7 festivals to try in 2018 that you've never heard of
From the London newcomer to a festival set in a Sicilian castle
The music festival scene is a saturated place with a lot to choose from. With Glastonbury skipping a year in 2018, there's even more reason to choose a festival you've never been to before - whether that means going to a new country or just a new part of the UK. Here, we choose five of the best festivals to make the most of this summer.
Ypsigrock, Sicily
Headliners: Shame, Blue Hawaii and Youngr
When: 9 - 12 August
What: If you're set on escaping the muddy fields of the UK for a festival where sunshine is guaranteed, Ypsigrock in Sicily is a safe bet - and a lot less well-known than destinations such as Croatia. This relatively small indie festival has been going for 20 years, set in a Medieval castle nestled amidst the Sicilian mountains and Mediterranean sea. While you might not be familiar with the headliners, be reassured by the fact that the festival isn't into mass-marketed, mass-produced bands - it's more interested in lovingly picking top-rate bands they think everyone should know about. There is the option to camp in the neighbouring national park, but those who don't fancy sweltering in the Sicilian heat are able to stay in the town of Castelbuono, where the music is hosted.
For more information visit Ypsigrock.it
Flow Festival, Finland
Headliners: Kendrick Lemar, Arctic Monkeys, Patti Smith
When: 10 - 12 August
What: Housed in the grounds of an old power station in Helsinki, Flow is slowly building a reputation as one of Europe's coolest, most discerning music festivals. It's big on sustainability (all of the festival’s electricity is made with waste and residue renewables) as well as clever, diverse programming blending established international talents with local names - in fact, you'd be hard pushed to find a more carefully curated line-up. Also to be expected is culinary excellence and an abundance of thought-provoking art installations. Flow is a vegan-loving, culturally-informed hipster dream, but its charm will extend to anyone with an interest in quality music, art and good food.
For more information visit Flowfestival.com
Also Festival, UK
Headliners: Cassia, Dao of Jazz, Chris Lian Lloyd
When: 29 June - 1 July
What: If you want your festival to come with intellectual stimulation, coupled with theatre and disco music, then Also Festival is the one for you. Situated in a truly idyllic spot on the shores of Compton Pools, this small yet upmarket festival combines inspiring speakers, innovative and eclectic music, as well as creative workshops and a beautiful restaurant surrounded by greenery.
For more information visit Alsofestival.com
Lost Village, UK
Headliners: Friendly Fires, Four Tet, Everything Everything
When: 23 - 26 August
What: Described as an "immersive festival experience", Lost Village is staged in a forest in Lincolnshire - an otherworldly space where hedonism, creativity and wellness. The music has an electro focus, but the wooden hot tubs, yoga sessions, paint den, dreamcatcher workshops and theatre give it a wider appeal. A Patrón bar will be serving up cocktails to ensure you're never limited to lukewarm beer; in faCt, there are even masterclasses for you to replicate their concoctions at home. Lost Village amps up the surrealist elements you find at other festivals to create a magical ambience - actors covered in face paint and fancy dress mill about as the village's 'native inhabitants', there are surprise firework displays and midnight fairy dances in the lake. Book tickets now - already Lost Village is becoming a rising star.
For more information visit Lostvillage.com
HowTheLightGetsIn, UK
Headliners: Hot Chip (DJ) and Noam Chomsky
When: 25 - 28 May
HowTheLightGetsIn is the thinking man's festival, fusing philosophy with music and entertainment. This year's speakers, ranging from former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams to legendary activist Noam Chomsky, will explore the theme of darkness, authority and dreams. If it all sounds a little heavy, its music line-up of Hot Chip, Anna Matronic and The Orb will offer some evening relief. Let your imagination run free and take in endless ideas by day, then dance late into the night in the depths of the Welsh countryside.
For more information visit Hay.htlgi.iai.tv
All Points East, UK
Headliners: The xx, LCD Soundsystem, Nick Cave, Bjork
When: 25 May - 3 June
What: The latest festival to arrive in London has a billing far more eclectic than its peers, spanning Bjork, Father John Misty, LCD Soundsystem, St Vincent, Nick Cave and Patti Smith. Held in Victoria Park, the festival will take place over 10 days, bookended with headlining acts, while the interim days will be used to host free film screenings, as well as street food, comedy and theatre. Expect All Points East to dominate your Instagram feed come May.
For more information visit Allpointseastfestival.com
Camp Wildfire
When: 31 August - 3 September
What: Get ready to embrace your inner child at Camp Wildfire, which offers 60 activities inspired by bushcraft, adventure sports and well-being - think hovercraft racing and water slides followed up with late-night forest parties. It was recently crowned Best Small Festival by the UK Festival Awards and it's not hard to see why - Camp Wildfire is the perfect mix of music and adventures.
For more information visit Campwildfire.co.uk
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