Where to get your festival fix with no Glastonbury this summer

There’s a festival something for every festival adventurer, are you ready? Here’s 7 unforgettable festivals not to miss in 2018.

ENJOY THE POOLSIDE PARTIES AT SEA STAR FESTIVAL IN CROATIA
After an electric premiere edition Sea Star festival is set to return to beautiful Stella Maris laguna in Umag on May 25th and 26th, while the opening day will take place on May 24th and the after party on Sunday, May 27th. Put together by the team behind EXIT Festival, the first Sea Star festival closed with rapturous applause, firmly proving that it is worthy of the nomination for 'Best European New Festival' at the prestigious European Festival Awards. Stunning location, 6+ stages, more than 70 world renowned artists and outstanding productions make this festival a must see. Umag is a beautiful Istrian town, rich in Mediterranean spirit, historical baroque and renaissance buildings and narrow streets that lead to numerous authentic restaurants making it the perfect place to chill out after dancing all night.

Line Up: Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Hurts, Robin Schulz, Paul Van Dyk, Disciples, Filatov & Karas, Francois X, Luke Slater, Ofenbach, Tommy Four Seven, Tram 11, Boris Stok, Detour, DJ Jock, Djecaci, Edo Maajka & Bend, Ian F, Ivan Komlinovic Live, Kreso Bengalka, Mattn, Sajsi MC, and more to be announced soon…

Sea Star takes place from 24 – 27 May 2018. More info available at www.seastarfestival.com

EXPERIENCE THE SURREAL MIDNIGHT SUN AT SECRET SOLSTICE FESTIVAL IN ICELAND
Celebrating their fifth anniversary, 2018 promises to be Secret Solstice’s biggest edition yet! Taking place in Reykjavik from 21-24 June during the surreal summer solstice (meaning the sun never sets), the festival has firmly established itself on the bucket list for every true festival-geek wanting to be a part of this truly unique experience. Secret Solstice is Iceland’s premiere music festival, each year welcoming an eclectic lineup to the naturally breathtaking country for main stage sets, glacier raves, midnight sun boat parties and secret lagoon blowouts. By combining a high caliber of music talent alongside side events that showcase the incredible Icelandic landscape, Secret Solstice have created a not-to-be-missed festival experience in one of the most breathtaking corners of the world.

Line Up: Slayer, Stormzy, Gucci Mane, Clean Bandit, Bonnie Tyler, Death From Above, Steve Aoki, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Jet Black Joe, 6lack, GoldLink, J Hus, Charlotte de Witte, Skream, Kollektiv Turmstrasse, A-Trak, Masego, IAMDDB, Högni, Gentleman's Dub Club, Agent Fresco, Ali Love, Alvia, Andrea Jóns, Aron Can, Artwork, Ása, Bensol, Between Mountains, Birgir, Birgir Hákon, Birnir, Captain Syrup, Carla Rose, CasaNova, Casio Fatso, Cell7, Cosmic Bullshit, DJ Frímann, DJ Karítas, Dream Wife, Droog, Earthgang, Egyptian Lover, Elli Grill, Ern, Fever Dream, Flóni, For A Minor Reflection, Fox Train Safari, GDRN, Geisha Cartel, Gísli Pálmi, GKR, Godchilla, Grúska Babúska, GusGus (DJ), HAM, Helgi B X Igna, Hildur, Holmar, Huginn, Indigo Theory, J.I.D, J.Phlip, JFDR, Joey Christ, John Acquaviva, Johnny And The Rest, JóiPé X Króli, Kilo, Klose One, KrBear, Landaboi$, Logi Pedro, Maher Daniel, MARBS (Desert Hearts), Marco Faraone, Matt Tolfrey, Mighty Bear, Mike The Jacket, Mushy, Nitin, Petre Inspirescu, Pink Street Boys, Ragga Hólm, Raresh, The Retro Mutants, Reykjavíkurdætur, Rhadoo, Ryan Crosson, Rythmatik, Shaun Reeves, Skaði, Sprite Zero Klan, Stuðmenn, Sturla Atlas, Sura, Sweaty Records, Sylvia, Una Stef, Une Miseré, Úlfur Úlfur, Vala CruNk, Valby Bræður, Valdimar, Vicky, Vio, Vök, wAFF, We Made God, Young Karin, Yung Nigo Drippin and more.

Secret Solstice takes place from 21-24 June 2018. More info available at www.secretsolstice.is

PARTY IN A FORTRESS OVERLOOKING THE RIVER DANUBE AT EXIT FESTIVAL IN SERBIA
Just a short ride away from the Serbian capital Belgrade, the magical Petrovaradin Fortress set high on the banks of the river Danube in Novi Sad provides the perfect setting for the EXIT Festival. Started as a student protest in 2000 fighting for political change and freedom, EXIT continues to spread positive vibes, promoting change and positive education, supporting many community and humanitarian missions, while throwing a damn good party. The award winning festival has something for music lovers of all genres with a diverse mix of artists performing on numerous stages connected by cobbled streets, ramparts and tunnels. Also renowned for it’s amazing atmosphere and energy the Dance Arena champions the who’s who in the electronic music world set in the awe inspiring moat of the fortress, it’s that special moment when the sun’s rays shine over the fortress walls and your favourite tune is belting through the soundsystem and into your soul!. EXIT. Where hedonism meets activism.

Line Up: David Guetta, Mrtin Garrix, Grace Jones, MIgos, Fever Ray, LP, Ziggy Marley, Adam Beyer B2B Ida Engberg, Alice Merton, Maceo Plex, Nina Kraviz, Richie Hawtin, Slaves, Solomun, Take of Us, Amelie Lens, Asian Dub Foundation, Asphyx, Ben Klock, Bombers, Boris Brejcha, Brujeria, Burak Yeter, Carl Craig, Cockney Rejects, Dog Eat Dog, Elderbrook, Grave Digger, Idles, Jax Jones, Lions's Law, Madball, Mahmut Orhan, Ofenbach, Rodhad, Sevdaliza, Slapshot, The Adolescents, Anastasia Kristensen, Avoid AKA Valdimir Acic, Bane, Boids,DJ Jock, Dr. Living Dead!, Dusan Nikolic B2B Runy Evil Invaders, Exploading Head Syndrome, Filip Xavi, First Flame, Joliette, Knuckledust, Little Dead Bertha, Liv Masinko, Mud Factory, Nemesis, Noctiferia, Pogonbgd, Rhemorha, Skyforger, Terrorhammer, The Bloody Earth, The Hellfreaks, The Stone and more to be announced soon

Exit takes place from 12-15 July 2018. More info available at www.exitfest.org

ENJOY THE PICTURESQUE WOODLAND SETTING OF POSITIVUS FESTIVAL IN LATVIA
Taking place in the picturesque coastal town of Salacgriva in Latvia,Positivus is the largest music and arts festival in the Baltic States, transporting chart-topping headliners, underground emerging talent and exciting art and dance stages to their unspoiled atmospheric coastal setting amid stunning woodland. Festival goers can dip their toes in the baltic sea or take in the atmosphere in a hammock beneath the trees while enjoying a rich diversity of international chart toppers and underground emerging talent in this idyllic holiday location. Positivus also offers art and dance stages giving festival goers a variety of activities and stalls selling locally made designer clothing and accessories, giving festival goers plenty to see and do during the 3 day event. Positivus was also recognised in the 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017 European Festival Awards being a finalist in the ‘Best Medium Sized Festival’ category and also for ‘Best Festival Line Up’ in 2013.

Line Up: Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, The Prodigy, Tove Lo, Mura Masa, Lauv, The Barr Brothers, Torres, Youngr, Jeremy Loops, Marlon Williams and more to be announced

Positivus takes place from 20 – 22 July 2018. More info available at www.positivusfestival.com

DISCOVER THE BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC AT OFF FESTIVAL IN KATOWICE
A truly unique boutique music festival, OFF Festival takes place in ‘Three Lake Valley’, Katowice – a beautiful green oasis in the heart of industrial Silesia. OFF is a way of life, one that flies in the face of current trends and stays true to itself, and the ethos of organiser Artur Rojek is firmly aimed at supporting art and music with the festival bringing many acts to Poland for the first time. OFF Festival’s reputation is growing year on year driven by the festivals forward–thinking, eclectic music policy and it’s bold and eclectic lineups. From the greatest alternative music stars from around the world to the increasingly strong Polish scene, OFF festival has inspiring music in abundance and the organisers and crowd have one serious finger on the pulse when it comes to music. As well as discovering new music festival goers can also discover the city of Katowice with plenty of art and culture to soak up and a huge choice of bars and restaurants to delve into.

Line Up: Grizzly Bear, John Maus, Marlon Williams, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Turbonegro, Big Freedia, Egyptian Lover, OXBOW, Bishop Nehru, KING AYISOBA, Jacques Greene, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Jon Hopkins Live, Moses Sumney, The Como Mamas, Hańba, Furia, Coals, AURORA, Yellow Days, Yasuaki Shimizu 清水靖晃, Legendarny Afrojax, Sorja Morja, Ariel Pink, Housewives, Or:la, Bass Astral x Igo, …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, 水曜日のカンパネラ, Nanook of the North, Zola Jesus, Chastity Belt, The Mystery of the Bulgarian Voices – Le, Mystère des Voix Bulgares, David August, Sonbird, Skalpel Big Band and more.

OFF Festival takes place from 3-5 August 2018. More info available at www.off-festival.pl

PARTY WITH THE DUTCH AT THE LEGENDARY LOWLANDS FESTIVAL IN THE NETHERLANDS
Get ready for A Campingflight to Lowlands Paradise 2018. Taking place next to the Walib Fairgrounds, Biddinghuizen Lowlands features some of the biggest headliners, impressive installations including the new iconic armadillo food and drink area, plus unique covers for every stage so you can enjoy all the music rain or shine. Just over an hours drive from Amsterdam you can easily mix your festival trip with a few days city break in Amsterdam. As well as all the amazing artists, Lowlands has so many others things to do from enjoying a soak in the hot tubs, to taking part in science experiments! The festival has also been shortlisted for several awards in the European Festival Awards including ‘Best Major Festival’ and ‘Best Line Up’, Tickets include festival entry, camping + shuttle bus from / to railway station or Dronten Lelystad. Save the date now!

Line Up: Gorillaz, Kendrick Lamar, N.E.R.D, The War On Drugs, Dua Lipa, James Bay, Bonobo, Dropkick Murphys, Gavin James, Gogol Bordello, Grizzly Bear, Jacob Banks, De Jeugd van Tegenwoordig, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Nick Murphy Nils Frahm, Patti Smith, Rag’N’Bone Man, Richie Hawtin Close, Spinvis, Stormzy, Tom Odell, $uicideboy$, Âme II Âme, Ben UFO, Bicep (live), The Blaze, BROCKHAMPTON, Charlotte De Witte, Daniel Avery, David August, Fatima Yamaha, Floating Points (solo live), George FitzGerald (live), Ho99o9, Jarreau Vandal, Jordan Rakei, Kiasmos, Lauv, Little Simz, Louis The Child, Max Cooper, Maribou State Metro Area (hybrid dj set) Motor City Drum Ensemble Mr Carmack (dj set), Peggy Gou, Protoje & The Indiggnation, Protomartyr, Red Axes, Rhye, San Holo, Sevdaliza, Sofi Tukker, Surgeon, Tom Trago (presents Bergen live), Warhaus, The Wombats, Yaeji, Amber Run, Avalon Emerson, Born in Flamez, Cartiez, David Vunk, Dinamarca, Dr. Rubinstein, Jacin Trill, Job Sifre, Joost, Leafs, Lorenzo Senni, Luwten, Lyzza, Marlon Williams, Metrik, Oceanic, Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, Torus, Volvox, Zeal & Ardor and more to be announced.

Lowlands takes place from 17 – 19 August 2018. More info available at www.lowlands.nl

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ELECTRONIC MUSIC CULTURE AT THE AMSTERDAM DANCE EVENT
Amsterdam’s thriving club and nightlife scene is well documented and for 5 days a year the city becomes the centre of the electronic music world as over 395,000 visitors flock to the city for the Amsterdam Dance Event. The ultimate music festival for fans of electronic music features more than 2,500 international artists performing in more than 100 of Amsterdam’s most celebrated venues including Melkweg, Gashouder, Claire, Shelter, Paradiso, the NDSM Docklands and De School. In addition to the extensive line-up of the ADE Festival, the ADE Conference also offers music enthusiasts and artists a large and varied day program featuring a wealth of dance music-related seminars, artist Q&A’s exhibitions, films, documentaries, DJ showcases and gear master classes, taking place across Amsterdam’s five main districts, utilising historical locations and unique venues across the city.

ADE takes place from 17-21 October 2018. More info available at www.amsterdam-dance-event.nl