Rock Around the Block
Once the domain of students and hippies, music festivals have long hit the mainstream, attracting everyone from fashionistas to families as they pop up in all corners of the globe. Here’s our pick of some of the best rock fests on offer.
Glastonbury Festival, UK
(http://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/)
Having celebrated its 40th birthday in 2010, Glastonbury has firmly established itself as the king of rock festivals. These days it draws crowds of up to 150,000, most of whom camp in the area over the three to four days of the festival.
When: Annually in June, however there will be no festival in 2012.
Where: Glastonbury, UK
Who: 2011 saw heavyweights such as Coldplay and Beyoncé grace the Glastonbury stages.
Why: Besides a ridiculously good musical line-up, Glastonbury also showcases dance, comedy, theatre, circus, cabaret and other arts.
Fuji Rock, Japan
(http://www.smash-uk.com/)
Held high up in the mountains in Niigata Prefecture, Japan, Fuji Rock boasts a classic element that most modern music festivals have lost, namely that it takes place far from the city in a beautiful natural setting. Walking from stage to stage you will pass through forests, cross sparkling streams and enjoy spectacular views of the Japanese countryside.
When: Annually in July.
Where: Naeba Ski Resort, Niigata, Japan
Who: Arctic Monkeys, The Chemical Brothers, Wilco and Incubus were among the more than 200 bands that played in 2011.
Why: Renowned for being the cleanest festival in the world, Fuji Rock is also famous for the effort it puts into recycling.
Coachella, USA
(http://www.coachella.com/)
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is California’s premium music event. Featuring a range of rock, electronica, hip-hop and indie music, as well as a display of huge sculptures, the festival takes place in one of the USA’s hottest and driest spots in the California desert, where huge crowds camp out on an adjacent polo field. The scorching temperatures, which drop at night for a much needed reprieve, make this a guaranteed way to get a head start on summer.
When: Annually in April (from 2012 it will be held over two weekends, instead of over three consecutive days).
Where: Indio, California, USA
Who: The Strokes, Arcade Fire, Kanye West and Kings of Leon were just some of the big names in 2011.
Why: Because you get to camp out in the desert with some of the hottest groups in the music industry.
Primavera Sound, Spain
(http://www.primaverasound.com/)
One of Spain’s largest music festivals, Primavera, takes place in the city of Barcelona, which makes it a great option for those who don’t do tents and wellies. With about six stages and a three to five day line-up, this is a great way to welcome the European spring.
When: Annually in May.
Where: Barcelona, Spain
Who: Pulp, The National and PJ Harvey headlined the 2011 festival.
Why: With a view of the sea and not an ounce of mud in sight, this is the perfect choice for the “discerning” (or squeamish) festival-goer.
Big Day Out, Australia & New Zealand
(http://www.bigdayout.com/)
Big Day Out started with a bang. In 1992 the first organisers managed to get Violent Femmes and Nirvana in their line-up. Seeing as this was just months after the success of Nevermind, it is not surprising that the festival quickly reached cult status, and is now held in six cities across Australia and New Zealand.
When: January/February every year.
Where: Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Gold Coast and Auckland
Who: Grinderman, Bloody Beetroots, South Africa’s Die Antwoord, LCD Soundsystem and Angus & Julia Stone were some of the big attractions in 2011.
Why: Because 2012 is the 20th anniversary, so it is guaranteed to be better than ever.
Roskilde Festival, Denmark
(http://www.roskilde-festival.dk/)
One of the biggest European musical festivals, Roskilde began in 1971 when two ambitious high school students decided to take on the music scene. It has come a long way since then. This year, on its 40th birthday, it featured over 180 groups playing in front of more than 100,000 people. Roskilde offers the genuine festival experience, with fans sleeping on an 80 hectare campsite, access to which is included in the ticket price.
When: Annually in June/July.
Where: Just south of Roskilde, Denmark
Who: Portishead, Iron Maiden, Kings of Leon and The Strokes headlined the 2011 festival.
Why: Besides a consistently great line-up, Roskilde features other crazy activities, such as the annual nude run, a race where you showcase more than just your athletic ability.
Oppikoppi, South Africa
(http://www.oppikoppi.co.za/)
South Africa’s biggest contribution to the festival scene is Oppikoppi, which these days draws crowds of up to 15,000. It has branched out since it first started in 1994, and now offers a wide selection of entertainment, including jazz, house music, rock, punk and even comedy. The festival, which is arranged around a different theme each year (2011’s is “Unknown Brother”) takes place in Limpopo and offers three days of great music while camping in the bush.
When: Annually in August.
Where: Limpopo, South Africa
Who: Zebra & Giraffe, The Black Hotels, Desmond & The Tutus and Die Antwoord will be playing this year.
Why: Because local is lekker.
Pinkpop, Holland
(http://www.pinkpop.nl/)
Another big player on the European scene, Dutch festival Pinkpop has been going since 1970, giving it the Guinness World Book of Records’ status of oldest annual music festival in the world. Over its 41 years it has seen more than two million tickets sold. Due to its popularity it has grown from a one-day to a three-day festival and organisers have had to put a cap on annual ticket sales.
When: June every year.
Where: Landgraaf, Netherlands
Who: Foo Fighters, Coldplay and Kings of Leon headlined in 2011.
Why: Thanks to its beautiful, green setting and consistently great line-up, Pinkpop is sold out every year.
Story by Roberta Coci
