Festival Fever
Despite tempered enthusiasm in the lead up to Britain's biggest musical festival, Glastonbury has been regarded by most as quite the success story this year. Of course a lot is down to the weather, with 2008 being sunshine filled. But to add to the heat, sceptics were also pleasantly surprised by Jay Z's saturday night performance and somewhat shocked by Amy Winehouse's on-stage rage, as she lashed out at a fan who allegedly grabbed her hair.
Other excitements from the Somerset farm included a legendary moment from Leonard Cohen, who cajoled the fans with his 'Hallelujah', and a stellar performance from The Verve at the close of the festival.
For all those who are feeling like they missed out, fear not, there are plenty more festivals to come, both on our own isles and neighbouring countries not far from shore. Alex Goldsworthy takes a look at some of this summer's highlights.
Exit Festival (Novi Sad, Serbia)
10-13th July
This award winning festival, situated on the banks of the Danube next to a picturesque eighteen century fortress, claims to be one of the best festivals in Europe. It has grown from a small political festival into one of the most highly tipped summer events. The line up as it stands at the moment includes Primal Scream, Paul Weller, N.E.R.D Manu Chao, Sex Pistols and many more. Bjork was also predicted to play, but it is rumoured that Siberian authorities cancelled her due to her support of Kosovo’s independence.
Way Out West (Gothenburg, Sweden)
7-9th August
This left-field festival hosts one of the most exciting festival line-ups around. With the likes of Neil Young, Sonic Youth, Franz Ferdinand and Buzzcocks playing, this is bound to be a corker for all those who like their music with a slice of eccentricity on the side. Yet be warned: camping is unavailable and it’s likely the hotels in the coast of Göteborg will sky rocket, so grab them cheap while you can.
Latitude (Henham Park, Suffolk)
17-20th July
Latitude is not just a festival, but an all-encompassing cultral experince, with comedians such as Shappi Khorsandi, Stewart Lee, and poetry and literature readings from the likes of Louis de Bernière. And if this is not enough culture for you in one bucket, then there is also experiential theatre and Bollywood Dance lessons. The music’s not half bad either, featuring headline acts like Franz Ferdinand, Sigur Ros, Interpol and Grinderman strutting their stuff. All in all, this is no ordinary festival, so expect an enlightened crowd.
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Other excitements from the Somerset farm included a legendary moment from Leonard Cohen, who cajoled the fans with his 'Hallelujah', and a stellar performance from The Verve at the close of the festival.
For all those who are feeling like they missed out, fear not, there are plenty more festivals to come, both on our own isles and neighbouring countries not far from shore. Alex Goldsworthy takes a look at some of this summer's highlights.
Exit Festival (Novi Sad, Serbia)
10-13th July
This award winning festival, situated on the banks of the Danube next to a picturesque eighteen century fortress, claims to be one of the best festivals in Europe. It has grown from a small political festival into one of the most highly tipped summer events. The line up as it stands at the moment includes Primal Scream, Paul Weller, N.E.R.D Manu Chao, Sex Pistols and many more. Bjork was also predicted to play, but it is rumoured that Siberian authorities cancelled her due to her support of Kosovo’s independence.
Way Out West (Gothenburg, Sweden)
7-9th August
This left-field festival hosts one of the most exciting festival line-ups around. With the likes of Neil Young, Sonic Youth, Franz Ferdinand and Buzzcocks playing, this is bound to be a corker for all those who like their music with a slice of eccentricity on the side. Yet be warned: camping is unavailable and it’s likely the hotels in the coast of Göteborg will sky rocket, so grab them cheap while you can.
Latitude (Henham Park, Suffolk)
17-20th July
Latitude is not just a festival, but an all-encompassing cultral experince, with comedians such as Shappi Khorsandi, Stewart Lee, and poetry and literature readings from the likes of Louis de Bernière. And if this is not enough culture for you in one bucket, then there is also experiential theatre and Bollywood Dance lessons. The music’s not half bad either, featuring headline acts like Franz Ferdinand, Sigur Ros, Interpol and Grinderman strutting their stuff. All in all, this is no ordinary festival, so expect an enlightened crowd.
MORE >
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