Alternative Music Festivals From Around The World
What springs to mind when someone says ‘music festival’ to you? For many people images of mud sodden fields, flooded tents and drunken teenagers comes to mind and whilst many British festivals boast these spectacular qualities, you don’t have to join in with the British festival scene when there are so many alternative festivals around the world offering different music genres and atmosphere.
Whether you’re into rock, blues, folk or drum and bass, alternative music festivals are a wonderful experience. Setting up camp amongst thousands of like-minded music fans to enjoy live shows by some of your favourite acts is exciting but why not experience a new country at the same time?
Escaping your homeland to experience a different culture as well as seeing some of your favourite acts and idols can be one of the most amazing experiences! Not to mention the fact that in Britain the weather is slightly unreliable!
Snowbombing Festival
This musical mountain treat takes place in Mayrhofen, Austria which is widely known as the Ibiza of ski resorts. This hugely popular music festival features live bands playing rock and indie to DJ acts playing dance, dubstep and electronic music with a whole host of vocalists and MC’s. The beauty of this festival is there’s no such thing as daytime boredom before the bands come on because it’s skiing by day and partying by night!
The lively crowd and snowy 620km Alpine ski slopes make the Snowbombing festival worth travelling internationally to see; with igloo raves, fancy dress parties and pie fights, there’s plenty to see and do at Snowbombing! It takes place in early April and is the perfect way to end the ski season with some spring skiing and incomparable nightlife! Whether you’re a seasoned back country skier or are just learning the snow plough, there’s plenty of fun to be had here with many people choosing to ski in fancy dress!
Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival
This festival is held in California, USA; featuring many American and British acts, the indie vibe at the Coachella Valley Festival creates a very cool and alternative atmosphere. Indie tracks from the likes of The Black Keys, Florence and the Machine and The Arctic Monkeys create a popular festival with plenty of ringing guitar riffs and sing along tunes for fans to enjoy. It’s like a Reading and Leeds affair but with plenty of sunshine instead of the mud that Brits are forced to endure!
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
This cultural Jazz festival explores all of the wonderful sounds and experiences that the Jazz and Blues genres have to offer. Big names such as Bruce Springsteen, Al Green and The Eagles regularly grace the event with their musical talent, delighting fans young and old.
Taking place in New Orleans, the jazz festival could not be hosted in a better location; the enchanting streets and festival vibe is enthralling, and should be experienced by all who have a true love for music.
Sónar Festival Sao Paolo
For a true taste of sun, sand and fantastic music, visit the Sónar festival in Sao Paolo, Brazil. The stylish and trendy set sets the stage for fantastic acts from around the world such as soul singer Cee Lo Green to upcoming dance act Justice. The festival is a weekend long one and although it isn’t considered to be too ‘mainstream’ it is still extremely popular, so reserve your tickets well in advance!
Siesta Festival Sweden
For those with a ‘heavier’ taste for music, the Swedish ‘Siesta’ music festival packs enough heavy bands and chunky riffs to keep you rocking for three days straight! Attracting an annual crowd of around 10,000 and playing host to huge names in indie rock and metal such as The Hives, NOFX and Death Cab for Cutie. The crowd consist mostly of Swedish and Norwegian fans, so you can rest assured that you will see a friendly face no matter what corner you turn.
Travelling the world to discover new music, new lands and most of all to have a great time is something you will never forget. There’s nothing better than rocking out to your favourite tunes whilst on holiday, away from everything that reminds you of home. Whether you go with friends, family or as a couple, there are so many festivals around the world that it would be a shame to just stick to the British ones! Be sure to book tickets well in advance, as these popular festivals sell out very quickly!
This guest post was written by Steph Staszko, who is a blogger for SkyParkSecure who offer cheap parking solutions for when you’re escaping it all for a long, tuneful weekend! It can come in handy when taking all your camping gear!