Music festival s for 2010

COUNTDOWN TO BEST MUSIC FESTIVALS FOR 2010

Author: Scott Jamieson

CRANK up the volume on your social calendar this year by jet setting overseas to see your favourite band perform live in another city.

Music fans have kicked off the countdown to some of the world’s best sound-fests, with festival tickets selling fast for the summer staples and a full-house sign already up for Glastonbury.

The team at Student Flights has strung together a Top 10 list of music festivals for 2010, plus a few off-the-radar options for festival junkies.

Student Flights marketing manager Monica Baker said those who are keen to attend an international gig should lock in their airfares sooner rather than later to save disappointment.

“If you are heading overseas for a music festival this year, it is best to book your flights as soon as you know your travel dates to ensure for a better choice of airlines and times,” said Ms Baker.

“Booking early also means you can pocket significant savings, as the cheaper airfares on most major international routes sell first.

Student Flights specialises in round-the-world airfares, which allows travellers to stop in several countries en route to their final destination.

TOP 10 MUSIC FESTIVALS

1. Summerfest, Wisconsin
This has to be the world’s largest music festival, held across 11 days on 11 stages. Summerfest, also known as The Big Gig, attracts nearly 900,000 people each year and fills 75 acres of parkland along the lakefront in Milwaukee. It was established in the 1960s and is traditionally held from late June to early July, offering local and international music, along with shopping vendors, comedy acts and fireworks.

2. Glastonbury Festival, England
Glasto, as it is often referred to, is the largest green field music and performing arts festival in the world. The first ever Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Performing Arts was held the day after Jimi Hendrix died in 1970. Over the years, it has dramatically transformed itself to accommodate all kinds of revellers, from the laid-back muso to the hardcore raver, with designated acoustic areas and dance stages. This year’s event, from June 23 to 27, will be held at Worthy Farm in Pilton and has already sold out.

3. Lollapalooza, Chicago
This eight-stage American gig was first held in 1991 and over the years has provided a platform for immerging rock bands such as Pearl Jam, The Smashing Pumpkins and Green Day. From August 6 to 8 this year, Grant Park in downtown Chicago will come alive with the musical flavours of world class DJs hip hop, live comedy performances and budding youth bands.

4. Creamfields, Manchester
This dance music phenomenon was established by popular clubbing brand Cream in 1998 and is the only festival concept to be successfully to be implemented globally, with tours in the UK, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, and more recently Australia and Abu Dhabi.
In England, the sound-fest is held on the UK’s annual Bank Day Holiday in August.

5. Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, California
Better know among frequent festival goers as Coachella or Coachella Fest, this three-day event features an eccentric mix of international artists and bands of all genres, from alternative rock to electronic dance music, plus a display of large sculptural art. The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival will be held at the Empire Polo Fields in Indio this year.

6. Austin City Limits Music Festival, Texas
If you’re into music of all kinds, from acts such as Kings of Leon to Artic Monkeys and Pearl Jam, don’t miss the Austin City Limits Music Festival. Since its inauguration in 2002, this three-day gig has quickly become one of the USA’s premier rock festivals. This year a mixed bunch of music fans will unite at Texas’ Zilker Park to enjoy country, folk, indie, Americana, hip-hop, reggae, and blues from October 8 to 11.

7. Ibiza Rocks, Spain
Reclaim the dance floor and party under the sun at this sizzling summer festival in Ibiza.
This year’s event is held every Tuesday from June 8 to September 14 and is linked to the official Ibiza Rocks Hotel in the heart of San Antonio. Dance fans simply pick their preferred dates and bring along their mates for a good time.

8. Isle of Wight Festival, England
Tap along to the sassy sounds of established jazz artists from both sides of the Atlantic and Europe at the cool and classy gig in the small seaside village of Ventnour. Back in 1970 during its initial days, the Isle of Wight Festival was by far the largest and most recognised festivals, surpassing Woodstock with a killer line up of The Who, Jimi Hendrix and The Doors.
This year it will be held from April 9 to 11, is rumoured to feature a line up of emerging talents and attract a younger new jazz audience.

9. Fuji Rock, Japan
Japan’s annual Fuji Rock Festival in the ski village of Niigata is definitely a pop event with a difference. The festival features a mega line-up of international and Japanese talent, not to mention immaculate grounds, great food and some of the most hygienic toilets. This year’s event will be held from July 30 to August 1, 2010 at Naeba Ski Resort in Yuzawa-machi.

10. T in the Park, Scotland
When this Scottish gig started in 1994 as a two-day festival, but as it grew in popularity so too did its durations, and since 2007 has taken place over three days. Large camping sites at a disused airfield in Balado, in Perth and Kinross, accommodate the many festival goers who hang around for the weekend. T in the Park is named after its main sponsor the brewing company Tennents and is promoted by Big Day Out.


For interesting holiday packages and cheap international flights, visit www.studentflights.com.au or call Student Flights on 1300 019 130.


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