No matter where you go, you’ll find that music is a huge part of the popular culture in any region. Travel to Europe this summer and there is no doubt that you’ll encounter at least one spectacular music festival. While not all are family friendly, each spans across a different genre of music, providing a variety of music for everyone to choose from. Below are five of Europe’s hottest music festivals. As a music lover, planning a trip around a huge festival location will only ensure you are entertained while at the same time helping you to stretch your dollar a little further – something we’d all like to do these days.

Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Arts

The Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary Arts will be held in Glastonbury, England on June 27th, 28th, and 29th this year. The three day festival boasts over 100 stages with dozens of well known names lined up to perform. Fans of Kate Nash, Jay-Z, Amy Winehouse, the Verve, Neil Diamond, Foals, Ben Folds, The Golden Silvers, Jack Penate, Patrick Watson, The Courteneers, Candi Staton, The Blessing, and Luka Bloom are only a small handful of those who will be thrilled by the lineup scheduled for 2008. There will also be dozens of dance and theatrical performances to enjoy as well. The gates open two days before the festival begins for campers and the event also supports several charitable organizations such as Greenpeace, WaterAid, and Oxfam.

Montreux Jazz Festival

The Montreux Jazz Festival will be held in Montreux, Switzerland from July 4th through July 19th, 2008. Jazz lovers from all over the world will flock to the Miles Davis hall or the Stravinski Auditorium to enjoy pure jazz, blues, rock, funk, and soul music. All of Montreux will transform into a party town during the two-week festival. If you aren’t lucky enough to get tickets to one of the main shows, there will be plenty of smaller shows in the lesser known venues and bars. Just a few of the scheduled performers for 2008 include Adele, Brian Lucas, Crazy Big Band, Donavan Levy, Hocus Pocus, James Moody, Katie Melua, Latin World, Nathan East, Paolo Nutini, Quincy Jones, and Ryan Shaw!

Hellfest

Held in Clisson, France each year, Hellfest is fun but is not necessarily a friendly environment for families. Hardcore heavy metal and punk fans gathered for this festival on June 20, 21, and 22nd of 2008. This year’s lineup included greats known as Venom, Death Angel, Krisiun, Ministry, Apocalypitica, Nightmare, Slayer, Motorhead, Envy, Cult of Luna, and Municipal Waste. Even metal fans are proud and enthusiastic when it comes to their choice of music and the prove it at Hellfest each year.

Provinssirock

The Provinssirock festival was held in Seinajoki, Finland on June 13th, 14th, and 15th, 2008. The festival is laid back and full of fun and entertainment for all who attend. The festival includes musical performances from bands all over the world, immersion in art and culture, and enjoyment of the beautiful Finnish summer atmosphere. Taking place on the bank of a river, the main rule of the festival is to relax and have fun! Artists who performed in 2008 included Cohed and Cambria, Jenni Vartianinen, The Friend, Justice, Apulanta, Diablo, YUP, Foo Fighters, Black Lips, Mokoma, and Speedlimit. 2008 marked the 30th year of the festival, which is run by hundreds of volunteers coupled with only 400 minimally paid employees. These numbers don’t even begin to take into consideration the the work done by hundreds of artists and musicians along with their road crews.

Salzburg Festival

The Salzburg Festival is held in Salzburg, Austria and this year will be held between July 26th and August 31st, 2008. The month-long festival is home to hundreds of classical and theatrical presentations designed to bring the city to life while entertaining and educating the masses. As the birthplace of Mozart, Salzburg is the perfect venue for a classical festival!

The folks who run the festival love to encourage young listeners, catering to today’s younger generations by encouraging participation in the children’s chorus, youth workshops, music camp, and special performances designed specifically for children. Opera performances include Don Giovanni, Otello, The Magic Flute, and Rusalka. Dramatic and theatre performances will feature Crime and Punishment, Sad Face/Happy Face, and The Robbers. Concerts during the festival this year will include the Vienna Phillharmonic, The Cleveland Orchestra, Kontinent Sciarrino, Lied Recitals, Mozart Matinees, and the Young Singers Project, amongst many others.

If you’re planning a trip to Salzburg for the Festival, make sure to reserve your discount Salzburg hotel early.

A visit to any one of these fine events will guarantee you are immersed in some of the most amazing cultural festivals available in Europe. Enjoy not only the music, but the art and company as well!

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