Coachella: April
Where: Palm Springs, California
They say: “Coachella showcases popular and established musical artists, as well as emerging artists and reunited groups.”
We say: “This is the ultimate desert festival experience. Apart from tripping over A-list celebrities everywhere you turn, you’re also privy to one of the greatest music line-ups in the world. Note: Regardless of what the blogs might say, you will not look good here – it’s 45 degrees on a mild day.
– Kate Moffatt
Glastonbury: June
Where: England
They say: “Glastonbury Festival is the largest greenfield music and performing arts festival in the world and a template for all the festivals that have come after it.”
We say: You pictured Kate Moss in her denim shorts and wellies, didn’t you? Add a tonne of mud- and rain-soaked hair and you’re nearly there. This is modern-day Woodstock at its finest.
Burning Man: August/September
Where: Nevada, US
They say: “Burning Man is an annual art event and temporary community based on radical self expression and self-reliance in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada.”
We say: Pack your sunscreen. And your sanity. This festival is not for the faint of heart.
Splendour in the Grass: July
Where: Byron Bay, Australia
They say: “An epic line-up of over 80 acts from Australia and abroad played to a capacity crowd of 25,000 people each day.”
We say: Pack your wellies! And your jumpers! And your coats! And your beanies! You get the idea… it’s cold here. Lucky the musical acts are so hot then!
South x South West: March
Where: Texas, USA
They say: “The South by Southwest Festival offers the unique convergence of original music, independent films and emerging technologies.”
We say: If you want to know what everyone will be listening to next year, cheat by coming here first.
Rock in Rio: September
Where: Rio, Brazil
They say: “Rock in Rio has became the owner of a prominent story in the music scene, with more than 6 million people gathered and one of the strongest presences in digital media.”
We say: This feel-good festival, which is also committed to environmental sustainability, is home to some of the biggest acts on the planet. With 6 million people in attendance however, you might want to consider chaining yourself to your friends.
All Tomorrow’s Parties: June
Where: Iceland
They say: “Curated by the headlining act, this niche music festival caters to only 5000 people.”
We say: If you’re sick of tripping over people at festivals, you’ll be pleasantly surprised with all the foot room at this one.
Sunsplash: June
Where: Turkey
They say: “Turkey’s Biggest Little Festival SunSplash Antalya is a boutique music festival that combines style, travel and serious dance music.”
We say: If the term “camping” makes you feel a little green, Sunsplash is the festival for you: it combines five-star accommodation with DJ parties and yoga classes. It’s the only music festival you’ll actually feel clean at.
Primavera Sound: May
Where: Barcelona, Spain
They say: “The festival is noted for its eclectic line-up, focus on independent music, and as a showcase for newly established international and domestic acts.”
We say: Located just six kilometers from Barcelona’s centre, this festival is the perfect start to a European summer. Plus, the acts are second-to-none.
Mona Foma: January
Where: Tasmania
They say: “Billed as Tasmania’s largest contemporary music festival. Mona showcases the work of artists in a broad range of art forms, including sound, noise, dance, theatre, visual art, performance and new media.”‘
We say: If you’ve never left the main island, now’s the time: there’s a reason Tasmania’s tourist numbers have tripled since the inception of this amazing gallery.
