, Sopron, Hungary
Headliners: Linkin Park, Imagine Dragons, Years & Years, Ellie Goulding, Jess Glynne
Price: from £40/day
This festival’s name speaks for itself — VOLT is a “completely electrifying” multi-genre music festival, a twin to Sziget and Balaton Sound. With hundreds of thousands of people attending each year (and a fair ticket price), VOLT will make a perfect introduction into the world of music festivals.
5. Ultra Europe
When & Where: 14-16 July, Split, Croatia
Headliners: Adam Beyer, Afrojack, Armin van Buuren, Tiësto, David Guetta
Price: from £145
Taking place in the biggest party destination of Croatia, Ultra Europe annually gathers some of the biggest DJs in the world. The festival is also one of the biggest EDM and house music events on the continent. With the main festival taking place in Split, you will also have an opportunity to take part in numerous boat parties, as well as parties across the town and its surrounding islands. A great chance to get acquainted with the country while partying like you never have before.
6. EXIT
When & Where: 5-9 July, Novi Sad, Serbia
Headliners: The Killers, The Jesus & Mary Chain, Jason Derulo, Jake Bugg, Hardwell
Price: from £30/day
Enjoy the titans of dance with an occasional note of pop or heavy metal at the EXIT festival in Novi Sad, Serbia. Known for its diverse lineup, every year the festival welcomes global stars of rock, this year The Killers to entertain a multi-thousand crowd of visitors from every corner of the world. With music running through the night on a dozen stages, you will sure find something for yourself at EXIT this summer.
7. Super Bock Super Rock
When & Where: 13-15 July, Lisbon, Portugal
Headliners: Red Hot Chili Peppers, Future, Deftones
Price: from £47/day
Again, a festival taking place in a European city that will leave you breathless. Super Bock Super Rock from year to year manages to score some seriously impressive headliners, like RHCP in 2017. But the stars of rock and pop isn’t the only aspect that you will love this 3-day festival for. SBSR also takes place within walking distance of a Portuguese coastline. Now, who’s ready to have a little break on a gorgeous beach?
8. Bestival
When & Where: 7-10 September 2017, East Lulworth, UK
Headliners: The xx, A Tribe Called Quest, Pet Shop Boys
Price: from £30/weekend
Portuguese beaches don’t sound all that attractive to you? In fact, you’ll most likely be spending your summer inside the country? No problem, we’ve got you covered. Visit Bestival — one of the most unique music events that Britain has to offer.
If we were to describe Bestival in only two words, we’d probably say diverse and creative. You can’t go wrong here musically — anything from rock to pop, house and techno, hip hop, reggae, and everything in between is represented. Besides, every year there’s a new creative theme (read: fancy dress!).
The Options are Endless
At the end of the day, there are simply too many incredible music festivals to fit them all in just one list. We tried to highlight the hottest and most affordable events which still haven’t sold out as of today.
Have we convinced you to plan a music festival trip this summer? If so, will you go all in and travel far and wide or opt for something more local instead? Or maybe you want to write about your amazing experience at a music festival for TheSprout? In that case, feel free to contact us at info@thesprout.co.uk, or submit your story to our website.
Image credit: Rockstar Photographers (@rockstarphotographers), Sziget 2016.
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