9 UNFORGETTABLE MUSIC FESTIVAL ESCAPES WORTH THE FLIGHT

The global festival scene is thriving, with a diverse array of unique festival escapes in exciting new destinations. From mountain top snow festivals and exotic Moroccan escapes, to adventures in the Costa Rica jungle, wallet friendly Eastern European hotspots and amazing city festivals to combine with long weekends of culture and sightseeing, there’s something for every festival adventurer. Need some inspiration? Here’s 9 unforgettable festival escapes for 2017…

START 2017 WITH A TRANSFORMATIONAL FESTIVAL

Located where beach meets forest and waterfalls in the jungle of Uvita, Costa Rica’, Envision Festival days are bursting with art, spirituality, yoga and education, whilst nights are committed to celebrating humanity through music, dance and performance. Offering an enticing mix of world music, dance music, reggae and live acts, the 2017 line-up includes Opiuo, Autograf, Rising Appalachia, Goldfish, Blond:ish and Acid Pauli. Envision also features an impressive lineup of top yoga instructors, including Envision Yoga Program. Director and former adidas Global Yoga Trainer Ashleigh Sergeant, plus inspiring talks from speakers including John Perkins, author of Confessions of an Economic Hitman and Burning Man Founders Crimson Rose and Will Roger Peterson. Envision is also 100% renewable and its focus on sustainable permaculture makes it one of the world’s leading green events.

Envision takes place from 23-26 February 2017. To book tickets visit envisionfestival.com

RAVE IN AN IGLOO AT SNOWBOMBING, THE WORLD’S NO.1 FESTIVAL ON SNOW

Snowbombing. Where to start… Mayrhofen, Austria, that’s where. A festival up a mountain 8,497ft above ordinary, in one of the finest ski resorts in Europe, showcasing world class acts in the most unique venues imaginable (think igloo raves, enchanted forest parties and mountain-top stages). Luxurious spas, rooftop hot tubs, authentic alpine cuisine, 650km of unadulterated piste and not a tent in sight. Snowbombing 2017 promises to be the most ambitious event to date with a world-class lineup that includes Run The Jewels, Chase & Status, Dixon, Courteeners, Blossoms, Slaves, Novelist, Monki, Grandmaster Flash, KiNK, Groove Armada, Eats Everything, Cassy, Stefflon Don and many, many more. All this plus TV legend Pat Sharp is set to bring his FunHAUS to SB17! Now, alongside Mr Motivator, Eddie the Eagle, Chairlift Speed dating, Snowlympics and more, Snowbombing and Pat Sharp’s FunHAUS will host a superb array of alpine antics, including House of Voga, Bongo’s Bingo, the Zell Brass Oompah Band and a trio of tribute acts that includes Noasis, Antarctic Monkeys and Daft as Punk. Snowbombing 2017 – the ultimate music festival on snow.

Snowbombing takes place from 3-8 April 2017. To book tickets visit snowbombing.com.

MIX MUSIC, CULTURE AND GASTRONOMY ON A CITY BREAK TO BILBAO FOR BILBAO BBK LIVE

Set atop the Kobetamendi Hill with breathtaking views across culture-rich Bilbao, Bilbao BBK Live 2017 will showcase acts including Depeche Mode, The Killers, Die Antwoord, Justice, Phoenix, Two Door Cinema Club, Fleet Foxes, The 1975, Sundara Karma, Cabbage and a whole host of Spanish musical talent. Basoa, the festivals carefully curated dance music space will also play host to uninterrupted party sessions from many of the most-respected names in electronic music including Dixon, The Black Madonna, Andrew Weatherall, Daphni, Job Jobse, DJ Tennis and Motor City Drum Ensemble. With many more acts still to be announced, it’s the perfect excuse for a long weekend in Bilbao, home to the Guggenheim Museum, a vast cultural hub, and the world-famous Basque gastronomic scene.

Bilbao BBK Live takes place from 6-8 July 2017. To book tickets visit bilbaobbklive.com

PARTY IN A FORTRESS OVERLOOKING THE RIVER DANUBE AT EXIT FESTIVAL IN SERBIA

Just a short ride away from the Serbian capital Belgrade, the magical Petrovaradin Fortress set high on the banks of the river Danube in Novi Sad provides the perfect setting for the EXIT Festival. Started as a student protest in 2000 fighting for political change and freedom, EXIT continues to spread positive vibes, promoting change and positive education, supporting many community and humanitarian missions, while throwing a damn good party. The award winning festival has something for music lovers of all genres with a diverse mix of artists performing on numerous stages connected by cobbled streets, ramparts and tunnels. Also renowned for it’s amazing atmosphere and energy the Dance Arena champions the who’s who in the electronic music world set in the awe inspiring moat of the fortress, it’s that special moment when the sun’s rays shine over the fortress walls and your favourite tune is belting through the soundsystem and into your soul! EXIT continues to deliver the most adventurous and value for money festival experiences in Europe so keep your eyes peeled for the first acts to be announced soon. EXIT. Where hedonism meets activism.

Exit Festival takes place from 6-9 July 2017. 4-day tickets from £79 available at exitfest.org.

ENJOY THE PICTURESQUE WOODLAND SETTING OF POSITIVUS FESTIVAL IN LATVIA

Taking place in the picturesque coastal town of Salacgriva in Latvia,Positivus is the largest music and arts festival in the Baltic States, transporting chart-topping headliners, underground emerging talent and exciting art and dance stages to their unspoiled atmospheric coastal setting amid stunning woodland. Festival goers can dip their toes in the baltic sea or take in the atmosphere in a hammock beneath the trees while enjoying a rich diversity of international chart toppers and underground emerging talent in this idyllic holiday location. Positivus also offers art and dance stages giving festival goers a variety of activities and stalls selling locally made designer clothing and accessories, giving festival goers plenty to see and do during the 3 day event. Positivus was also recognised in the 2013, 2015 and 2016 European Festival Awards being a finalist in the ‘Best Medium Sized Festival’ category and also for ‘Best Festival Line Up’ in 2013. First acts for 2017 will be announced soon

Positivus takes place from 14-16 July 2017. 3 day festival passes from £67 at positivusfestival.com

DISCOVER THE BEST ALTERNATIVE MUSIC AT OFF FESTIVAL IN KATOWICE

OFF is a festival for the discerning music fan and the place to discover the best alternative acts from around the world. A truly unique boutique music festival, OFF Festival takes place in ‘Three Lake Valley’, Katowice – a beautiful green oasis in the heart of industrial Silesia. OFF is a way of life, one that flies in the face of current trends and stays true to itself, and the ethos of organiser Artur Rojek is firmly aimed at supporting art and music with the festival bringing many acts to Poland for the first time. OFF Festival’s reputation is growing year on year driven by the festivals forward–thinking, eclectic music policy and it’s bold and eclectic lineups. From the greatest alternative music stars from around the world to the increasingly strong Polish scene, OFF festival has inspiring music in abundance and the organisers and crowd have one serious finger on the pulse when it comes to music. This year will be more of the same with the first acts announced being Circuit Des Yeux, Kikagaku Moyo, Swans and The Black Madonna.

OFF Festival takes place from 4-6 August 2017. 3-day tickets from £52 available at off-festival.pl.

FIND YOUR ZEN AT MYSTERYLAND’S HEALING GARDEN

Just a short distance from the city of Amsterdam, the world’s longest running dance music festival takes visitors on a creative journey, combining the finest electronic music with an extensive arts and culture line-up. With over 346 acts, criss-crossing house, techno, disco, African beats, vinyl-only, hardstyle, hip hop and feel-good bands, there’s something for every electronic music fan. The extensive lifestyle and culture programme also features theatre, movies, live art, interactive installation art, street performers, hidden raves in the forests and spectacular shows. At the Healing Garden, you can take some time to find your Zen and go back to the dancefloor feeling completely at peace and ready to dance through the entire weekend.

Mysteryland takes place from 26 – 27 August 2017. To book tickets visit mysteryland.nl

JOURNEY TO NORTH AFRICA TO DANCE BENEATH THE STARS AT MOROCCO’S OASIS FESTIVAL

Nestled on the outskirts of the bustling city of Marrakech in the luxurious surroundings of the Source music resort, Oasis brings a slice of festival paradise to Morocco, shining the light on North Africa as the latest must-visit festival destination. In addition to the cutting-edge music programme, there is ample opportunity to nourish the mind, body and soul with daily yoga, massage and reflexology. Guests can also experience Moroccan culture on-site with authentic local street food, a wide selection of locally produced and organic products, market vendors, henna artists and more. With the ‘Red City’ of Marrakech just 10 minutes from the festival it’s also the perfect opportunity to explore the rich Berber, Arabic and Moorish culture, historic sights, desert landscapes, souks, spas and aromatic cuisine.

Oasis takes place from 15 – 17 September 2017. To book tickets visit theoasisfest.com.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ELECTRONIC MUSIC CULTURE AT THE AMSTERDAM DANCE EVENT

Amsterdam’s thriving club and nightlife scene is well documented and for 5 days a year the city becomes the centre of the electronic music world as over 375,000 visitors flock to the city for the Amsterdam Dance Event. The ultimate music festival for fans of electronic music takes place in October, featuring more than 2,200 international artists performing in more than 100 of Amsterdam’s most celebrated venues including Melkweg, Closure, Gashouder, Claire, Shelter, Paradiso, the NDSM Docklands and De School. In addition to the extensive line-up of the ADE Festival, ADE also offers music enthusiasts a large and varied daytime program featuring a wealth of dance music-related exhibitions, films, documentaries, DJ showcases, gear master classes and artist Q&A’s, taking place across Amsterdam’s five main districts, utilising historical locations and unique venues across the city.

ADE takes place from 18 – 22 October 2017. To book tickets visit www.amsterdam-dance-event.nl.