The 7 Festivals You Have to Go to This Summer
Here we go again, festival season has rolled around. For most, this is the best time of the musical year, but if festivals are not your preferred fare when it comes to summer, brace yourself because you are about to be overwhelmed of an onslaught of social media updates and festival related blog posts. That being said, we at The Gentleman’s Journal want a chance to convert you to festival fanatic by showing you our favourite festivals and, more importantly, how you can orient them in the most gentlemanly possible.
SUMMER SONIC, JAPAN, Aug 16 – 17
Two day rock festival hosts both local Japanese musicians and huge names – this year’s lineup includes no less than Queen, The Arctic Monkeys and Ellie Goulding. You have a choice of two venues so why not split up your trip for variety?
HOW TO ENJOY AS A GENTLEMAN, Soak up the culture by going to Sushi Zanmai’s, a fabulous place to have breakfast in the world’s largest, busiest fish market.
AUSTIN CITY LIMITS, TEXAS, Oct 3-5 & 10-12
The Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival is an annual three-day American music festival in the Wild West. This huge festival is world famous and this year’s line up includes Eminem, Pearl Jam and Outkast, and is renowned for it’s all-American food and additional art markets.
HOW TO ENJOY AS A GENTLEMAN, The Texas Capitol is a must see, and when you need a break from the crowds, check out ‘The Hideout’ for a civilised coffee and experience the improvised theatre by night.
SONAR, BARCELONA, June 12-14
Established as Europe’s International Festival of Advanced Music and New Media Art, Barcelona is a beautiful city full of cultural delights in which to experience the newest electronic music. Join them this year for the line up including Massive Attack, Plastikman and Richie Hawton.
HOW TO ENJOY AS A GENTLEMAN, A little birdie told us that the best place to stay (no camping this time sirs!) is the Gran Hotel La Florida, away from the noise of the city on top of the breathtaking Tibidabo mountain. Enjoy the festival by day and retreat to a well deserved soak in the pool and sip on a cocktail at sunset.
UNKNOWN, CROATIA, Sept 8-12
A week of live music, forest, boat and island parties – this festival creates a hedonistic and immersive paradise. The line up includes Chic ft. Nile Rogers, Chvrches and Clean Bandit as well as top DJ’s and other art performers and an immersive paint fight.
HOW TO ENJOY AS A GENTLEMAN, Check out the wonderful variety of accommodation including a luxury private apartment with 24-hour shuttle service to the heart of the festival. Don’t forget the Piassa Granada Wine Bar with over 250 regional wines to sample for the discerning palette.
SUN SPLASH, TURKEY, June 2 -7
A boutique music festival that combines sea, sunshine, beach and good living (it has a yoga zone!) with a backbone of soulful dance and electronica. Wind and water sports are available for when the dancing feet need a rest and beautiful ruins to explore.
HOW TO ENJOY AS A GENTLEMAN, In the local town, gulet’s are available for hire so grab your pals and gals and take off on a nautical adventure and explore the local bays.
ROSKILDE FESTIVAL, DENMARK, June 29 – July 6
Roskilde Festival is a festival held south of Roskilde in Denmark and is one of the largest music festivals in Europe. The music ranges from rock to hip hop but the special element is that the non-profit organisation have opened up a vote to festival goers as to the establishment the profits go to. What could be more gentlemanly?
HOW TO ENJOY AS A GENTLEMAN, All gentleman should strive to educate themselves – the Viking Ship Museum provides the perfect opportunity to soak up the rich local history.
EDGE OF THE LAKE, SWITZERLAND, June 27-29
The most idyllic setting of the Géronde Lake in Sierre, the music played by the DJs include jazz, funk and soul. You can also accompany the lazing on the lake with activities including beach volleyball and paddle boating.
HOW TO ENJOY AS A GENTLEMAN, You must experience the Chateau de Villa which is a superb winery and restaurant specialising in raclette. The perfect accompaniment to a very civilised festival – who doesn’t love wine and cheese?
By Rio West
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