As the weather cools down the winter festival scene hots up, hosting some of the world’s best artists in idyllic locations around Europe. Whether your a pro on the piste or a snow-sceptic there’s an event to suit every festivalgoer this winter. Ski by day and rave by night at this years Snowbombing, soak up Oslo’s rich culture and nightlife whilst discovering the best Nordic talent at by:Larm or be the first to see all of the best emerging acts for the year ahead at Eurosonic Noorderslag. With so many year round options now available, this winter is the perfect time to discover next years music sensation. Here’s four of Europe’s best winter music festivals.
PARTY ON THE PISTE AT SNOWBOMBING
Snowbombing is a festival filled with fresh air, blue skies, black runs & white-hot parties. A week-long whirlwind of world class DJs and bands. The sixteenth edition of Europe’s largest, longest standing and most unique snow and music festival, takes place from 6th-11th April, 2015, in the snowy alpine town of Mayrhofen, Austria. With mountains as a perimeter fence 2,000 metres above sea level and boasting some of the most awe inspiring festival venues in the world, including a sky-high igloo, enchanted forest clearings, cosy alpine lodges and medieval barns, Snowbombing is a festival experience like no other. The 2015 edition offers up a world class selection of live acts and DJs including Rudimental, Skrillex, Fatboy Slim, Dubfire, Sub Focus, Jackmaster, MK, Hot Since 82 and many more with lots more still to be announced. So if dancing the night away to a picturesque alpine backdrop, listening to some of the world’s most groundbreaking music acts, relaxing in a luxury spa or just skiing on the fresh white snow appeals, then join Snowbombing for what’s set to be the most incredible year yet.
Snowbombing takes place from 6-11 April 2015 in Mayrhofen, Austria. Prices start from €290 for 5 nights’ accommodation and festival wristband www.snowbombing.com.
COMBINE A CITY BREAK WITH THE BEST OF NORDIC MUSIC AT BYLARM
From March 4 to March 7, the very best of Nordic music scene will gather in the heart of Oslo for Norway’s premiere music showcase festival by:Larm. From Swedish punk to Norwegian pop, from Icelandic electronica to Danish hip hop, by:Larm presents the highlights of the current Nordic music scene. With a diverse live program featuring over 100 artists, by:Larm shines the spotlight on new talents as well as showcasing some of the regions must successful exports. This year the highlights are set to include Sweden’s grammy award winning Karin Park and electronic upstarts Gidge, Norway’s Anna of the North, Finland’s Long-Sam and Denmark’s Communions. Taking over the Youngstoret area of Oslo, the gigs take place in some of the city’s most unique locations.
by:Larm takes place from 4-7 March 2015 in Oslo, Norway. Prices start from £28 for a one-day pass to £84 for the full festival pass www.bylarm.no.
BE THE FIRST AT EUROSONIC NOORDERSLAG
There’s a reason festival bookers and promoters flock to this annual live music get together in the Netherlands. If you want to know which new acts will set the festival season alight in 2015 then Eurosonic Noorderslag is the place to see them first. A showcase of the very best emerging European music, this year’s edition will see acts including Beatrice Eli (se), Kate, Tempest (uk), Mina Tindle (fr), Ninos du Brasil (it), Oscar & The Wolf (be), Samaris (is), Spidergawd (no), The Mirconaught (de), Years & Years (uk) take to the stage. Taking place in the Dutch university town of Groningen, It’s all about musical discovery.
Eurosonic Noordeslag takes place from 14-17 January in Groningen, The Netherlands. For more info and tickets visit www.eurosonic-noorderslag.nl.
DISCOVER A SMORGASBORD OF SCANDINAVIAN MUSIC AT WHERE’S THE MUSIC
Sweden is the world’s most successful exporter of chart music, in relation to GDP – from ABBA to Swedish House Mafia, Robyn and Icona Pop, via Roxette and The Cardigans there always seems to be at least one Swedish act at the top. To showcase what Sweden is best known for – great music, Where’s the Music? is a new festival that aims to present new artists to the curious music lover and industry professional in the picturesque town of Norrköping. Emerging swedish artists set to perform include; Silvana Imam and Yung Lean & Sad Boys – two of the best and most exciting Swedish Hip Hop acts, the King of Dance, Style of Eye, and dance pop duo Sharks, with rock’n’roll courtesy of Heavy Tiger and electro pop singer songewriter Ninsun Poli.
Where’s The Music? takes place from 12-14 February in Norrköping, Sweden. For more info and tickets go to www.wheresthemusic.se.
[Cover Photo: Andrew Whitton]
