European festivals more popular with young Brits

Tuesday, 20 March 2012 2:53 PM

ABTA are predicting a massive surge in bookings for European music festivals this summer – as Glastonbury is cancelled in the UK.  

It’s not just the cancelation of the iconic British festival that is inspiring young travellers to explore further afield - in recent years the travel agency has seen bookings more than double for European music festivals. The festivals have a combined draw for travellers – being cheap and sunny and allowing holidaymakers to combine the festival experience with travel.

Prices in Eastern Europe are particularly good with festival tickets coming in at as little as £39, less than you would pay for a single gig in the UK. Many of the venues are in beautiful areas, with Benicassim in Spain standing out with its beach location, even complete with showers! All of the festivals offer camping options, many included in the basic ticket price, but for those preferring a bit more luxury, B’ESTFEST in Romania, Exit in Serbia, Sziget in Hungary and INmusic in Croatia have the option of taking a hotel room in town.

Victoria Bacon, ABTA Head of Communications, commented: : “Taking in an overseas music festival this summer is a great way of combining two British love affairs; live music and summer holidays abroad. British festival goers are an adventurous bunch and more and more of them are happy to go that extra mile for some truly amazing and memorable experiences.

Ticket prices in Europe are often much lower than the UK and food and beer can be a lot cheaper too. There are now many specialist tour operators providing bespoke festival holidays that enable you to protect your money and ensure you avoid scams.”

This year Benicassim in Spain is headlined by the Stone Roses and Florence and the Machine. The local cost of a beer is around £1.69 and the temperature is a baking hot 25 degrees.

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