Glastonbury
What: Glastonbury is the lion of the festival world. If you haven’t got a ticket yet you’re probably not getting in, but for the record, confirmed acts for 2009 include Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young, Doves, Lilly Allen, Madness and – wait for it – Rolf Harris. What makes this the ticket of the summer, however, is the presence of newly reformed Britpop kings, Blur. They’ve rocked Glastonbury countless times in the past, but never before with a cheese farmer on bass. Expect a mature set.
Where: Worthy Farm, Glastonbury, UK
When: June 24-28
Getting there: Both British Airways and Etihad fly direct to London Heathrow, from where you can get the Reading Railair link from the airport bus station. Once in Reading, options abound – hitching is the only hippy-approved method.
www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk
Roskilde
What: Any festival that boasts 175 acts is bound to look a bit bargain basement, but Denmark’s favourite summer hangout has the biggest names in the business. Where else are you going to find Coldplay, Oasis, Slipknot and Fleet Foxes on the same bill? Throw in ’80s throwbacks Pet Shop Boys and Madness, and you have an eclectic little shindig that looks to be giving Glastonbury a run for its money.
Where: About 35km west of Copenhagen
When: July 2-5
Getting there: The festival has its own train station, and you can fly to Copenhagen from Abu Dhabi via Brussels Airlines.
www.roskilde-festival.dk
Benicassim
What: The fashionable young lad about town, as far as rock festivals go. Benicassim, a sun-kissed festival just north of Spain’s Alicante, is growing increasingly popular with pasty Brits abroad, though that’s probably not any kind of recommendation. The lineup, however, looks like the retro-mod’s dream come true, with Paul Weller, Oasis and Franz Ferdinand in attendance. Kings of Leon and The Killers prevent this from becoming the Brit-fest to end them all.
Where: Benicassim, Valencia, Spain
When: July 16-19
Getting there: Brussels Airlines can get you to Barcelona from Abu Dhabi, with a brief stop in Belgium. Once in Spain, trains are the most convenient option.
www.fiberfib.com
Fuji Rock
What: Asia’s best-loved festival is fast becoming Japan’s second choice. Fuji Rock has a reputation for bringing in the same acts year upon year, while its more youthful competitor, Summer Sonic, goes for modernity and variation. This year’s lineup includes Animal Collective, who seem to be the current darlings of the underground, as well as plenty of former ‘current darlings’, such as Basement Jaxx, Franz Ferdinand and The Killers. And a Japanese rock festival wouldn’t be complete without Weezer, so they’ll be there too.
Where: Naeba Ski Resort, Japan
When: July 24-26
Getting there: From Abu Dhabi airport, Etihad Airways connects with ANA in Singapore to fly you straight into Tokyo. From there, take the bullet train to the festival near JR Echigo Yuzawa Station.
www.smash-uk.com/frf09
Reading & Leeds
What: Traditionally the heavier of the British indie festivals, this year’s dual-city extravaganza promises Kaiser Chiefs, Arctic Monkeys, Bloc Party and Radiohead – each of them big hitters with no very recent releases to their names. Kings of Leon weigh in to add some rawk to the poppy mix, and The Prodigy show up to keep the whole thing bouncy, but alongside the likes of Roskilde, it all feels a little lightweight.
Where: Little John’s Farm, Reading, and Bramham Park, Wetherby, Leeds,UK
When: August 28-30, with the main acts alternating between cities each night.
Getting there: Etihad or BA to Heathrow or Manchester, then offer yourself to the mercy of the British railways.
www.readingfestival.com
