There’s no doubt that summer and festivals go hand in hand, so we’ll be adding to this list of the best places to go and acts to see. Keep checking back for updates, but in the meantime, here’s where we plan on putting up our tents . .
PUKKELPOP
Pukkelpop returns to Belgium Thursday 16th August, Friday 17 August, and Saturday 18th August at the festival grounds of Kiewit Hasselt. After the summer storm that hit the music festival last year claimed five lives and injured many others it was a question whether or not the festival would return. But they have decided to come back and have established a support fund to help victims and the families of the disaster.
On a lighter note, headlining the Thursday is Bjork whose lead-in acts include Bloc Party, The Mark Lanegan Band, and many others. The Stone Roses will headline Friday after the likes of Mark Ronson, The Afghan Whigs and Keane. And on Saturday, The Foo Fighters will close Pukkelpop with the line up including The Black Keys, All Time Low and others.
For more information on tickets, camping, and how to give back to Pukkelpop head to www.pukkelpop.be.
FIELD DAY
Field day returns for its sixth anniversary in London’s Victoria Park. Crowds of 20,000 people are expected to hit the six stages with a line up that includes Franz Ferdinand, The Vaccines, Beirut, and far too many more to mention. Whilst Field Day has a distinctly family friendly edge, even if you don’t have kids, head over to the Village to try your hand at Get The Lead on the Corgi, The Egg and Silver Spoon race, and Cornet Blowing.
Field Day takes place on 2nd June in Victoria Park, London, tickets are £45. www.fielddayfestivals.com
LOVEBOX
Forget the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and Lovebox, for festival goers this year’s main event comes courtesy of Lovebox‘s big birthday. The festival is ten years old this summer, and will be celebrating a decade of love and live music. Headlining the celebratory festival on the Friday is Hot Chip, on Saturday Friendly Fires will take to the stage and Sunday’s fierce line up includes Grace Jones, Lana Del Ray and recently added Chaka Khan.
Lovebox takes place on 15th-17th June in Victoria Park, London, tickets start at £29. www.lovebox.net
Notting Hill Carnival
Although not strictly a festival, there’s no denying that if you’re in London Notting Hill Carnival is the place to be. As a family friendly option the carnival fills the streets of Notting Hill, the sizzling smells of Jerk chicken, curried goat and plantain from the Caribbean food stalls fill the air, whilst the rhythmic sounds of Calypso, Soca and Steel Pan resound. Taking place this August Bank Holiday, The Carnival Band will take to the roads from 9 am on both the Sunday and Monday. The procession starts at Great Western Road and winds through Chepstow Road and out onto Westbourne Grove before finishing at Ladbroke Grove around 7 pm. Sunday is Kid’s Day in which costume prizes are awarded and Monday is adults day.
The Notting Hill Carnival, admission is free, closest tube stations are Westbourne Grove and Notting Hill Gate. Wear something distinguishable – the crowds get quite full on and it’s incredibly easy to lose sight of family and friends. www.thenottinghillcarnival.com