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With the festival season now upon us, we thought we’d take a look at ten great outdoor music events, both here in Blighty, and on foreign shores…

 

COACHELLA
CALIFORNIA, USA

The US, predictably, boasts some great festivals - SXSW, CMJ, Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza to name but a few. But Coachella is the one. Set in the Californian desert each spring, the three-day event draws in 50,000 punters each day wins, hands down. Blistering hot in the day, freezing at night, it the unique setting always attracts a stellar cast.

PRIMAVERA SOUND FESTIVAL
BARCELONA, SPAIN

Criticised for a lack of camping facilities but it makes up for it with a seaside location and a consistently great bill that often features bands who go on to become global sensations. Bon Iver, Vampire Weekend, and Bat for Lashes have all graced its stage.

ROSKILDE FESTIVAL
ROSKILDE, DENMARK

Along with our own Glastonbury, this is one of the most legendary festivals on the European circuit. Started by two Danish high school kids in 1971, its been always hosted the best bands around but was marred by tragedy in 2000 when nine people died during a crush while Pearl Jam were playing.

 
SUMMER SONIC
CHIBA & OSAKA, JAPAN

Started in 2000 and continued to build its reputation thanks to its top bills that always feature the coolest and best of rock, punk and hip hop. The Flaming Lips, The Temper Trap, The Ting Tings and The Big Pink have all played, as have Beyonce, Elvis Costello, Lady Gaga, Limp Bizkit, and Linkin Park.

 
QUILMES ROCK/PEPSI MUSIC FESTIVAL
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA

Who needs Rock in Rio when you’ve got this…or these, rather? Began in 2002 with a strong list of international acts, then Pepsi tried to take over sponsorship in 2005. In 2009 both Quilmes Rock and Pepsi Music existed as two separate festivals, the former in April, and the latter in late October-early November but they are both held in the same venues however — Ferro Stadium and River Plate Stadium. Last year both had awesome line-ups -  Quilmes had Radiohead, Kraftwerk, and KISS, while Pepsi Music had The Prodigy, Living Color, Faith No More.

 
GLASTONBURY, SOMERSET, ENGLAND

It might not be quite as authentic and boho as it once was, but Michael Eavis has done a good job of moving with the times and balancing the corporate with the essence of a true festival. It always rains, it’s always muddy, it’s like a small city in its own right and everyone wants to play it.  Part of the global musical tapestry.

 
LATITUDE, SUFFOLK, ENGLAND

The thinking mans festival, or so it likes to believe, and one popular with families, too.  Always hosts a hip selection of acts as well as all sorts of other arty bits and bobs. This year's line-up includes Florence + the Machine and Grizzly Bear.

GREENMAN, BRECON BEACONS, WALES

Another one that sees its reputation continue to flourish – which seems to irritate the faithful who have been attending since it started as a 300-guest gathering in 2003. Set in beautiful surroundings it boasts an incredible natural amphitheatre…and very clean toilets! Previous acts include Robert Plant and Jarvis Cocker.

 
READING, BERKSHIRE, ENGLAND

Now also incorporating a second site in Leeds, the legendary Reading Festival is a bastion of the rock establishment. Nirvana staged their comeback here, the Stone Roses finally died here. It’s loud, proud and frequently soaked in urine thanks to the flying piss-filled pint pots that have become a Reading tradition.

 
BESTIVAL, ISLE OF WHITE, ENGLAND

The more authentic of the Isle of White’s two major musical attractions. It might not get the huge names of its more corporate neighbour but then it doesn’t want to. Festival aficionados think it is the best festival, full stop thanks to its eclectic line-ups.  Punters can even get married in the inflatable church!