International Festival Circuit
The festival business has boomed in Britain over the past ten years; whether you're after a small boutique gathering or a mini-city located in the middle of a field, there's pretty much something for every taste - but this doesn't mean that festival itineraries should be limited to the UK.
There are events worldwide that offer up not only an abundance of sunshine but also a variety to the festival scene, and the only extras you'll need are international travel insurance, sunscreen and a plane ticket.
Here is our round up of some of the best options out there.
Festival au Desert - Mali Held in Essakane, this festival has become synonymous with traditional Touareg music, nomads from the south of the Sahara.
Started in 2001, following a meeting between Touaregs from Mali and European musicians, the event has been built upon the annual gatherings that take place following the nomadic season.
The event now plays host to a variety of world music and attracts acts as diverse as Robert Plant and Ali Farka Touré.
Sonar - Barcelona Whilst most UK festivals offer the option to get out and about in a field with a pint of cider, Sonar is completely different.
Located within the centre of Barcelona, the event showcases the best in new electronic music, with the schedule running from public art spaces and marinas through to aircraft hangers and car parks.
Alongside live performance, there are all manner of workshops and seminars that focus on the technology and technique behind the music.
Burning Man - Nevada Taking place at the centre of the Black Rock Desert, Burning Man is a temporary city of some 50,000 people who converge to share art, music and experiment with community - at its heart is a 40ft tall wicker figure that is burnt at the climax of the festival.
The event, which was borne on the summer solstice in 1986 San Francisco, has developed into a massive, unique affair and whilst many festivals have moved more mainstream, Burning Man has swung more out there.
Worldwide - Sète Gilles Peterson, the man behind the Worldwide brand, adds another string to his bow - adding festival organiser to DJ, record producer, radio presenter and label owner.
Based on his love for diversity through music, Worldwide Festival brings the theme alive on the French coast of Sète with events taking place in the harbour, on the beach, and at the magnificent 'Theatre De La Mer' - expect anything and everything from jazz and breakbeat through to electronica and Latino.
Exit - Serbia Exit festival began life in 2000, taking place within the refines of an eighteenth century fortress on the edge of the Danube.
A little more mainstream than those previously mentioned, the event has grown to the largest of its kind in South Eastern Europe, attracting the likes of Juliette Lewis, Massive Attack and DJ Shadow, as well as Mika and Missy Elliott.
There are events worldwide that offer up not only an abundance of sunshine but also a variety to the festival scene, and the only extras you'll need are international travel insurance, sunscreen and a plane ticket.
Here is our round up of some of the best options out there.
Festival au Desert - Mali Held in Essakane, this festival has become synonymous with traditional Touareg music, nomads from the south of the Sahara.
Started in 2001, following a meeting between Touaregs from Mali and European musicians, the event has been built upon the annual gatherings that take place following the nomadic season.
The event now plays host to a variety of world music and attracts acts as diverse as Robert Plant and Ali Farka Touré.
Sonar - Barcelona Whilst most UK festivals offer the option to get out and about in a field with a pint of cider, Sonar is completely different.
Located within the centre of Barcelona, the event showcases the best in new electronic music, with the schedule running from public art spaces and marinas through to aircraft hangers and car parks.
Alongside live performance, there are all manner of workshops and seminars that focus on the technology and technique behind the music.
Burning Man - Nevada Taking place at the centre of the Black Rock Desert, Burning Man is a temporary city of some 50,000 people who converge to share art, music and experiment with community - at its heart is a 40ft tall wicker figure that is burnt at the climax of the festival.
The event, which was borne on the summer solstice in 1986 San Francisco, has developed into a massive, unique affair and whilst many festivals have moved more mainstream, Burning Man has swung more out there.
Worldwide - Sète Gilles Peterson, the man behind the Worldwide brand, adds another string to his bow - adding festival organiser to DJ, record producer, radio presenter and label owner.
Based on his love for diversity through music, Worldwide Festival brings the theme alive on the French coast of Sète with events taking place in the harbour, on the beach, and at the magnificent 'Theatre De La Mer' - expect anything and everything from jazz and breakbeat through to electronica and Latino.
Exit - Serbia Exit festival began life in 2000, taking place within the refines of an eighteenth century fortress on the edge of the Danube.
A little more mainstream than those previously mentioned, the event has grown to the largest of its kind in South Eastern Europe, attracting the likes of Juliette Lewis, Massive Attack and DJ Shadow, as well as Mika and Missy Elliott.
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