TOP FESTIVALS FOR 2019

From the notorious muddy fields of Glastonbury to the celebrity-packed desert that plays home to Burning Man, explore some of the world’s best festivals and plan a festival-packed year like no other with our top picks:

Glastonbury (26-30 June)

Returning to Worthy Farm after a ‘fallow year’ to let the land, residents and organisers have a well-earned break, Glastonbury 2019 is set to be yet another standout year for the festival. Welcoming some of the biggest names in music to its diverse stages, and, rain or shine, hosting an unyielding five-day party, Glastonbury is something everyone should experience at least once. And with Kylie Minogue, Stormzy and Janelle Monae already set to grace the stages, it’s looking to be an especially spectacular year.

Ultra Miami (29-31 March)

Named after the 1997 Depeche Mode album Ultra, Ultra Miami is the world’s premier electronic music festival. Descending on Miami every last weekend in March – this year, with a new home at Virginia Key – Ultra Miami is an award-winning weekend of the best names in electronic music. Hosting exclusive appearances from the likes of Martin Garrix, The Chainsmokers and Carl Cox, plus David Guetta, Afrojack and tonnes more on the beach of Virginia Key, Ultra Miami 2019 is set to be a truly special weekend.

Coachella (12-14 and 19-21 April)

It certainly doesn’t need much explanation, but, as always, Coachella’s a worthy addition to the list. Celebrating their 20th anniversary, Coachella 2019 is set to be even bigger and even better than ever. With Tame Impala, Childish Gambino and Ariana Grande headlining, they’re continuing to champion all types of music, plus maintaining a focus on visual arts. Revellers are set to enjoy an unprecedented display of music and visual arts as they soak up the California rays.

Burning Man (25 August-2 September)

While Burning Man is decidedly not a festival, but rather a temporary metropolis, it would be wrong to omit it from the list. Taking place in the Black Rock Desert, Nevada, Burning Man is an experience like absolutely nothing else. Named after its culmination, the symbolic ritual burning of a wooden effigy on the Saturday night, Burning Man is a week dedicated to art and community. Burning Man transports its residents to a unique world of mutant vehicles and guerrilla street theatre. It’s an event that can really only be understood through participation.

Tomorrowland (19-21 and 26-28 July)

Continuing to span across two weekends, Tomorrowland 2019 has dubbed itself The Book of Wisdom, The Return. Once described as the most elaborate festival on earth, boasting hugely decorative stages, a village – Dreamville – providing accommodation from tents to mini-mansions and a massive opening party, Tomorrowland is a vibrant festival built on togetherness. Though no line-up has been announced for 2019 yet, with 2018’s seeing the likes of David Guetta, Dua Lipa and Steve Aoki take to the stage, it’s sure to be a good one.

Oktoberfest (21 September-6 October)

While a myriad of Oktoberfest celebrations happen across the world, none can compare to Munich’s original Oktoberfest. The 16-day event sees festival goers immerse themselves in Bavarian culture, shacking up in beer tents to drink, dance and eat for just over two weeks of celebrations. Of course, you can dip in and out as you choose, the opening and closing ceremonies arguably the ideal times to go, but with a number of special events including costume days and family events, there’s no wrong time to find yourself in an Oktoberfest tent.