LATITUDE
July 15-18 / Suffolk / £155
162 miles from Brighton
Headliners: Florence & The Machine, Belle & Sebastian, Vampire Weekend
Don’t miss: The Maccabees, The Horrors, Mumford & Sons
If you want to broaden your horizons a bit beyond the usual main-draw muddy music mayhem of the festival season, then Latitude is definitely for you. Firmly ensconced on the calendar as very much the thinking person’s event, it punches high with its band line-up and backs it up with literally something for everyone. Cabaret, literary and poetry arenas, theatre, comedy, film and even opera all conspire to instill some al fresco culture into your weekend in wellies. (NC)
In a nutshell: Brain-food fest with cultural clout.
SECRET GARDEN PARTY
July 22-25 / Cambridgeshire / £149.50
134 miles from Brighton
Headliners: Gorillaz Sound System, Mercury Rev, Marina & The Diamonds
Don’t miss: Skatalites, Kate Walsh, Belleruche
When people put on their rose-tinted festival specs they remember friendly, small festivals where they bimble around seeing weird shit and going on adventures with nutters. There’s only one festival that can guarantee that happening. Secret Garden party has got a good line of music, but what makes it so special is the performance and spectacle of the whole site. And everyone gets stuck right in, this year on the theme of Fact Or Fiction. Bring a big smile cos your fellow Gardeners certainly will. (JK)
In a nutshell: Bestival’s fancy dress day taking place in Glastonbury’s Green Fields
MEADOWLANDS
May 29-31 / Lewes / £65
11 miles from Brighton
Headliners: Wave Machines, Engineers, The Bays, Transformer
Don’t miss: Gloria Cycles, DJ Flevans, The Half Sisters
If you want to hammer your tent pegs into some local sod, Meadowlands is your closest opportunity this year. With a line-up that reads like SOURCE’s Spotify, it’s a rousing of emerging talent from the city and beyond, many of whom you’ll have read about within these past pages. It’s got to be one of the most picturesque events on the Sussex schedule too, set as it is in the grounds of an Elizabethan Manor House on the South Downs. (NC)
In a nutshell: Pocket-sized local essential.
GLASTONBURY
June 24-28 / Worthy Farm / SOLD OUT
170 miles from Brighton
Headliners: Stevie Wonder, Muse, Gorillaz
Don’t miss: Vampire Weekend, Pet Shops Boys, Faithless
The biggest and arguably the best festival on the list, this is Glastonbury’s 40th year, and it’s come a long way since its 30-hippies-in-a-field beginnings. With an audience the size of a city every amenity is catered for, from cashpoint machines to mobile phone charge points. Far more than a mere music outing, its considerable clout nonetheless attracts some mega hitters – U2’s first festival headline, the immense booking that is Stevie Wonder and current stadium darlings Muse will all pack the Pyramid. (NC)
In a nutshell: The outdoors. Owned.
GUILFEST
July 16-18 / Guildford / £110
58 miles from Brighton
Headliners: Orbital, Human League, Status Quo
Don’t miss: Kid Creole & The Coconuts, Just Jack, 10CC
A medium-sized camper, Guilfest has become one to watch over the last few years. They have a penchant for dad rock crowd-pleasers with some younger acts for the kids, and this year’s no exception – where else will you find Hawkwind rubbing patchouli shoulders with N-Dubz? And the confirmation of 10CC should prick up some older ears. Comedy, theatre, kids’ zones and cocktails round off a consummate festival experience where you’re as likely to trip over a buggy as a hippie. (NC)
In a nutshell: Sedate Surrey singalong
LOVEBOX
July 16-18 / East London / £99
62 miles from Brighton
Headliners: Dizzee Rascal, Roxy Music, Grace Jones
Don’t miss: Yeasayer, Hot Chip, Peaches
A three-day programme of one-day events, Lovebox is a winner in every sense. One of the least likely festivals to have pesky jugglers cluttering the place up, this one’s all about the music, with enough good food, booze and loos to make participation a pleasure. With its focus clearly on the line-up, it’s no surprise they’ve pulled off a great one – Roxy Music for one had genuine wow-factor on their announcement and the four stages are packed with goodies. (NC)
In a nutshell: Unbeatable urban entertainment
THE BIG CHILL
August 5-8 / Herefordshire / £155
179 miles from Brighton
Headliners: MIA, Massive Attack, Bebel Gilberto
Don’t miss: Alice Russell, Mr Scruff, Layo & Buskwaka!
As the name suggests, this is one for the reclining reveler – there’s no place for Fucked Up and their eardrum-worrying ilk here. The Big Chill has become one of the most respected leftfield garden parties of the summer, with a thoughtful laid back line-up of blissed out, family friendly entertainment. If the sun’s shining, and the scheduling suggests it should be, there’s simply no better place to be as gentle beats drift through the countryside. (NC)
In a nutshell: Earplug-free entertainment.
BESTIVAL
September 9-12 / Isle Of Wight / £150
65 miles from Brighton
Headliners: Prodigy, Roxy Music, Flaming Lips, Dizzee Rascal
Don’t miss: Chic, Beardyman, LCD Soundsystem
It could be said that since Glastonbury outgrew its pastoral non-commerciality, Bestival has taken on the mantle of unadulterated festival fun with some enthusiasm. Fancy dress is a big part of proceedings, and most seem to love getting involved, with strange and wonderful costumes emerging from the various tents, tipis, yurts and podpads. Great music, constant surprises, happy and chilled, this is kid-friendly festivalling with a smile all over its painted face. (NC)
In a nutshell: Wig out with a wig on.
OUT OF THE ORDINARY FESTIVAL
17th -19th September / Knockhatch Farm, Hailsham / £53.14 (earlybird price plus p+p)
28 miles from Brighton
Headliners : Turiya and some great world music artists
Don’t miss : Loads of great Brighton acts are being booked now
Set in the Sussex countryside close to our fair town, Ootopia awaits. The family friendly eco festival is back for its’ fourth year running. Embrace nature and all its benefits, shop ethically at the Green Market, sup at organic cider, chow down on locally produced foods or treat yourself to a blissful holistic massage. Alex Paterson of The Orb is rumoured to be headlining this year out of the solar-panelled stages, more acts to be confirmed through the coming months. (LS)
In a nutshell: Like Glastonbury back in the days of yore
SOUTH WEST 4 WEEKENDER
August 28-29 / Clapham Common / £85
50 miles from Brighton
Headliners: Armin Van Buuren, Fatboy Slim
Don’t miss: Carl Cox, John Digweed, Erol Alkan
Clapham Common comes alive with the arrival of a busload of the world’s best DJs to bring some dance music sunshine to the August Bank Holiday weekend. Armin Van Buuren, DJ Mag’s most popular spinner on the planet for the last three years, rounds off the Saturday night after a day of Digweed, Oakenfold and Jules, while our Norm closes the party on Sunday to a crowd suitably warmed up by Carl Cox and Vitalic. (NC)
In a nutshell: Clubbing on the Common
PLAYGROUP FESTIVAL
13th – 15th August / It’s a secret/ It’s a secret
? miles from Brighton
Headliners : TBC
Don’t miss : TBC
The organisers of the often outrageous, hilariously quirky festival-in-a-club nights around Brighton finally bring us the three-day outdoor event we’ve been craving. We’re promised golden castles, hanging gardens and mechanical towers of flame alongside cabaret, comedy and dirty dance music played out with the greenest of resources and the help of Brighton revelers. Previous bookings have included 30-piece carnival bands to international DJs, so who knows what could be in store? Head to playgroupfestival.com for your super-secret invite. (LS)
In a nutshell: Mysterious fun led by party kings Playgroup.
END OF THE ROAD FESTIVAL
10th – 12th September / Larmer Tree Gardens, Dorset / £130
101 miles from Brighton
Headliners: Wilco, Yo La Tengo, Iron and Wine
Don’t miss: Diane Cluck with Anders Griffen, Timber Timbre, Three Trapped Tigers
Everything that’s great about going to independent festivals is all included here, down to the last detail and then some. Quality is the aim throughout, from helpful staff to amazing food and site décor, plus a hardline no-advertising policy. Music is of the leftfield variety, you won’t find any hyped festival tour bands booked here. Expect some Scandinavian delights musically, grab a snack at the Skandikitchen, or have a go at playing a good old Viking game of Kubb. (LS)
In a nutshell: Cool, calm and collected independent.
MAMMOTHFEST
Saturday 18th September / Hove town hall / £40 Day pass
2 miles from Brighton
Headliners : Orange Goblin, Breed 77, Malefice plus more to be announced…
Don’t miss : Divine Chaos, Sylosis, Blind Eye Fury
Newest metal contender Mammothfest aims to be the port of call for all things headbangy in the South East. Gaining exposure for emerging bands as well as bringing in the big guns, this is a festival run by a team who are passionate about metal, for metal fans. 27 bands are set to play across the two stages at Hove Town Hall for the all-dayer event. If you’ve been to a Mammothfest local show recently, you know this is going to be good. (LS)
In a nutshell: All-out metal line-up to sink your teeth into.
STANDON CALLING
6-8th August / Standon, Hertfordshire / £95
102 miles from Brighton
Headliners : Buena Vista Social Club, Liars, Efterklang
Don’t Miss : Esben and The Witch, Pica Pica, Anna Calvi
A boutique festival hidden away in Hertfordshire, specialising in unearthing the stars of tomorrow, with over half of last year’s Mercury prize nominees performing in 2009. With a late licence after the live music stops, it’s off to the cowshed nightclub till six in the morning. This year’s theme being Murder On The Standon Express, expect illicit tales of crime from the Spoken Ink stage, burlesque life drawing in the speakeasy or why not just lounge by the swimming pool. (LS)
In a nutshell: Calling all super-sleuths, the game is afoot!
SUMMER BREAK FESTIVAL
6-10th June/13-17th June/20-24th June Newquay/ From £64pp
291 miles from Brighton
Headliners: Chipmunk, Tinie Tempah, Subfocus
Don’t miss: Example, Urban Knights DVJ, Jaymo and Andy George
Celebrate the end of year exams in Summery style, as Summer Break pitch up in Newquay for the whole month of June. Beach Olympics are held during the day with classic games to how many marshmallows you can fit in your gob at once. By night, the town is lit up with big name dance DJs set to entertain you for the evenings into the wee hours. Get involved and opt in for additional surfing lessons, abseiling and even coasteering. (LS)
In a nutshell: Sun, sand, sea package for the savvy student.
SELLINDGE MUSIC FESTIVAL
11-13th June/Sellindge, Kent/£79
90 miles from Brighton
Headliners: Sugar Hill Gang, Reverend and the Makers, Lee Scratch Perry
Don’t miss: Elephants, Yousef, Eliza Carthy
Tucked away in the Kentish countryside, Sellindge music festival has it all. Five music stages, from the dance stage, folk and world music to BBC Introducing the best of unsigned bands from the North Downs area to Brighton acts Mean Poppa Lean, Heels Catch Fire, Achilles and a lot more besides. Frolic at the traditional fairground, Childs’ play at the Funky Gibbons activity area, all for a price that won’t leave you broke for the rest of the summer holidays. (LS)
In a nutshell: Best bargain by far this festival season.
THE WICKERMAN FESTIVAL
23-24th July/East Kirkcarswell/£90
424 miles from Brighton
Headliners: Ocean Colour Scene, The Futureheads, Sons & Daughters
Don’t miss: Ed Tudorpole, Doll & The Kicks, Django Django
A proper festival is what you’ll get at Wickerman. Away from the branded stages we are all jaded by, Scotland’s finest alternative festival sticks to its own traditions. Inspired by cult film The Wicker Man than Celtic Pagan rites, A giant Wicker man is burnt to mark the end of two days merrymaking. An eclectic line-up of Indie, punk and everything in between, it’s the whole community spirit of the festival that keeps people going back for an original experience. (LS)
In a nutshell: A right proper knees-up in community spirit.
KENDALL CALLING
30th July- 1st August/Lowther Deer Park, Lake District/£85
342 miles from Brighton
Headliners: Doves, Calvin Harris, The Coral
Don’t miss: Kid British, The King Blues, Doorly
Kendall calling has it made. Celebrating its’ fifth year of being open for business, growing at a steady pace each year Kendall Calling is giving the big guns a run for their money. Hosting a whole load of acts to shake your tail-feather to with Erol Alkan, DJ Yoda and Dub Pistols announced so far. The Kaylied Stage will be showcasing the best in contemporary folk artists for a good ol’ singsong at the end of the night to boot. (LS)
In a nutshell: A rip-roaring good time, Cumbrian-style.
BOOMTOWN FAIR
13-15th August/Buckinghamshire (site tba)/£68
94 miles from Brighton
Headliners: Bad Manners, BackBeat SoundSystem, Dub Pistols
Don’t miss: King Porter Stomp, Los Albertos, The Wurzels
For the ultimate line-up in ska, dub, reggae and roots, skank down to Boomtown Fair this August. Go see late-night revellers The Invisible Circus’ Carny Village full of cabaret, visuals, installations and music. Many hidden delights await in Downtown Boom Town, with a Funktion One soundsystem stage lurking in the undergrowth. Try your hand at the Roadkill Casino and drown your losses at the Bad Apple bar, crammed full of all that is alcoholic and originating from the sacred fruit. (LS)
In a nutshell: Skank-fuelled delirious depravity.
THE 1-2-3-4 FESTIVAL
Saturday 24th July/Shoreditch Park/£15 (earlybird ticket)
55 miles from Brighton
Headliners: Vivian Girls, These New Puritans, Rolo Tomassi
Don’t miss: S.C.U.M, Dum Dum Girls, Bo Ningen
Trust Shoreditch, London to come up with the trendiest of line-ups around. The freshest of underground international bands and DJs culminating in one big all-dayer, basking in the sunshine in Shoreditch Park. Legendary promoter behind it all, Sean McLusky is back to entertain the hipsters. 13,000 flock to this event every year to watch the finest of the East ends artists play. McClusky now operates 1234 records, releasing these fledgling talents, so you could be watching next years breakthrough acts. (LS)
In a nutshell: Inner City trend-fest.
LOUNGE ON THE FARM
9-11th July/ Merton Farm, Canterbury/£95
92 miles from Brighton
Headliners:Tunng, Beardyman, Quantic and his combo
Don’t miss: 6 Day Riot, Gaggle, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas
A boutique festival born from a chance encounter between like-minded music lovers, Lounge on the Farm plays host to an impressive line-up of the cutting edge of alternative music and your classic festival party-starters. The best by far in the way of children’s entertainment, with a weekend long School of Rock and Beatbox workshops, as well as yoga for wee ones. For those of you who want to look your best throughout, hairdressers Salon Wonder will be at hand too.
In a nutshell: Outdoor lounging in style.
FIELD DAY
31st August/Victoria Park, London/£33.33
73 miles from Brighton
Headliners: Caribou, Andrew Weatherall, Phoenix
Don’t miss: Gold Panda, Memory Tapes, Atlas Sound
After humble beginnings, Field Day is now in its fourth year and gaining the best in current alternative music from all spectrums. So, a day out for lovers of indie and electronica, then, with a Village Green plonked in the middle to boot supplying ‘rural fare’. Top notch London events organisers and Field Day champs Eat Your Own Ears, Adventures In The Beetroot Fields and Bloggers Delight are all back, tented up and ready to put on a good show for the cool kids.
In a nutshell: Genius line-up from day festival pros.
SAN MIGUEL PRIMAVERA SOUND
27th-29th May / Parc Del Forum, Barcelona / £158 (180 euros)
843 miles from Brighton
Headliners : Pavement, Pet Shop Boys, Orbital
Don’t miss : Peggy Sue, Sunny Day Real Estate, Half Food
Outside Prima Vera Sound showcases the cutting edge of independent music alongside legendary greats in the culturally hip Spanish capital. Celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, the line-up is as diverse geographically as it is musically, showcasing the finest acts for punters and industry professionals alike. Book up in advance for cheap flights from Gatwick and accommodation. This one’s a strictly urban affair, free of mud with plenty of sunshine, San Miguel and sonic waves. (LS)
In a nutshell: Hip, hot independent music spot.
CREAMFIELDS
28-29th August/Daresbury, Cheshire/£100
252 miles from Brighton
Headliners: David Guetta, Leftfield, Tiesto
Don’t miss: Deadmau5, Riva Starr, Mad Professor
The winning outdoor dance event started out life twelve years ago in Liverpool before relocating to its new home in Cheshire. Having scooped the award for Festival of the Year at the MusicWeek awards, it’s more an immense outdoor club than the usual boho-hippy festival image. Book to stay in a pre-set up tent or stay in luxury in the VIP Hospitality arena. But with a solid line-up of the best international DJs you’ll be up all night anyway.
In a nutshell: Award-winning premier dance-party.
STOPMAKINGSENSE
3-5th September/Petrane, Croatia/£80
1,229 miles from Brighton
Headliners: The Very Best, Django Django, Nathan Fake
Don’t miss: Radioclit, Friendly Fires, Richard Norris
This place has its own private beach, an outdoor dancefloor complete with Tiki bar, restored Seventies-styled nightclub and Outdoor main stage overlooking the stunning surrounds. I don’t think it can really get better than that as far as locations go, and Ryanair fly there too, making it cheap as chips. If the music ain’t your thing, you can always head out on the twice daily boat parties. Accommodation is separate from the site, but there are places to camp or hotels to sleep in nearby.
In a nutshell: Stepping back in time to visit Ibiza in its heyday.
AFRICA OYÉ
19-20th June/Sefton Park, Liverpool/FREE
268 miles from Brighton
Headliners: Michael Rose, Boukman Eksperyans, The Gangbe Brass band
Don’t miss: Victor Deme, Les Freres Guisse, Ti Coca
‘It is good to make people happy’ say owners Paul and Kenny who began the free event in 1992 as a string of live gigs which eventually formed into the open air event it is today to cope with demand. Oyé came about from a desire to express African culture in a more positive light as one of the most vibrant continents on the planet. Oyé showcases some of the finest international acts all in the spirit of multiculturalism, tolerance and fun.
In a nutshell: Free fun African-style.
FIB HEINEKEN: BENICASSIM FESTIVAL
15-18th July/Benicassim, Spain/£150
1,004 miles from Brighton
Headliners : Kasabian, Vampire Weekend, Gorillaz
Don’t Miss : PiL, Fionn Regan, Daedelus
Set in the sleepy seaside town of Benicassim, for nine days it becomes THE Spanish cultural hotspot. Four days of live music ensues after-hours, leaving festival-goers the day-time for nursing hangovers in the blistering heat. Those with a soft spot for Dirty Dancing can see some of Europe’s most renowned performers in contemporary choreography. Fashion runways, art installations and short films will also be running, or for the not-so-bothered, each campsite also boasts a 24 hour bar. Something for everyone.
In a nutshell: Summer holiday and hip music festival in one.
SOUNDWAVES FESTIVAL
16th-18th July/ In the public spaces of Brighton/ ?
0 miles from Brighton
Headliners : DJ Gabriel Prokofiev, Micachu, Apartment House
Don’t miss : Mikhail Karikis, Rhodri Davies, London Sinfonietta
Soundwaves festival strives to open the public ears and eyes to the most far-flung experimentations of avant garde artists and musicians. For aficionados to the intrigued, experience three days of the cutting edge world of sound and visual arts. The concerts will be held predominantly in the Sallis Benney theatre as well as free happenings around town. Expect flash-mob orchestras, download Brighton soundwalks online, take a walk through the Sonic Forest, or have a browse through the travelling sound library.
In a nutshell: A deluge of experimental sounds, visuals and music on home turf.
WORDS BY NICK COQUET, LYDIA STOCKBRIDGE, JAMES KENDALL
EUROPEAN FESTIVALS EXTRA
So, British festivals then. I mean, I love spending time in the mud and rain drinking warm beer from a can whilst having to stand through hours of fairly standard music before someone I want to see comes on as much as the next guy. However, sometimes the weather, unenthralling locations and bland line-ups makes me wish I was somewhere sunny and not sandwiched between someone who looks like my dad wearing a Franz Ferdinand t-shirt and a 14 year old counting down the minutes until Good Charlotte take to the stage. Maybe I’m just an eternal pessimist who will never have a good time no matter what I’m doing, but I believe I have found a solution to this problem, and the answer is to leave Britain! As if you’re not spoilt enough for choice with home-grown festivals, Europe has even more to offer and here I trawl through a, to be honest, rather small selection of what you could get up to this summer.
OUTLOOK FESTIVAL
September 2nd – 5th/Pula, Croatia/£90
1147 miles from Brighton
Headliners:Roots Manuva, Skream, DMZ, Congo Natty
Don’t miss: Commix, SpectraSoul, Task Force, Gentlemans Dub Club
By far the best in UK hip-hop, dubstep, drum and bass and reggae, a truly amazing line-up if you like bass heavy riddims. Plus its all held in an abandoned fort on a peninsula on the Adriatic sea, what more could you ask for? The fort’s dungeon and courtyard areas are to house the parties, accompanied by twice daily boat trips that have the acts from the festival aboard, ahoy! Don’t enjoy camping? Well, there is a hostel on site and the festival organisers have arranged apartments in villages near the fort. However, if you do enjoy camping, then this years campsite is located on the beach, right next to all the action.
In a nutshell: Fort-ified bass by the beach.
VOLT July 30th June – 3rd/ Odenburg, Hungary/ £65
1005 miles from Brighton
Headliners: The Prodigy, Air, Massive Attack
Don’t miss: Andy C, DJ Yoda, Ed Rush
Volt is a huge Hungarian festival, showcasing the best world dance music has to offer, including big names from the UK and France and a wealth of undiscovered European talent. Plus, its always a bonus when the place you happen to go is cheap, and as Hungary isn’t part of the Euro yet, expect cheap food, alcohol and very friendly people. Perhaps some Goulash as well.
In a nutshell: One world dance party that won’t cost a fortune.
ROCKWAVE
July 7th – 11th/Terra Vibe park, Athens, Greece/£135
1893 miles from Brighton
Headliners: Faithless, Fatboy Slim, DJ Shadow
Don’t miss: Gogol Bordello
Why not take advantage of Greece’s failing economy and check out this beautiful sun-drenched festival, held just outside of Athens. This festival also has a bonus extra day, for those that need some time to settle in. With a huge array of eclectic acts, including the sublime DJ Shadow, this will be one long weekend to remember. Potentially there’s also workers protests to join in with in between acts, but lets just hope the organisers don’t join in too.
In a nutshell: The musical equivalent of the Olympics.
AIRWAVES
October 13th – 17th/Reykjavik, Iceland/£85
1224 miles from Brighton
Headliners: Alex Metric, Tuung, Everything Everything
Don’t miss: Aretha Franklin and local Icelandic acts
Weather and volcanoes permitting, Airwaves plays host to the newest upcoming talent. From the far corners of the UK, Europe, USA and Iceland, this festival has been the the catalyst for many bands careers. They also accept demos from unsigned bands so if you wish to play at this years Airwaves festival, head to their website to submit your tracks. So, why not pop over, sit back and relax in the onsite open spas, whilst listening to a bit of Bjork or Sigur Ros?
In a nutshell: A beautifully-located industry shindig to rival SXSW.
SPIRIT OF BURGAS
August 13th – 15th/Central Beach, Burgas, Bulgaria/£99
1424 miles from Brighton Headliners: Gorillaz, Apollo 440, The Stranglers
Don’t miss: Grandmaster Flash, Andy C
The festival consists of six arenas on the white sands of the Bulgarian Riviera. With camping access on the beach, Spirit of Burgas certainly beats some water-drenched field in England. This festival has a huge variety of music, with last years acts ranging from Cradle of Filth to Asian Dub Foundation. Now in its third year, Spirit of Burgas is located on one of the most stunning coastal parts in Europe, well worth a visit.
In a nutshell: Genre-hopping festival set in a coastal paradise.
WORDS BY CHARLIE HAYWOOD