Top 6 European festivals worth making the trip for

We’re now fast approaching our favourite time of year here at Team GP: Festival Season. This year, though, we’re thinking that it might be a good idea to explore some festivals further afield in Europe.

While the music festivals here in the UK are undoubtedly hard to beat, there are some incredible experiences to be found on the continent. Combine with a holiday, and you’ll really be getting your money’s worth from your flights! Here are the European festivals that top our must-see list in 2019…

1. We Love Green, France, 1 – 2 June

As its name suggests, Paris' We Love Green Festival is as much about inspiring its visitors to think more about their impact on their environment as it is providing them with a good time.From its innovative take on eco-toilets to its scarce use of plastic and workshops on sustainable living, this is one eco-friendly festival worth getting on the plane for.

In addition to its progressive ethics, We Love Green also boasts a line-up that can match the best of them. This year’s headliners include Australian psych-rock band Tame Impala and French pop superstar, Christine and the Queens. 

2. Istanbul International Music Festival, Turkey, 11 – 30 June

For those with more refined musical tastes, there’s the Istanbul International Music Festival. Organised by the Istanbul Foundation for Culture and Arts, the festival looks to create opportunities for artists to share their inspiration with each other and contribute to the “enrichment of the national and international classical music repertoire”.

Taking place across a number of stunning venues across the city, this year’s programme features a performance by Yuja Wang, accompanied by the Luxembourg Philharmonic Orchestra, which is sure to prove a highlight. 

3. Secret Solstice, Iceland,  21 – 23 June

Secret Solstice, set just outside Reykjavik, is the festival that never sleeps. The festivities continue throughout the night – with a little help from the 24-hour midnight sun, which is almost ever-present throughout the summer equinox.

Combining a celebration of Iceland’s natural beauty with a diverse line-up of classic and up-and-coming artists, Secret Solstice is a truly unique experience – think raves inside glacier caves!

Joining the party this year are The Black Eyed Peas, Rita Ora and Patti Smith.

4. Roskilde, Denmark, 29 June – 6 July

Roskilde Festival was founded by two high school students in 1971 and was Denmark's first music-oriented festival created for hippies. It has since grown into an event that attracts people of all different music tastes from all over the world, with a stellar line-up of globally recognised artists.

Topping the bill at this year’s festival are The Cure, Cardi B, Travis Scott, Bob Dylan, MØ, Vampire Weekend, Janelle Monae, Robyn, Underworld, and Robert Plant & The Sensational Shape Shifters.

Every year there’s the opportunity to win a ticket for next year’s festival – all you have to do is win the naked run around the campsite, organised by Roskilde Festival Radio. We’re not saying anymore than that...

5. Sziget, Hungary, 7 – 13 Aug

Sziget is one of the true bucket-list festivals. Held in northern Budapest on Óbudai-sziget, a leafy 108-hectare island on the Danube, Sziget is one of biggest multi-genre music festivals in the world, welcoming acts from all across the world.

Sziget claims to be more than just a festival, with a circus, theatre, museum quarter (you can even take a dip in the Danube!) to be enjoyed in between the festival’s headliners, which this year include Ed Sheeran, Foo Fighters and The 1975.

6. Outlook Festival, Croatia, 4 – 8 Sept

Outlook is Croatia's number one bass music festival and this year it welcomes acts including Chase & Status, Goldie, Shy FX, Andy C and many more.

But what makes Outlook such a special festival is its setting. Housed within the illuminating walls of Pula's Fort Punta Christo and its 2000-year-old Roman amphitheatre, Outlook makes incredible use of the fortress’ unique spaces.

Outlook have announced that this summer will be their final year at Fort Punta Christo, a site they have called their home for the past 10 years. So, if you want to experience Outlook as was intended, 2019 is the year to go!

Before you start checking out flights, take a look at our blog on how to get ready for festival season. Or if you’re interested in family-friendly summer festivals in the UK, then we’ve also got some great tips for you right here. And, wherever your adventurous side takes you this year, don’t forget to take a GP PowerBank to keep your tech running and ensure you capture all those magical moments.

Have you ever been to a festival abroad? Tell us about your experience on our Twitter or Facebook pages. Happy festival-ing!