Take a whistle-stop trip around the world with our guide to the best international music festivals of 2019.
Glastonbury, UK, 26-30 June
The world’s largest greenfield music and performing arts event, hosting around 175,000 people, was back with a vengeance this June. The festival to end all festivals, Glastonbury 2019 didn’t disappoint and was another unique, eclectic and unforgettable experience.
Headliners: Stormzy, The Killers, The Cure – with a surprise visit from The Foals
More information: Glastonbury Festival website
FIB (Festival Internacional de Benicàssim), Spain, 18-21 July
Nothing says “summer” better than a music festival by the sea. Located on the Spanish coast between Barcelona and Valencia, the Festival Internacional de Benicàssim has a varied but crowd-pleasing line-up.
Headliners: Fatboy Slim, Lana Del Rey, Kings of Leon
More information: FIB website
Tomorrowland , Belgium, 19-28 July
If you’re a fan of special effects, head to Tomorrowland. This event is famed for its awe-inspiring stage shows – last year featured a man-made erupting volcano. Along with its vibrant pop-up city, Dreamville, which provides a temporary home for the tens of thousands of revellers who flock to the festival each year. Taking place over two weekends in the aptly named Belgian town of Boom, Tomorrowland is a fixture in any dance fan’s calendar.
Headliners: Afrojack, Eric Prydz, Martin Garrix, Armin van Buuren
More information: Tomorrowland website
Lollapalooza, Chicago, USA, 1-4 August
Most festivals are held in one place, but Lollapalooza isn’t like most festivals. This global happening has branches all over the world – in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Berlin, Paris and Stockholm – but for the authentic Lolla experience, we recommend heading to its original home in the heart of Chicago. There, you’ll find alternative and electronic music, mouth-watering food and awesome activities, all set against the unforgettable backdrop of the Chicago city skyline. If you have kids, there’s a family-friendly Kidzapalooza event happening next door.
Headliners: The Strokes, Childish Gambino, Ariana Grande
More information: Lollapalooza website
Sziget Festival, Budapest, Hungary, 7-13 August
Enjoy an island paradise in the heart of the city at Sziget Festival in Budapest. This week-long celebration of diversity has more to offer than its amazing musical line-up; of particular interest is the Art of Freedom project – a series of unique sculptures and installations created especially for the event.
Headliners: Foo Fighters, Ed Sheeran, Twenty One Pilots, Florence and the Machine
More information: Sziget Festival website
Whichever festivals you attend this summer, you’re sure to be wowed by some amazing special effects on stage. At Entertainment Effects, we specialise in flames, pyrotechnics, Sparkular, confetti, illuminations and more – whatever the artist or stage production team wants, our team can provide it! Check out our work at the Brit Awards, the recent Livewire Festival in Blackpool and for artists including Lewis Capaldi.
