If you are looking at the excellent line-up for Oxegen but dreading the thought of yet another mudfest, you might want to consider getting your festival fix abroad. From Milwauke’s epic 11 day Summerfest to China’s massive punk festivals, there is a world of music events out there which don’t require you to pack those wellingtons.
The Garden Festival (Croatia)
July 2-11
Looking out onto the Adriatic sea is the 900 year old fishing village of PetreÄane which has for the last four years been the home to the most intimate festival you will ever experience. The Garden Festival is a celebration of dance music that is hosted in the Pinija, a 70s hotel which was renovated just for the event.
There are a number of stages in the hotel grounds and gardens but an absolute must are the boat parties on the Argonaughty that sail twice a day.
The event is pretty exclusive with just 4,000 tickets available and split between the two weekends, as organisers attempt to cater for the demand while retaining the intimate and chilled out flavour of previous years. Tickets are still available, but our advice is to get them quick.
Top attractions this year include Mr Scruff, Moodyman, Horsemeat Disco and DaddyG.
EXIT (Serbia)
July 8-11
Fancy a few nights partying in a fortress? Well that’s exactly what you’ll get at the EXIT festival which each year hosts a variety of mainstream and more eclectic acts in the imposing  18th century Petrovaradin Fortress overlooking the river Danube.
The festival is an all night affair rather than an all day one, which is just as well because the Serbian summers can be scorching, so remember to pack that sunblock because you are going to need it.
A fixture on Europe’s top ten music festivals list, EXIT has a line up this year that includes Mika, Faith No More, The Chemical Brothers, Royksopp, Placebo and Missy Elliot.
Benicassim (Spain)
July 12-19
If you took Oxygen, then added the Electric Picnic and subtracted the mud and the inflated ticket prices, the result would be a lot like Benicassim. Now in its 16th year the festival is a four day party located on a beach resort in Valencia and has a reputation for drawing quality bands. Only a few acts have been confirmed, but so far you can look forward to The Prodigy, Kasabian, Ian Brown, Mumford&Sons and Dizzee Rascal.
A four day ticket that includes access to the campsite is just €175. Even if you factor in flights it will likely work out cheaper than our home-grown efforts.
Splendour in the Grass (Australia)
Jul 30-Aug 1
Any of you travelling to Oz this year would do well to stop off at Queensland for Australia’s best music and arts festival. Billed as a mid-winter festival (but with temperatures exceeding our summer ones) it features a mix of international acts and the cream of Aussie alternative music, along with art exhibitions and various markets, much like our own Electric Picnic.
Acts will be announced in May and tickets usually sell out in a couple of hours so you will have to be on the ball for this one.
Independence Rock XXV (India)
October
For those of you who are looking for a truly unique festival experience then I-Rock XXV cannot be missed. Often called India’s Woodstock and held in the heart of Mumbai, the festival is a culmination of a yearlong battle between India’s finest rock and metal bands, with only the very best making it to the final line up. Event organisers have said that this year there will be an international presence at the event for the first time to mark the festivals 25th anniversary and while no acts have been announced, metal heads should expect something special.
