If you're anything like me, you plan your summer activities with your mates and end up going to the same festivals every year. Lazy Londoners have enough music festivals around the city, they don't even have to travel and camp anywhere. This is bad! Get out of your comfort zone before you're old and cranky. Glastonbury and Secret Garden Party might have the sickest line-up ever but you've got to admit, it is a bit of a waste of time to go to the same place for the second or third time in a row. Experience something new.
Running Away From the Circus
How about less people, less crowds and... a swimming pool? Make your way to Standon Calling 2-4th August. This year's theme is "Running Away From The Circus". This boutique festival prides itself in showcasing talent that you will see winning awards and performing at Glastonbury in 2 years. The likes of Florence + The Machine and Mumford & Sons made appearance in Standon before enjoying the fame they have now.
The spacious grounds of a 16th century manor house will be transformed into a circus paradise with an actual circus. At the Forest of Freaks, you'll be able to learn about the science of building a human pyramid, the art of whipping and macabre life drawing. Get creative preparing your costumes, pack some festival tents and don't forget your bikini, because there is an on-site swimming pool!
Woodstock
If you are looking for a cheap alternative to Glastonbury, perhaps I can tempt you with Woodstock? No kidding! But this is not the Woodstock you're thinking about. I mean the biggest music festival in Poland, 1-3rd August, called Woodstock.
Previous years' bands include The Prodigy, Guano Apes or Die Toten Hose. This year, Emir Kusturica, Anthrax and Kaiser Chiefs will headline along with some great Polish rock bands. Every year, Woodstock welcomes 500-700 thousand people who come to the little town of Kostrzyn on the Polish-German border. Free entry, hot August weather, £1 a beer, free food in Hare Krishna village... Get your tents and passports ready and join 700,000 other people!
Summer Salsa
If dirt and camping isn't your thing, have a break from traditional music fests and go to a festival where you get to wear high heels at the parties like Croatian Summer Salsa Festival 26-1st July. It is the hottest salsa holiday you can imagine.
Beginner and advanced dancers come from all around the world: the UK, France, Germany, Italy. Salsa stars from the US, Cuba and Dominican Republic will teach you the best Salsa, Bachata, Kizomba and Zouk. There are day workshops on all dancing levels, but feel free to be lazy and party at the pool instead.
If you agree with me that visiting the same festivals is a bit boring - have a think, do a little research and go somewhere new. There are so many fantastic events to go to and awesome people to meet. Do yourself a favour and make the summer of 2013 different.
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