European Festivals

[Ed209]

Thinking of giving Glasto a miss next year for the first time since 2002 - its lost some of the appeal for me. Didn't think much of this year's festival - just been to bestival for the first time and that had much more of a friendlier, random and spontaneous feel to it than glasto has had for a few years now. The proximity of the stages meant I saw way more good music too.

So plan now is to spend the money I would usually spend on glasto on going to a mainland European festival instead, Germany or Eastern Europe being the preferred destination but open to other ideas. Interested to know what other ones people recommend. A festival that provides a nice mix of music genres would be the preference.

Edited September 10, 2013 by Ed209

[eFestivals]

Thinking of giving Glasto a miss next year for the first time since 2002 - its lost some of the appeal for me. Didn't think much of this year's festival - just been to bestival for the first time and that had much more of a friendlier, random and spontaneous feel to it than glasto has had for a few years now. The proximity of the stages meant I saw way more good music too.

to my mind, Boomtown does all of this better than both Glasto and Bestival - by a long way.

The one thing it won't give you is heaps of massive acts tho, so if that's a big part of what you're after then you don't really want Boomtown.

[Ed209]

Have heard good things about Boomtown. Big acts, while not essential, is something that would be good though, and heading to a different country was also something which we wanted to do as well, just for a bit of a change and maybe do a few extra days in that country or road tripping onto it as well.

[russycarps]

I went to sziget a few years back. Really enjoyed it. There is a big mix of music, though I spent most of my time at the world stage. They have quite a few big acts too. Very friendly vibe, loads of different nationalities, it was cheap, hot, and in a brilliant city.

Nothing like glastonbury though, but a great experience that I couldnt really fault.

[Ed209]

I went to sziget a few years back. Really enjoyed it. There is a big mix of music, though I spent most of my time at the world stage. They have quite a few big acts too. Very friendly vibe, loads of different nationalities, it was cheap, hot, and in a brilliant city.

Nothing like glastonbury though, but a great experience that I couldnt really fault.

[kaosmark2]

I did Werchter a few years back. Very chilled out festival, not a lot going on beyond the mainstages. Ridiculous numbers of big acts, across genres, but few stages and little else (well, beyond bars).

I'd be up for going again, but I'm more interested in trying out Sziget.

[Yoghurt on a Stick]

You could try this festival in Ireland, taking place over the summer solstice next year;

http://bodyandsoul.ie/about/bodysoul-festival-2014/

I had read great reports about it but can't comment on the band line up as I don't avidly follow music and know little of who is big and who isn't.

On top of the above, one of my freinds who now lives in Ireland went to it this year. I received several texts from him which informed me that (a) he was off his head, and ( that there was great craic to be had there.

I have also all but concluded that I'll give Glasto a miss next year. It's not the same as it was, and it's unlikely ever to get back to that position. I'm still thinking about it all. Maybe it's time to bow out before my memories of the place are sullied.

[Paul ™]

Only been to lowlands in 08 and Exit in 12/13 and I would definitely advise you to try Exit.

Cheap, warm, friendly, good line up and a beautiful city/country.

[Ed209]

Thanks for more suggestions.

Exit is definitely on the radar, although I have heard from some that its taken a bit of a decline in the last couple of years. Good to hear someone say that its still really good as I've wanted to go for a long time.

[Paul ™]

Had a brilliant time both years, here is my review from 2012

http://www.efestivals.co.uk/festivals/exit/2012/review-overview.shtml