The Best City Festivals To Book For 2016

This year’s coolest festivals don’t require wellies or a tent. For 2016 we’re all about European music weekenders for the biggest acts minus the mud. Plus - they’re a great excuse for a city break.

Wild Life Festival

This Brighton-based festival was a sell-out in its first year, and it might just have something to do with its founders being two of the UK’s most buzzed artists of the past few years - Disclosure and Rudimental combine forces to pull in a stellar line-up. Being based in the coolest coastal city in the country only adds to its prowess as one of hottest new UK festivals. The line-up for the City Airport location is soon to be announced.

11 & 12 June, www.wildlifefestival.com

Primavera

One of Europe’s most established urban festivals, Primavera is unrivalled. Both the central Barca and smaller Porto locations make it easy to absorb the culture of the cities by day, and enjoy the eclectic line-up and dance tents into the small hours. Tame Impala, PJ Harvey have been announced for the Barca bill, as well as LCD Soundsystem who make a much-anticipated return after a five-year hiatus. So far, only French duo Air are confirmed for the Porto edition, but really it’s a toss up between the Barca’s cool culture and Porto’s impressive history and guaranteed sun. Take your pick.

1-5 June (Barcelona) and 9-11 June (Porto), www.primaverasound.com and www.nosprimaverasound.com

Way Out West, Gothenburg

For three days in August, Way Out West festival takes over Gothenburg’s Slottsskogen park, promising sun and a laid-back atmosphere. Festival-goers divide the day between sipping beer in Alice In Wonderland style chill-out lounges, munching on delicious veggie street food, and soaking in a stellar line-up of indie, pop and rap. This year’s acts include Jamie XX, Chvrches and new kid on the block, London-born rapper Stormzy. Though if that all sounds a little tame, fear not - by night the festival takes over some of the coolest venues throughout the city for after-hours gigs and parties. Add to all this Gothenburg's burgeoning status as Sweden’s new hotspot (British Airways have doubled their flights to the city this year) and and it’s hard to find an excuse not to go.

August 11 - 13, www.wayoutwest.se/en

Lost and Found, Malta

Annie Mac founded Lost and Found last year and it became an instant hit with followers of her infamous mixtapes. The unspoilt beaches of Malta, a castle and boat parties are an idyllic backdrop to the dancing until dawn. The set list includes Annie’s partner Toddla T, and other massively hyped DJ pals including Disclosure, Julio Bashmore and Seth Troxler. Book into one of the pool party hotels if you want to be sure of a non-stop party weekender.

31 March - 3 April, www.lostandfoundfestival.com

Lovebox, London

For a festival experience closer to home, it’s got to be London’s Lovebox. Now in its 11th year, the festival consistently throws an unforgettable party over two days in Victoria Park. This year’s headliners are Major Lazer on Friday, while dance crew LCD Soundsystem head up the Saturday show with their only London gig of the summer, and as aforementioned - one of their first gigs in five years. With all sorts of colourful entertainment on the side and plenty of after-parties to choose from, it’s not to be missed.

15-16 July, www.loveboxfestival.com/info