The 12 best European music festivals, from Nos Alive to Ypsigrock
The festivals we've picked will likely tempt music fans to swap mud-trodden fields for a week in the sun.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.It’s no secret that UK festivals are battling to attract music fans in 2019. An explosion of brand new events has increased the number of early artist bookings, which means artists end up headlining multiple festivals, or are else restricted by exclusivity clauses. Many events struggle to appear relevant by booking all-white and/or all-male headliners, and recycle acts who have headlined at least once before rather than take a risk with someone new.
Glastonbury organiser Emily Eavis, daughter of founder Michael Eavis, recently aired her despair at its male-dominated booking culture and spoke of how she was viewed as “a hassle” for wanting to try and promote more female artists.
This year’s Glastonbury headliners are once again all male, even though Stormzy’s slot is a refreshingly bold and deserved choice, and The Cure are bound to be sensational.
Elsewhere, the UK’s other major festivals are looking rather bleak.
Look further afield, however, and you’ll find that other European events are trying that bit harder to offer their guests something more.
Whether it’s a stunning location, an incredible (and diverse) lineup or proper accessibility for less-abled guests, the festivals we've picked will likely tempt music fans to swap mud-trodden fields for a week in the sun.
From an industrial site in Helsinki to a medieval Sicilian castle: here are 12 of the best festivals in Europe.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments