Famous Music festivals

Coachella festival If you have booked a short break away, why not check if there is a music festival happening during your stay? It can break up the trip and prove a really unique day or two of fun, with plenty of atmosphere.

Alternatively, if you’re a big music fan and book your holiday around the festival line-ups, then take a look at our pick of the best around the globe.

1. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival

Where: Indio, California, US

When: April 11-13, 2014

Music genre: Indie/rock

Cost of ticket: £225 per person

Get your floral and fringed attire ready for the coolest, hippie three-day-festival of the year. Coachella attracted nearly 700, 000 festival goers last year and is set to be as popular this year. And for good reason! The line-up includes Pharrel, Muse, Bastille, Queens of the Stone Age, Ellie Goulding, Calvin Harris, Tom Odell and many more.

2. Sonar Festival

Where: Barcelona, Spain

When: June 12-14, 2014

Music genre: Electronic dance music

Cost of ticket: £160 per person

The annual festival is one of Europe’s most famous and celebrates music and new art. By day it takes place at Fira Montjuic and by night, at Fira Gran Via L’Hospitalet. Because it is a city festival, there is no camping and accommodation must be booked early to guarantee your stay. The line-up for 2014 includes a mix of DJs and artists including Rudimental, Massive Attack and Loco Dice. After the festival is over, you can enjoy the sights of the city and relax on the beach during your stay in Barcelona.

3. Glastonbury

Where: Somerset, England

When: June 25-29, 2014

Music genre: Something for everyone

Cost of ticket: £210 per person

Glastonbury was born in 1970 on Worthy Farm, Pilton the day after Jimi Hendrix died. And what started small has grown into what is arguably the world’s most famous music festival. There is no exclusive music genre at Glastonbury but you can guarantee it will be a star-studded event. This year’s line-up includes acts from Dolly Parton to Skrillex, so there really is something for everyone.

Other performers include Ed Sheeran, Lily Allen, Lane Del Rey, Blondie, Kodaline and Kasabian.

Sadly, tickets are sold-out for this year, but there is a re-sale at at Glastonbury’s official website. Tickets will sell out again quickly, so make sure you don’t miss out.

4. Festival Internacional de Benicassim

Where: Benicassim, Spain

When: July 17-20, 2014

Music genre: Pop/rock

Cost of ticket: £123 per person

Festival Internacional de Benicassim, or ‘FIB, ’ is a favourite for many UK travellers as you can spend relaxing on the beach, and nights are spent watching the great acts which usually start from 5pm and finish around 4am. Fly to Valencia from the UK and enjoy the great line-up, including Kasabian who are headlining the event, Paolo Nutini, Jake Bugg, The 1975, Tinie Tempah and many more fantastic acts.

5. Fuji Rock Festival

Where: Niigata, Japan

When: July 25-27, 2014

Music genre: Pop/rock/electronic

Cost of ticket: £240 per person

This festival got its name, not because of the genre of music, but because the first festival took place at the foot of Mount Fuji. Since though, it’s been held at the Naeba Ski Resort, which is located up in the mountains. Headliners this year include Jack Johnson, Biffy Clyro, London Grammar, The Lumineers, Travis, Manic Street Preachers, plus there’s an array of Japanese acts to enjoy. Don’t miss out if you’re in the far east this summer.

6. V-festival

Where: Stafford and Chelmsford, England

When: August 16-17, 2014

Music genre: Pop/Dance/Rock

Cost of ticket: £189 per person

Attracting a top line-up year after year, the UK’s V-festival has grown to be one of the most highly acclaimed in Europe. Two days packed full of great music, fairground rides, worldwide food and a huge camp site, V-festival proves good value for money. Last year saw Beyonce showcase part of her Mrs Carter Show World Tour, and headlining this year are Justin Timberlake and The Killers. Plus Jason Derulo, Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran and Example are all performing among a long list of others.

7. Reading and Leeds Festival

Where: Reading and Leeds, England

When: August 22-24, 2014

Cost of ticket: £213 per person

Queens of the Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys and Blink-182 are headlining this year’s Reading and Leeds festivals. A favourite among young music fans, these fests attract faithful crowds year after year, due to their sustained great line-ups. Getting tangled in a mosh pit or being the victim of a thrown beer cup is all part of the fun and atmosphere.

8. Outlook festival

Where: Pula, Croatia

When: September 3-7, 2014

Music genre: Electronic/Dance/Techno

Cost of ticket: £140 per person

Europe’s largest bass festival, with over 400 acts playing; Outlook Festival is an excellent choice for those wanting sun, sea and music with a relaxing, laid-back vibe. Many underground artists are amongst the line-up, but that’s the vibe and essence of the festival – anti-commercial. Also organised by the festival, are the popular boat trips which sail on the Adriatic, complete with DJ’s, MC’s with a huge sound system and bar. Team the festival with a fantastic holiday in Croatia to get the most out of your trip.

9. Bestival

Where: Isle of Wight, England

When: September 4-7, 2014

Music genre: Indie/dance

Cost of ticket: £195 per person

Relative newcomer, Bestival was set up by BBC Radio 1 DJ, Rob da Bank in 2004. Taking place on the Isle of Wight, the festival’s tagline is ‘Desert Island Disco, ’ and is completely different to any other festival, due to its creativeness.

Explore the different areas, from Wishing Tree field where the Wishing Tree will be full of tales by day and DJs will perform at night, to the Stardust field where the main acts perform. This year’s main acts are Outkast, Foals, Sam Smith, and Disclosure, as well as DJ sets from Chase and Status, Annie Mac and a lot more. Remember to book your ferry transport early.