The Ultimate European Festival Guide 2015
Summer may feel like a lifetime away, but festival season is just around the corner and so are the biggest events on the music calendar! Whether you’re more George Ezra or George Fitgerald, there’s an event to suit every festivalgoer. From idyllic beachside settings to pumping party arenas, now is the time to plan your summer escape.
EXIT FESTIVAL
7 – 14 July 2015, Petrovaradin Fortress, Novi Sad, Serbia
WHY GO: Starting as a student protest fighting for political change and freedom EXIT continues to spread the good vibes in the Historic fortress overlooking the river Danube with a host of different stages connected by cobbled streets, ramparts and tunnels, with something for music lovers of all genres.
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: Adam Beyer B2B Joseph Capriati, Chris Liebing, Clean Bandit, Catz ‘n’ Dogz Faithless, Eagles of Death Metal, Fear Factory, Hardwell, Hannah Wants, Kill the Buzz, Motorhead, Nicole Moudaber, Octave One, Oliver Heldens, Roni Size Reprazent, Tom Odell
BALATON SOUND
8-12 July 2015, Lake Balaton, Hungary
WHY GO: Stretched along the glittering shores of Lake Balaton, once a year this small town converts in to an electrifying party resort with massive arena’s, buzzing beach parties and the biggest names in electronic music
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: Art Department, AME, Boyz Noize, Flight Facilities, Hardwell, Joey Bada$$, Loco Dice, Oliver Heldens, Tiesto
SEA DANCE
15 – 18 July 2015, Jaz Beach, Budva, Montenegro
WHY GO: Winner of ‘Best Medium Sized Festival’ at this years European Festival Awards, this hot new festival delivers beach party vibes to the best electro beats on the Adriatic coast.
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: Bondax, FKJ Live, Prodigy, Rudimental, Sigma, Starslinger, TCT’s Wilkinson,and more!
POSITIVUS FESTIVAL
17-19 July 2015, Salacgriva, Latvia
WHY GO: Taking place in the picturesque coastal town of Salacgriva, Positivus transports chart topping headliners, underground emerging talent and exciting art and dance stages to their unspoiled holiday location surrounded by woodland.
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: Basement Jaxx, Charlie XCX, Jack Garratt, Jungle, Kate Boy, Placebo, Robert Plant & The Sensational Shapeshifters, SOAK, St. Vincent, Tom Odell
OFF FESTIVAL
7-9 August 2015, Katowice, Poland
WHY GO: OFF Festival is a way of life, one that flies in the face of current trends and stays true to itself and the organisers and crowd have one serious finger on the pulse when it comes to music. This is the place to discover the boldest and eclectic alternative acts from around the world.
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: Coals, Girl Band, Golden Teacher, Jacek Sienkiewicz, Kristen, Mick Harveyperforms the songs of Serge Gaisbourg, Patti Smith, Run the jewels, Ride, Sun O))), The Stubbs, Young Fathers
MYSTERYLAND
29-30 August 2015, Haarlemmermeer, The Netherlands
WHY GO: Just a short distance from the city of Amsterdam, the world’s longest running dance music festival takes visitors on a creative journey, combining the finest electronic music with theatre, movies, interactive installation art, street performers and spectacular shows.
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: Apollonia, Alesso, Dave Clarke, Dubfire, Hercules & Love Affair, Jeff Mills, Joris Voorn, Martin Garrix, Maya Jane Coles, Porter Robinson, STERAC, Ten Walls
SZIGET FESTIVAL – ISLAND OF FREEDOM
10–17 August 2015, Óbuda Island, Budapest, Hungary
WHY GO: Winner of this years ‘Best Major European Festival’ award, Sziget Festival is one of the biggest multicultural events of Europe. Attracting fans from over 70 different countries Sziget provides the ultimate festival-holiday experience with a week long non-stop party, plus all the tourist attractions the city of Budapest has to offer.
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: Robbie Williams, Florence and the Machine, Martin Garrix, Alt-J, Gogol Bordello, Blasterjaxx, W&W, The Ting Tings, Passenger, Milky Chance, Jungle, Jamie Woon, Jose Gonzalez
OASIS
11-13 September 2015, Marrakech, Morocco
WHY GO: Oasis is set to put Marrakech on the festival map with its inaugural event this summer! Set in the idyllic surroundings of the Fellah Hotel, festivalgoers will have ample opportunity to explore the city’s rich culture, soak up the Moroccan sun and enjoy a cutting-edge soundtrack supplied by some of the most innovative, forward-thinking artists of the moment.
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: Adriatique, Agoria, Ame, Axel Bowman, BLOND:ISH, Chloe B2B Michael Mayer, Danny Daze, Derrick Carter, DJ Harvey, Guy Gerber B2B Matthew Dear, MANIK, Will Saul
AMSTERDAM DANCE EVENT (ADE)
14-18 October 2015, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
WHY GO: The Amsterdam Dance Event celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, taking over the beautiful city of Amsterdam for 5 whole days and nights of electronic music. The biggest club festival in the world, ADE showcases more than 2000 international DJs, spinning everything from house and techno to bass and dubstep or trance and disco, making it the ultimate electronic music experience.
MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: Over 2000 international DJs, from the biggest stars of the scene to the up-and-coming heroes of the underground. 20th anniversary line-up coming soon!
