in the summertime

By Jade Wright on Apr 10, 07 10:33 AM

The weather is looking up and the festival circus has begun - when it comes to music festivals in Britain, we’re spoilt for choice.
Up and down the country, from T In The Park to Hyde Park Calling and the classics like Reading/Leeds and Glastonbury, there are plenty to choose from. But have you ever fancied experiencing a few days of excellent music...in the sun?
No mud, no wellies, no putting your tent up in a gale - an impossible dream, you might think. But it can be done, if you’re willing to go the extra mile. Welcome to the fantastic world of European festivals...

ROCK WERCHTER - JUNE 28-JULY 1 (www.rockwerchter.be/)
Tucked away in the little Belgian village of Werchter, this four-day music marathon is one of the big daddies of music festivals.
Awarded the prestigious title of Best Festival In The World three times in the past four years, it attracts big names, and despite predominantly being a `rock’ festival, it has pulled in the likes of Sigur Ros, The Chemical Brothers and Faithless as well as traditional rockers Pearl Jam, Muse and Metallica.
With two stages, four days, and the company of 50,000 other people, tickets for this music lovers' paradise costs 160 euros (around £110) for the long weekend, plus camping and transport.

ROSKILDE FESTIVAL - JULY 5-8 (www.roskilde-festival.dk/)
Supposedly the second biggest music festival in Europe behind Glastonbury, Denmark’s Roskilde brought 79,000 people together last summer to listen to the likes of Bob Dylan and Guns N’ Roses amongst others.
Famed for its naked race which takes place on the Saturday, as well as its lucky weather, this is another festival definitely to think about. Boasting a line-up including The Who and The Killers, a basic four-day pass will set you back 1,475K (around £135). But without transport and extras, that’s not cheap.

THE EXIT FESTIVAL - JULY 12-16 (eng.exitfest.org/)
This Serbian festival is like no other. Based in the Petrovaradin Fortress overlooking the town of Novi Sad, this four-day musical Goliath has been around since 2000 but has quickly acquired a great reputation.
With pounds in your pocket, finances aren’t much of a problem with this festival - and many non-Serbians have taken notice of the fantastic music for half the price, with last year’s festival-goers coming from the UK, Ireland, and Germany.
The music is eclectic to say the least, with this year’s line up including The Beastie Boys, Wu-Tang Clan and Robert Plant to name a few. At a jaw-dropping 78.50 euros (around £54), you’d be insane not to consider it. Needless to say, the beer is very cheap.

THE INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF BENICASSIM - JULY 19-22 (www.fiberfib.com)
Beni, as it’s known by devoted fans, takes place by the sea in Valencia, Spain.
A combination of sun, surf, sand and music makes for a unique festival experience. Sometimes more of a beach holiday than anything else, this year it failed to get many of the big names on the festival circuit, with The Arctic Monkeys being their major claim, along with Muse and Iggy and The Stooges.
Like many international festivals, Beni has other attractions aside from the music, including areas dedicated to dance, theatre, film and fashion. Prices start from 140 euros (£95) for three days and 160 euros for four, (the same as Werchter at £110).