From boutique to totally bonkers,
here is my must do festival list for 2013, in no particular order (that
would be way too hard)
ATP Weekender, 10-12 May
There is something about watching
your favorite bands from a retro holiday camp that feels weirdly wholesome. Not
a word I would usually connect with a festival, but heading into my thirties,
it is reassuring to go to a festival where you can stay in a chalet, sleep
in a bed, & cook in your kitchen (ok, I might not go that far). All while
checking out new bands (TV On The Radio are curating this year so the lineup is
cherry-picked by them: result), playing on arcade machines & gate crashing
other people’s chalets until 6am (wholesome? who am I kidding). Previously in
Minehead, ‘All Tomorrow’s Parties’ comes this year in Camber Sands.
The Telegraph Hay Festival, 23 May – 02 June
If your idea of being a bookworm
is curling up in a deckchair on a pretty lawn cradling a pitcher of Pimms, then
this dazzling arts festival in Hay on Wye is one for you.
Winterwell, 8 June
With The Great Gatsby set to be
the film of the summer, I am surprised there are not more festivals cashing in
on the roaring 1920s theme. If flappers do float your boat then this Winter
well should be at the top of your list.
Benicassim, 18-21 July
I have heard so much about this
Spanish beach festival over the years. Sigh. But this year I am getting
even – & I am going.Latitude, 18-21 July.
An old favourite of mine & my
school friends, it was the first event that seemed to put as much effort into
the theatre, literary, comedy side as music – & pull it all off so
amazingly well.
Wilderness, 9-11 August
The festival that
introduced me to hot tubs & lake swimming will always have a special corner
in my heart. Now in third year, it continues to be what so many others try so
hard to be – an intelligent fusion of great acts (this year Empire of the Sun
& Tom Odell are on the line-up), amazing food (Er, hello, Polpo’s Russell
Norman & Mr Mark Hix), thought-provoking arts & hard partying (don’t
miss the masked ball in the woods).
The Green Man, 15-18 August
OK, there is a bit of a theme
here. I love Wales & I am not ashamed to admit my festival choices
are often steered by the promise of some quality time on those rolling about green
hills. If you feel the same then look no further than The Green Man, which
always has a stellar line-up & a great vibe. It is not full of drunken
teens. It is not full of screaming babies. It is just nice.
The Big Feastival, 31 August-01 September
In association with The Jamie
Oliver Foundation, this could be the big foodie ticket for 2013 with farmers
markets, pop-ups & boutique bars.
Bestival, 5-8 September
With an iconic fancy dress theme
& a stomping line-up for me is the unquestionable
daddy of all the festivals. Mixing old indie favourites (Franz Ferdinand), hip
hop legends & new talent & the legend that is Sir Elton John CBE.
Festival No 6, 13-15 September
If you have not been to the
eccentric little seaside town of Portmeiron in beautiful Wales yet, then I insist you kill two birds
with one stone & get your ass down here in the month, September. Explore
the quirky little village where cult 1960s drama” The Prisoner” was filmed
while checking out one of the coolest new festivals (it was recently voted NME’s
Best Small Festival 2013). What more could you ask for?
www.festivalnumber6.com
www.festivalnumber6.com
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