Want the Eclectic line up business of Glastonbury without having to wade through the Somerset gloop? Fancy the coastline and picturesque views of the Isle of Wight with a sea temperature that actually lets you take a dip? Well sack off the wellies because we’ve tracked down the ultimate in continental seaside eclectic fun for your amusement.
Primavera Sound – 2nd to 4th June 2016, Barcelona, Spain
One of the biggest beachside Indie events you could possibly encounter, Primavera Sound celebrated its 15th birthday in 2015, firmly establishing its credentials as one of the top places to catch your angsty rock fix. Set on the beautiful steps of Barcelona’s Mediterranean coastline, the stage will be set for a truly memorable outing.
Acts are still to be confirmed for this one, but with the likes of The Cure, Caribou, The Black Keys and SBTRKT gracing the pages of previous programs, you’re likely to experience a mix of some of the old faithful rubbing shoulders with the new breed.
Tickets are available here
INmusic – 20th to 22nd June 2016, Lake Jarun, Croatia
Want to start your week with a little island hopping fun? Mix it up with 59,999 other party-heads as you take in the largest open air festival in Croatia – INmusic. Surrounded by lush green forest, endless pathways and a ton of sporting activities this huge event creeps over two islands and a slice of paradise.
With Rock, Pop and Indie on the bill there’s a little something for everyone with Florence and the Machine and Yeasayer already confirmed for this year’s outing. If you like your parties big, bold and most certainly full of colour and organised chaos, then this could well be the one for you.
Get your tickets here
Vida – 30th June to 3rd July 2016, Barcelona, Spain
Saunter on down to Villanova i la Geltru near Barcelona in Spain. This family friendly and somewhat intimate festival has gained a name for providing a slice of relaxation in an otherwise wired world. More than just a beachfront bar, this is a true haven destination that sits nestled in a lush and enchanted wooded beach glade.
With previous artist lists centred around Rock, Indie and Pop, names as majestic as Primal Scream, The War on Drugs and Andrew Bird have graced the stages with their presence here. So far the delights of the Divine Comedy have made their way onto the 2016 line-up so expect more cool and cultured delights from the left-side of audio to further sparkle on the bill.
Tickets available online here.
Calvi On the Rocks – Dates TBA, Corsica, France
Wile away those sunshine soaked hours in the Northwest enclave of the Corsican hinterland that takes in miles of the island’s incredible coastline. Situated in the cool, beautiful and above all laid back commune of Calvi, this is one festival that promises a dash of exotic musings with your Indie, House, Techno and Pop entertainment.
Already gaining a name as the French Coachella, this party takes in a number of creative venues straddling both indoor and outdoor spaces. With previous acts including Dance music heavyweight Laurent Garnier, The Rapture, Dixon, Omar Souleyman, Foal and Metronomy this is one event that promises outstanding sonics in a breath-taking environment.
You’ll find tickets available for this event here.
NOS Alive – 7th to 9th July 2016, Lisbon, Portugal
You want a scene dripping in culture with your festival fun? Then NOS Alive is one event that won’t fail to disappoint. This artistic hotspot is located in Lisbon, Portugal, a mere five minute drive away from stunning riverside views, great beaches and a truly tubular slice of surf. Here the music starts early in the evening and doesn’t shut down to the wee small hours.
With a 50,000 strong capacity you’re sure to find new friends amongst the cafe, restaurant and gallery venues that make up this show. Formerly known as Optimus Alive, this party has played host to the likes of The Prodigy, Alt-J, Muse and Disclosure. This year’s line-up has already seen the addition of The 1975, Foals, Pixies, Father John Misty, Wolf Alice, Years and Years, Jose Gonzalez and M83 are already confirmed for the party.
Tickets are on sale now here.
Bilbao BBK Live – 7th to 9th July 2016, Bilbao, Spain
This year’s Bilbao festival is packing in one of the potential line ups of the summer. With Punk gods the Pixies and Madchester’s finest, New Order already topping a bill that brings you some of the best in Pop, Rock and Alternative, all finished off with a simple dash of Dance.
Set on the amazing location of Kobetamendi Hill where you’ll find a double beachside hangout and a truly breathtaking view, the surf is one way and the Guggenheim is the other. Packing in a cool, crazy and totally dynamic crowd, this is one place you’ll party on for twenty four hours and then some in a relaxed and fuss free space. Catch Courtney Barnett, Father John Misty, The Pixies, M83, New Order and Jose Gonzalez amongst others at this top event.
Get your tickets here.
Cruilla Barcelona – 8th to 10th July 2016, Barcelona, Spain
A truly public affair, Cruilla lets the fans vote on the acts, giving the party a slice of both the international and the local across its many stages. Expect a true mix of culture and spectacle with clowns, circuses, crazy games, installations and even the odd workshop or two where you might learn something.
With this year’s line-up still to be decided at the ballot box, it’s worth nothing that this party has enlisted the services of Monsters and Men, Kendrick Lamar and Emely Sande in the past. Whoever plays on the bill you’re sure to be able to ditch the waterproofs and slide into some flip flops for some outstanding musical noise by the beach-side.
Grab tickets for this event here.
FIB: Festival Internacional de Benicàssim – 14th to 17th July 2016, Castellón, Spain
Not only a beachfront festival, but now one of the world’s most popular events this party combines sunshine and fun with some of the biggest names in the Rock, Dance and Pop worlds. Set in a picturesque Mediterranean seaside, this is more than simply music with art, theatre, fashion and film on the billing.
So far Major Lazer, Kendrick Lamar, Jamie X, The Maccabees, Bloc Party, Mac DeMarco, Hannah Wants and Delorean have been announced for the 2016 line-up, following in the footsteps of the likes of Kasabian, The Klaxons, Florence and the Machine, Blur and the Prodidgy. With the addition of the new South Beach Dance Stage this party is set to once again set the standard for beach based fun.
Ticket for the event are available here.
So there you have it. Some might say that the UK has one of the truest eclectic festival scenes on the planet, but others might simply retaliate with the fact that you have to get your head out of the sixties at some point. If you don’t feel any loyalty to our overpriced and sometimes overpopulated parties, then why not try a slice of sand, sun and some of the best eclectic sounds Europe has to offer.
