Summers are synonymous with beaches, because how much ever a paradox they may be, a summer not spent at the beach is never an ideal one. Perhaps why you must hop on to the beach music festivals train!
An idyllic summer day at the beach is best spent with musical accompaniments. How about availing your favourite artists on a singular platform bringing the party down as you see the sun setting at the horizon? Itβs perfect, trust us. So we at Sherpa have obviously rounded off some of the best beach festivals from around the world that stand out for their unique attractions. Mark your dates.
1. The Garden Festival
Where: Croatia
When: 1st-8th July
Unique Attraction: Stage in the middle of the water, as boats cruise you to the stage.
Croatia has slowly and steadily established its position as a cultural habitat in the European Union. And taking that one step further is the number of music festivals it plays host to, around the year. Our pick from the lot is The Garden Festival. On the banks of the Adriatic waters, warmed by the idyllic sunlight, it gives you an electronic festival with a stage bang in the middle of the water. Spend the lazy afternoons basking in the sunβs glory as you catch your favourite electronic acts.
(images courtesy: Casper Bier | The Garden Festival Facebook)
2. Sziget Festival
Where: Hungary
When: 10th-17th August
Unique Attraction: A combination of music, theatre, exhibitions and circus, truly representing it as the βIsland of Freedomβ.
That Hungary could play host to one of the largest cultural events in Europe should come as no surprise as the countryβs beauty is a conversation topic among hinterland wanderers. If the fact that the festival takes place smack in the middle of the Danube river, in the beautiful island city of Budapest, for eight whole days doesnβt entice you, hear more. The festival not only packs the best of the talent across genres covering pop, rock, electronica, jazz, metal, blues, roma, and classical, but it also acts as a self-sufficient centre, providing no reason to exit. Combine this with the Turkish culture of the country, and we have a winner!
(images courtesy: Szieget Festival Facebook)
3. Les EurockΓ©ennes
Where: France
When: 3rd-5th July
Unique Attraction: Itβs comparatively affordable prize, along with its environmental conscious nature
This not-for-profit independent festival takes place in the natural peninsula Malsaucy, in Eastern France, making it one of the most beautifully located festivals in the world. The festival not only features the best of international music coupled with local French talent, but it does its bit for the environment by employing bicycles and free shuttle for people, along with cleaning up the bay at the end. The best part? Itβs really affordable at about 100Β£ for three days, and 46Β£ for one for which you can catch a line-up of artists including The Chemical Brothers, Sting, Flume and James Blake.
(images courtesy:Β Les EurockΓ©ennes Facebook)
4. Boardmasters
Where: Cornwall, UK
When: 7th-9th Aug
Unique Attraction: The combination of surfing and music.
While beach festivals are all about the water and the music, the beach lifestyle mostly stands ignored. Celebrating that with some exceptional line-up at the surf capital of the country β Newquay is the festival of Boardmasters, which is a smorgasbord of surfing, sea-related sport activities and just a great line-up to unwind to. This year included Rudiemental and Bastille as some of the bigger acts, playing against the stunning backdrop of Watergate Bay. Win!
(images courtesy: Boardmasters Facebook)
5. Gnaoua
Where: Morocco
When: Β 14th-17th May
Unique Attraction: For any African folk lover, experiencing this festival along the water with the Moroccan culture would be the best combination.
In sync with Moroccoβs profound cultural affiliation, the festival of Gnaoua brings African celtic sounds, soulful beats, reggae, jazz and rhythmic drum sets to the whitewashed walls of the Essaouira port. What comes to fore is a festival like no other, with such an eclectic mix of sound, that the backdrop of the sea waters feels like the perfect soulful getaway.
(images courtesy: Gnaoua Facebook)
6. Spirit of Burgas
Where: Bulgaria
When: 7th-8th August
Unique Attraction: The really affordable price combined with the Black Sea picturesque coastline.
Bulgariaβs Black Sea coastline consisting of white sand provides the paradoxical location for the Spirit of Burgas festival, making it one of the most looked-forward to beach festivals in Europe every year. Combine this with the almost inexpensive tickets priced at about 80Β£, and the various activities like a solar-dance arena set to the banks of the river make it quite the festival to be at.
(images courtesy: Spirit of Burgas Facebook)
7. Kaaboo
Where: San Diego
When: 18th-20th September
Unique Attraction: The combination of local and international cuisine, wine, music and the made to surf beaches of San Diego.
Beach festivals often get raw and care-free, and are rightly a lot of fan. But for once, donβt you wish it had certain elegance to it all? Well, combining the sit-down sooth of a wine-sipping international and local chef catering facet to the sunny, adventurous rawness of the beach lifestyle along with a line-up that boasts of The Killers, Foster The People, Snopp Dogg, Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals and The Roots. This along the banks of picturesque California, and there is nothing to not love.
(image courtesy: Kaaboo Facebook)