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The global festival scene is thriving, with a diverse array of unique festival escapes in exciting new destinations. From mountain top snow festivals and exotic Moroccan escapes, to adventures in the Costa Rica jungle, wallet friendly Eastern European hotspots and amazing city festivals to combine with long weekends of culture and sightseeing, there’s something for every festival adventurer. Need some inspiration? Here’s 9 unforgettable festival escapes for 2017.
START 2017 WITH A TRANSFORMATIONAL FESTIVAL AT COSTA RICA’S ENVISION FESTIVAL
Located where beach meets forest and waterfalls in the jungle of Uvita, Costa Rica’, Envision Festival days are bursting with art, spirituality, yoga and education, whilst nights are committed to celebrating humanity through music, dance and performance. Offering an enticing mix of world music, dance music, reggae and live acts, the 2017 line-up includes Opiuo, Autograf, Rising Appalachia, Goldfish, Blond:ish and Acid Pauli. Envision also features an impressive lineup of top yoga instructors, including Envision Yoga Program. Director and former adidas Global Yoga Trainer Ashleigh Sergeant, plus inspiring talks from speakers including John Perkins, author of Confessions of an Economic Hitman and Burning Man Founders Crimson Rose and Will Roger Peterson. Envision is also 100% renewable and its focus on sustainable permaculture makes it one of the world’s leading green events.
Envision takes place from 23-26 February 2017. To book tickets visit envisionfestival.com
RAVE IN AN IGLOO AT SNOWBOMBING, THE WORLD’S NO.1 FESTIVAL ON SNOW
Snowbombing. Where to start... Mayrhofen, Austria, that’s where. A festival up a mountain 8,497ft above ordinary, in one of the finest ski resorts in Europe, showcasing world class acts in the most unique venues imaginable. Luxurious spas, rooftop hot tubs, authentic alpine cuisine, 650km of unadulterated piste and not a tent in sight. Snowbombing 2017 promises to be the most ambitious event to date with a world-class lineup that includes Run The Jewels, Chase & Status, Dixon, Courteeners, Blossoms, Slaves, Novelist, Monki, Grandmaster Flash, KiNK, Groove Armada, Eats Everything, Cassy, Stefflon Don and many, many more. All this plus TV legend Pat Sharp is set to bring his FunHAUS to SB17! Now, alongside Mr Motivator, Eddie the Eagle, Chairlift Speed dating, Snowlympics and more, Snowbombing and Pat Sharp’s FunHAUS will host a superb array of alpine antics, including House of Voga, Bongo’s Bingo, the Zell Brass Oompah Band and a trio of tribute acts that includes Noasis, Antarctic Monkeys and Daft as Punk. Snowbombing 2017 - the ultimate music festival on snow.
Snowbombing takes place from 3-8 April 2017. To book tickets visit snowbombing.com.
MIX MUSIC, CULTURE AND GASTRONOMY ON A CITY BREAK TO BILBAO FOR BILBAO BBK LIVE
Set atop the Kobetamendi Hill with breathtaking views across culture-rich Bilbao, Bilbao BBK Live 2017 will showcase acts including Depeche Mode, The Killers, Die Antwoord, Justice, Phoenix, Two Door Cinema Club, Fleet Foxes, The 1975, Sundara Karma, Cabbage and a whole host of Spanish musical talent. Basoa, the festivals carefully curated dance music space will also play host to uninterrupted party sessions from many of the most-respected names in electronic music including Dixon, The Black Madonna, Andrew Weatherall, Daphni, Job Jobse, DJ Tennis and Motor City Drum Ensemble. With many more acts still to be announced, it’s the perfect excuse for a long weekend in Bilbao, home to the Guggenheim Museum, a vast cultural hub, and the world-famous Basque gastronomic scene.
Bilbao BBK Live takes place from 6-8 July 2017. To book tickets visit bilbaobbklive.com
PARTY IN A FORTRESS OVERLOOKING THE RIVER DANUBE AT EXIT FESTIVAL IN SERBIA
Just a short ride away from the Serbian capital Belgrade, the magical Petrovaradin Fortress set high on the banks of the river Danube in Novi Sad provides the perfect setting for the EXIT Festival. Started as a student protest in 2000 fighting for political change and freedom, EXIT continues to spread positive vibes, promoting change and positive education, supporting many community and humanitarian missions, while throwing a damn good party. The award winning festival has something for music lovers of all genres with a diverse mix of artists performing on numerous stages connected by cobbled streets, ramparts and tunnels. Also renowned for it’s amazing atmosphere and energy the Dance Arena champions the who’s who in the electronic music world set in the awe inspiring moat of the fortress, it’s that special moment when the sun’s rays shine over the fortress walls and your favourite tune is belting through the soundsystem and into your soul! EXIT continues to deliver the most adventurous and value for money festival experiences in Europe so keep your eyes peeled for the first acts to be announced soon. EXIT. Where hedonism meets activism.
Exit Festival takes place from 6-9 July 2017. 4-day tickets from £79 available at exitfest.org.
-Compiled by Mariam Nihal
