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The 10 Best Winter Music Festivals In Europe
As Christmas closes in and we head towards the depths of winter, it’s safe to say our summer festival season is well and truly over.
However, we don’t all have to hibernate for the next 6 months while we wait for Spring to come around, because as soon as one festival season draws to a close, another one is just getting started.
Here are 10 of the best winter festivals Europe has to offer, from all-day raves here in the UK to week-long parties on the pistes…
RISE FESTIVAL
When: 16 – 23 December 2017
Where: Les Deux Alpes, France
Headliners: Craig David Presents TS5, Wilkinson (DJ), Bicep, The Craig Charles Funk & Soul Club
Set in the French alps, Rise Festival brings together a collection of top electronic artists for a week-long party in the clouds.
Along with headliners Craig David and Wilkinson, the festival will feature sets from the likes of Bicep, Denis Sulta, Monki, My Nu Leng, Solardo and many more.
SNOWBOXX
When: 17 – 24 March 2018
Where: Avoriaz, France
Headliners: Chase & Status (DJ) + MC Rage, Fatboy Slim, Loyle Carner
With multiple snow-covered arenas, mini nightclubs and its famous Igloo Stage, Snowboxx offers a massive variety of venues to keep you entertained for a full 7 days.
Back in October the festival announced its most impressive line-up yet, with Chase & Status, Fatboy Slim, Loyle Carner topping a bill also containing Danny Howard, Mike Skinner, Stefflon Don and Snakehips.
Two tiers of tickets have already sold since the line-up announcement, so you’ll have to act fast if you fancy this one!
AWAKENINGS EIDHOVEN
When: 27 January 2018
Where: Eindhoven, Netherlands
Headliners: Adam Beyer, Joseph Capriati, Nina Kraviz, Patrick Topping
One of the very best techno one-dayers the Netherlands – and arguably the whole of Europe – has to offer; Awakenings Eindhoven showcases the finest underground electronic artists along with mind-blowing levels of production.
The event is spread across 3 stages and runs from 10pm through until 7:30am. You can book ticket & hotel packages via the Awakenings website.
SNOWBOMBING
When: 9 – 14 April 2018
Where: Mayrhofen, Austria
Headliners: Liam Gallagher, Pendulum, Dizzee Rascal, Bicep
With many winter festivals following an electronic theme, Snowbombing went and surprised everyone by announcing that rock ‘n’ roll royalty Liam Gallagher will be headlining this April.
The former Oasis front-man heads to Austria off the back of the release of his debut solo album As You Were, and will be joined by the likes of Pendulum, Dizzee Rascal, Rudimental (DJ) and Craig David’s Ts5.
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EDINBURGH’S HOGMANAY FESTIVAL
When: 30 December – 1 January 2018
Where: Edinburgh, Scotland
Headliners: Rag’n’Bone Man
Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is one of the UK’s biggest New Year celebrations, featuring a huge variety of mini events across the city during the build-up to midnight.
Along with the usual fireworks display, there will also be street parties, traditional Ceilidhs, kids discos and performances from Rag ‘n’ Bone Man, The Human League and Fun Lovin’ Criminals’ Huey Morgan at the Concert In The Gardens.
(Tickets for this show will need to be purchased in advance.)
POLARIS FESTIVAL
When: 7 – 10 December 2017
Where: Verbier, Switzerland
Headliners: Larry Heard AKA Mr Fingers (Live), Seth Troxler, Derrick May, Luciano, Nina Kraviz, Pralesh, Omar S
Polaris Festival welcomes the likes of Seth Troxler, Luciano and Nina Kraviz to Verbier, Switzerland, for four days of banging house and techno at an altitude of 2,200 metres.
Set in one of Europe’s best skiing destinations, Polaris’ location is just as impressive as its music roster. The Main Stage, le Mouton Noir, is located directly on the slopes, and festival ticket includes access to the ski lift.
THE WINTER SOCIAL FESTIVAL
When: Date TBC
Where: Maidstone, UK
Headliners: TBA
The off-season spin off of The Social is set to take place in March 2018, presenting a diverse line-up of world-renowned DJs at the Kent County Showground.
Last year’s festival featured sets from the likes of Seth Troxler, Sven Väth, Hot Since 82 and festival founder Nic Fanciulli, and 2018 promises to be just as memorable, with a hand picked selection of electronic music’s finest artists making their way to Maidstone for an all-day rave.
ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL
When: 5 – 6 April 2018
Where: Sölden, Austria
Headliners: TBA
The biggest of a series of music events at the Sölden resort, Electric Mountain Festival brings together a collection of top names from the EDM scene for a 2-day party on the slopes.
The festival has featured sets from the likes of Afrojack, Nervo and Quentin in the past, so expect more huge acts in 2018.
ROCK THE PISTES
When: 18 – 24 March 2018
Where: Portes du Soleil, France
Headliners: TBA
Set in the Portes du Soleil ski area of the French alps, Rock The Pistes combines live music and snowsports for a feel-good festival in the snow.
With multiple resorts taking part, visitors can ski and snowboard between stages and catch performances from a hugely diverse variety of acts.
2018’s line-up is yet to be announced, but with previous events hosting the likes of Rag ‘N’ Bone Man, The Klaxons and Two Door Cinema Club, you can expect to see more great live bands this March.
SNEEUWBAL FESTIVAL
When: 27 January 2018
Where: Utrecht, Netherlands
Headliners: Alan Fitzpatrick, Egbert, Reiner Zonneveld
The weird and wonderful Sneeuwbal Festival features not only a killer line-up of DJs, but also a huge variety of daytime activities.
Featuring everything from snow slides and ice skating through to fairground rides, circus tents and arts & crafts workshops, Sneeuwbal is the ultimate winter one-dayer.
Featured photo credit: Rudi Wyhlidal, Electric Mountain Festival
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