If you like your music mixed with travel, then heading abroad or to a remote festival can be the perfect combination for an ace weekend. There’s so many benefits – often ticket prices can be much lower, but also the music on offer tends to be a lot more diverse compared to more widely known events.
One of the best ways to really appreciate different types of music is by travelling and attending a variety of festivals around the world. There are some amazing festivals that take place around the world which showcase each country’s musical talents. Here are ten of the best places to enjoy unique music festivals.
1. Mangochi, Malawi – Lake of Stars Festival
Set up originally in 2003, Lake of stars was created to encourage international tourism to Malawi and has become a celebration of artistic expression and rising talent in Malawi and beyond. All this from under the stars on the shore of stunning Lake Malawi.
2. Montreux, Switzerland – Montreux Jazz Festival
Overlooking Lake Geneva at the foot of the Alps, this festival is a 15 day soulful extravaganza. Each of the venues are within walking distance of one another. This festival is so much more than jazz, there are often salsa and samba shows on the lakeside and you can enjoy the atmosphere on one of the showcase boats on the lake itself.
3. Goa, India – Sunburn Festival
A festival of food, entertainment and electronic music spread of a sun-baked 3 days during the Christmas break. The line-up is a mixture of Indian and globally renowned DJs. Enjoy some of India’s best beaches, take a ride on the Ferris wheel or take a sunset cruise while listening to some of the biggest names in dance.
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4. Barcelona, Spain – Sonar Festival
Held at Playa d’Espanya hosts the headline acts during the day and the exhibition centre at l’hospitalet holds events throughout the night. It’s a melee of gigs, training sessions, classes and conferencing that really puts music in the hands of the enthusiasts.
5. Lexton, Australia – Rainbow Serpent Festival
Held over the Australia Day national holiday this sleepy town transforms itself into a haven for those trying to escape commercial living and reconnect with the earth through music and nature. The festival is very environmentally conscious with recycling schemes and plenty of encouragement to avoid waste. Definitely one for those looking to sleep under the stars.
6. Bosveld, South Africa – Oppikoppi Festival
South Africa’s largest music festival. Oppikoppi is held in the dusty red nowhere in Limpopo. It has a hippie, bush survival feel to it thanks to the barren location and plays host to fun in abundance./ Get involved in the naked dash competition to win tickets for the following year or simply sit back and enjoy tribal rhythms or rock and roll.
7. San Miguel de Allende, Mexico – La Calca
Focused on a celebration of Dia de los Muertos, this unusual festival offers visitors the opportunity to learn more about the day of the dead tradition as well as enjoy music. Jump into the party, visit the installations and celebrate this amazing part of life alongside the local community.
8. Rancho la Merced, Costa Rica – Envision Festival
Costa Rica’s Pura Vida approach to life, lives out at this festival. It’s a festival for mind body and soul where cultural exchange is encouraged. Yes there are still four music stages but equal focus is given to yoga, art and local organic foods.
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9. Charlbury, England – Wilderness Festival
In true English style, this eccentric festival is like something from the mad hatter’s tea party. Feast at huge laiden tables, skinny dip, go to the masquerade ball or pop to a yoga class. The age range is huge, from babies to the elderly there’s something for all to enjoy in small and large measures.
10. Indio, California – Coachella
Growing in popularity each year, you’ll have been living under a rock not to have heard of Coachella. You’ll see an eclectic mix of people that reflect its creative vibe. From celebrity revelers to beach bums and teen ravers this festival is definitely one for the calendar. A mix of thumping music, danceathons and giant mechanical spiders, you’ll find it hard not to enjoy this one!
