Festivals have long been at the centre of music culture; from iconic photographs of Woodstock to the Britpop and grunge scenes that dominated Glastonbury during the 1990s, festivals have created lasting memories for generations of people, influenced countless budding young artists, and inspired many exciting new genres of music.
And now, as the music scene continues to embrace an ever-more global approach, there has never been a better time to experience the diverse musical cultures around the world by treating yourself to festivals that capture the heart and soul of the people who created them.
So, here are some top picks to add to your bucket list of the best music festivals to attend before you die!
Full Moon Party, Koh Phangan, Thailand
The Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan is one of the biggest beach parties in Thailand, hosting up to 30,000 festival-goers. It features some of the very best electronic music by both local and international DJs, from house to psytrance, as well as other genres such as drum and bass, hip hop, and pop.
With the sale and consumption of alcohol banned during Buddhist festivals, and drugs strictly illegal in Thailand under threat of severe penalties, the Full Moon Party can be ideal for the sober party animal. But if you do like to partake, don’t let this put you off, as the Full Moon Party is a lively and visually stunning experience, set on one of the most spectacular beaches in Thailand.
The Jungle-themed party of June 2023 features DJs Aaron Sevilla, Juany Bravo, Marco Loco, and Rob Gritton, as well as performances by local artists, dancers and acrobats, and Muay Thai professional fighters.
Dekmantel, Netherlands
Dekmantel is a raver’s paradise, set in the ever-so-liberal Amsterdam and host to some of the biggest DJs on the techno, house, and trance scenes. Inspired by the local clubbing scene, Dekmantel is a glimpse into the future of dance music, playing some of the most ground-breaking sets in the middle of the picturesque Amsterdamse Bos Park.
2022’s festival featured some of the most cutting-edge East African clubbing music from Kampala’s DJ Kampire, as well as RnB singers Erika de Casier and Keiyaa, and São Paulo’s electro icons Cashu and BADSISTA.
In 2023, we can expect equally stunning live performances from 80’s icon Gary Numan, as well as Jeff Mills, William Basinski, Lucrecia Dalt, Voices From The Lake, Kate NV, Rachika Nayar, Nala Sinephro, Hudson Mohawke, and Mohammad Reza Mortazavi – among many others.
Benicàssim, Spain
If you’re looking to combine your beach holiday with some of the best guitar and electronica music on the planet, look no further than Benicàssim.
Benicàssim went from 50K capacity in 2009 to 150K in under a decade, and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular! Benicàssim has it all, from the town centre just 20 minutes away, to the nearby sunny summer beaches.
You can choose whether to stay in one of Benicàssim’s many luxurious hotels and apartments, or sweat it out au naturel in your tent with the other festival goers. And with the music starting at 5PM in the afternoon, you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy the beauty of the local area following a much-needed siesta.
At Benicàssim 2023, you can get your tan while enjoying treats such as The Offspring, Franz Ferdinand, Bastille, Kaiser Chiefs, and The Wombats.
Glastonbury, UK
What music festival bucket list would be complete without Glastonbury?
British music has a long history of breaking boundaries, and Glastonbury is no exception. The festival has led the UK music scene for decades, featuring iconic performances by some of the most influential artists of our age. From Bowie to Beyonce, Glastonbury has hosted the biggest stars and played an essential role in nurturing new genres.
Plus, having had some of the biggest names in rock and punk – such as Metallica, T. Rex, and Skunk Anansie – headline over the years, Glastonbury has played an essential role in the growth of the British alternative music scene, and to this day continues to inspire new artists around the world.
2023’s festival lineup includes names such as Guns ’N’ Roses, Blondie, The Arctic Monkeys, Lizzo, Lil Naz X, Lana Del Rey, and Maneskin. But if you do go, remember to bring your wellies!
Empire Festival, Guatemala
With its electronic beats, trippy lighting displays, endless activities, and sun, sea and sand, Empire Festival is a transcendental experience for the music-loving globe trotter.
Empire is Guatemala’s top EDM festival and one of the best festivals in Central America, boasting an incredible lineup and two days of non-stop partying. With first-class production and top musical talent on show, attendees will enjoy an immersive experience that will leave them enchanted with the region and its culture.
The Empire Festival has something for everyone to enjoy, offering four stages, a variety of music genres, art installations, fairground rides, and more, meaning it provides a thrilling experience that will leave you hungry for more!
Superlocrian 
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