Summer well and truly marks the start of festival season. Whether you’re a regular on the festival circuit and Glastonbury is practically your second home, or maybe this year is the first time you’re heading to one of the best summer festivals in Europe - no matter your taste in music, you won’t be disappointed! From hip-hop to indie and every genre in between, we’ve rounded up 7 don’t-miss festivals to see you singing your way through summer 2019. 

 

BENICASSIM

WHERE? Costa del Azahar, Spain

WHEN? July 18th – 21st

THE SOUND? Rock and pop perfection

A firm festival favourite and just a short flight away from the UK, Benicassim on the Spanish coast is one of the most popular international festivals with many festivalgoers planning their summer getaway around the four-day event. Hosted at Benicassim in Costa del Azahar, you’re pretty much guaranteed long sunny days by the sea, all whilst listening to a medley of the very best artists around.

This year’s line up is no exception and includes headliners Fatboy Slim, Lana Del Rey and Kings of Leon, alongside sets from The 1975, Gerry Cinnamon, Jess Glynne and Blossoms to name but a few. Sounds good right? 

SZIGET

WHERE? Budapest, Hungary

WHEN? August 7th – 13th

THE SOUND? Chart-toppers

A true city of culture, it’s no surprise Budapest is home to one of the largest music festivals in Europe with a real mix of artists all heading to Hungary. With everyone from the Foo Fighters and Ed Sheeran to Florence and the Machine and Post Malone playing this year, Sziget certainly boasts some of the biggest artists, but it has so much more on offer too!

If you’re searching for a festival where inclusivity and inspiration are at the forefront then there’s no better place to join the love revolution! Celebrating diversity with festival fans from over 100 nationalities in attendance, the festival is also brimming with artistic influences; what other festival has a circus, theatre and museum quarter to its name? 

OPEN'ER

WHEN? Gdynia, Poland

WHERE? July 3rd – 6th

THE SOUND? Something for everyone 

Open’er is without a doubt one of the more varied European festivals – after all, who else can say pop-princess Kylie Minogue, indie-legends The Strokes and super group Swedish House Mafia will all be sharing the main stage? That’s right, this popular Polish festival really does cater for all tastes in music.

With festivalgoers returning year after year, the annual event is now held at an airport (yes, really) in Gdynia on Poland’s Baltic northern coast. Temperatures in July can reach highs of 22, so you may just want to head to the beach whilst you’re there too for a spot of seaside fun.

 

WIRELESS

WHEN? London, England

WHERE? July 5th – 7th

THE SOUND? Urban vibes

Fancy heading to a festival a little closer to home this summer? Look no further than Wireless. Returning to Finsbury Park in London for the sixth time, it’s a must if rap, hip-hop and urban are your thing. Headlining across the three-day event, you’ll find Cardi B, ASAP Rocky, Travis Scott, Migos and Future all taking to the stage.

Whether London is your hometown or you’re travelling to the city especially for Wireless, make the most of your time and embrace everything our incredible capital has to offer. We can’t promise the sun will be shining every day, but, hey, that’s the beauty of London life right?

 

PUKKELPOP

WHEN? Hasselt, Belgium

WHERE? August 15th – 18th

THE SOUND? Alternative all the way

Pukkelpop describes their line-up as having an ‘alternative fringe’ – in other words, since 1985, the Belgium-based festival has been home to a mix of genres and this year is no different with the likes of Twenty One Pilots, Billie Eilish, Royal Blood, The Streets, Sigma and Stormzy all playing. 

If you’re planning a summer city break to Brussels, you’ll be pleased to know Pukkelpop is one of the easiest festivals to attend; the nearest train station is just a short stroll from the site, so opt for a day pass to get your fix of festival fun.

 

LOVE INTERNATIONAL

WHEN? Tisno, Croatia

WHERE? July 3rd – 10th

THE SOUND? Electro dance party 

Holidays to Croatia are all about island hopping, beautiful beaches and brilliant bars – and if you visit in early July, you may just want to make room in your itinerary for Love International. Taking place in The Garden Tisno, Croatia’s favourite festival is in one of the most idyllic settings so expect spectacular views of the Adriatic, as you sway to the electronic sounds of artists including DJ Harvey, A Love From Outer Space and many more.

Promising three stages of global electro dance music at the week-long festival, get set to escape and enjoy as you soak up the sun, cruise along the striking Dalmatian coast and party from AM to PM. 

 

IBIZA ROCKS

WHEN? Ibiza, Balearic Islands

WHERE? June – September

THE SOUND? Hot right now

Finally, not forgetting THE party island…we couldn’t put together a guide of the very best summer festivals in Europe without mentioning Ibiza Rocks. With a reputation for being the place to party, the island of Ibiza certainly promises a summer to remember. The iconic festival features the hottest DJs and bands all summer long so prepare for pool-parties like never before and music to take you all the way from sunrise to sunset at the world famous Ibiza Rocks Hotel.

Visit across the 2nd and 3rd of August when BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 1Xtra will be hosting and legendary dance DJs Annie Mac and Danny Howard will be gracing the decks to play the soundtrack to your summer.