Didn’t get Glastonbury Festival tickets? Here are five cheaper European alternatives for 2024
The day of getting Glastonbury tickets is something that can make even the most experienced festival attendees feel scared and nervous.
Last year, over 2.5 million individuals eagerly attempted to secure their place for Worthy Farm this season. Unfortunately, the majority were unable to do so and were met with the discouraging "sold out" message once the 210,000 tickets were swiftly claimed within minutes.
Following yet another summer festival basking in the sun, the craving for tickets for the 2024 edition is unquestionably still massive, even with the hefty price of £360.
If you didn't have the chance to attend, there's always hope. There are five amazing options in Europe that can be booked, including travel costs, for a price lower than a Glastonbury ticket.
Top Secret: 7-9 June 2024 In Netherlands
Happening in the green and lush Beekse Bergen animal park, which is roughly a 30-minute car ride from Eindhoven airport in the south-eastern part of the Netherlands, it would be a challenge to come across a more awe-inspiring location for a music festival.
The main attraction of the venue is the extensive lake that accompanies the primary platform. Apart from being a stunning sight during sundown, it also gives the perfect chance for a refreshing morning swim that can help ease any lingering hangover.
In the past few years, the main stage performers have consisted of notable acts such as Arctic Monkeys, Jamie XX, Kraftwerk, Run the Jewels, Radiohead, and Aphex Twin. This has established the festival as being strong across various musical categories.
One of the festival's major draws is its food selection. It offers a range of delectable street food like fresh oysters and high-end dining experiences served by the Netherlands' top-rated eateries. This sets it apart from the generic burgers and fries typically found at festivals.
The ticket prices for 2024 have not been confirmed yet, but it is likely that they will start from approximately €265 (£235) if you choose to camp. If you also book return flights from Manchester or London for £75, you will still be spending £40 less than what a Glastonbury ticket would cost.
"Attend Open'er Festival 2024 In Poland, July 3-6!"
After marking its 20th year in 2022, Open'er has become one of the largest music festivals in Poland. The organizers have consistently provided one of the most notable line-ups among all music festivals in Europe.
Open’er festival takes place in Gdynia, a port city located on the Baltic coast of Poland. The festival is held at Kosakowo Airfield and lasts for four days. Top performers from around the world have graced the Open'er stages in recent years, including Kendrick Lamar, Depeche Mode, Travis Scott, Lizzo, and The Strokes. Dua Lipa is set to be the first headliner for next year's festival.
Because of the hotel's coastal location, visitors can enjoy the beautiful beaches in nearby towns such as Sopot and Gdansk. Shuttle buses are available frequently to transport guests between the festival area and these lovely resort towns along the Baltic Riviera.
If you are looking to attend for four days at the camping site, the ticket price is PL1,305 (£261). If you are traveling from the UK to Gdansk, the cost of a round-trip ticket is approximately £100.
"Experience INMusic Festival 2024 In Croatia"
The INMusic festival is offering a great deal with three-day tickets available for under £80. This deal becomes even better considering that The Smashing Pumpkins and The National have already been confirmed for next year's event. It's a great opportunity to enjoy these bands at an affordable price.
INMusic's stunning aquatic landscapes, located on the charming isles of Jarun Lake in Zagreb, are worth the admission fee alone. Additionally, it's only a 30-minute trip on the tram from the town center, making it an excellent selection for those seeking to combine a city excursion with a festival adventure.
There are many activities apart from music available on the island. Visitors can enjoy the swimming and sports facilities on the island while a diverse selection of events is offered through our satellite program, such as yoga, kayaking, and nature trips to the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park.
The three-day festival admission costs €89 (£78), and the seven-day camping tickets are priced at €49 (£43). The return flights from the UK to Zagreb cost approximately £180.
Cala Mijas Fest '24: Spain, 29-31 Aug
Cala Mijas is a relatively new festival located in between Malaga and Marbella. It has only had two festivals so far but they have been great, featuring a variety of genres and including big names such as Nick Cave, Florence & the Machine, and The Chemical Brothers. Liam Gallagher, Róisín Murphy, 2ManyDJs and Caribou have also performed in previous festivals. The festival is planning its third outing for next summer but the line-up has not been announced yet.
A stunning location on the Costa del Sol provides 12 kilometers of stunning sandy beaches to unwind and recharge (you won't need your rubber boots). Additionally, the cultural and culinary abundance of Malaga's historic center is just a short journey away, with regular and complimentary shuttle buses available for easy access.
Tickets for 2024 haven't been made available yet. For this summer, a three-day pass will set you back €150 (£132), and if you plan on camping, it'll be an extra €30 (£27). If you're looking to fly out to Malaga and back, expect to pay roughly £180.
Guess Who Festival, Nov. 7-10, 2024 In Netherlands
If you're able to wait a bit longer into the year, Le Guess Who festival presents an exceptional and visionary selection of artists, featuring avant-garde, jazz, hip-hop, experimental and noise rock genres. It's one of the most captivating lineups in Europe.
During the middle of November for a span of four days, a festival dominates 20 locations situated across the historic and stone-paved roads of Utrecht. The city can be likened to a smaller version of Amsterdam as it lacks the hustle and bustle of people. It showcases a diverse array of exceptional performances, exhibitions, and marketplaces across different sites, such as venues, storehouses, churches, and theaters.
You can get a four-day pass for just €175 (£154) without lodging. If you choose to stay at the Stayokay Hostel in the city center, you'll pay €134 (£118) for three nights. Utrecht is just 26 minutes away from Amsterdam by train, and only 38 minutes from Rotterdam. Transportation is widely available from the UK via flights, ferries, and trains.