Let BarChick plan your summer so you don’t have to… PS if you’re skint then stick to the top, these babies get more expensive the more you scroll…
NB prices were correct as of 25/3/12
THE BOOMTOWN FAIR – Matterly Bowl, Near Winchester
In its fourth year, this festival is literally booming. With everything from music, theatre and comedy to art, there is something for all to enjoy. An eco-friendly festival that encourages you to dress up and get involved.
When: 9th – 12th August
Price: tickets start at £84.20 (for teens) and £94.20 for adults and go up to £125.20.
Getting there: by coach from Brighton (£25.30), Bristol (£26.40), Cambridge (£29.70), Cardiff (£26.40), London (£26.40), Manchester (£49.50), Norwich (£38.50), Sheffield (£49.50), Cornwall (£49.50). *all prices include return fare.
AIR GUITAR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS – Oulu, Finland
Looking for some entertainment? Then watching these people on stage battling it out with their air guitars should do the trick. Last year one guy got so into it that he even flew off the stage when trying to pull off a “slick guitar move” (a bit like a wasted Slash). Why not join in?
When: 22nd – 24th August
Price: free!
Flights: from London Gatwick to Oulu £171 (1 stop at Latvia).
BURNING MAN – Black Rock Desert of Nevada
Once a year, tens of thousands of people gather in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert to create Black Rock City: a festival dedicated to art, self-reliance and self-expression. One week later it is dismantled without a trace of it ever existing. Escape the shackles of everyday living and become a peaceful warrior, BarChick goes every year and man it is life changing.
When: 27th August – 3rd September
Price: Tickets range from £150, £200 to £250 / Flights: London Heathrow to San Francisco £541, London Gatwick to Las Vegas £686.
Getting there: You need to make your own way, hiring an RV is the only way to go (prices are at around $6500 for a 5-man one), and make sure you bring something to trade – money is a no go here.
LA TOMATINA – Bunol, Spain
An actual food fight festival! BarChick is keen as mustard. If you don’t like tomatoes then stay well clear as you will be covered from head to toe in red mush by the end of it. Held on the last Wednesday of August each year, get involved in the world’s biggest food fight as more than one hundred metric tons of overripe tomatoes are thrown in the streets. It’s not really a waste when so much fun is being had.
When: 29th August
Price: free!
Flights: London Stansted to Valencia £195. Bunol is 38 km West of Valencia, the train takes 45 minutes. On Wednesday 29th you can take a bus from the central train station to Bunol at 8.30 am for €30 (return at 3pm). 2 nights stay in a hotel in Valencia will cost around £110.
BESTIVAL – Isle of Wight
This festival is all fun and fancy dress. Head to the not so White Isle for some seriously wild times: with fairgrounds, wildlife, vintage cinema, raving and relaxation, Arcadia mechanical cabaret and that’s not even mentioning the music… The XX, Friendly Fires, Emeli Sandé and Hot Chip. Do it. Not convinced? Well last year BarChick did Hip Hop karaoke with Vanilla Ice, exactly.
When: 6th – 9th September
Price: £189.95 (from Thursday)
Getting there: Ferry from Lymington (to Yarmouth £8.70 per person), Southampton (£24.30 per person) or Portsmouth (to Ryde £11.60). From London fast rail service to Southampton (from London Victoria to Southampton Central £35.90) or Portsmouth (London Waterloo to Portsmouth Harbour £31.80).
FESTIVAL NO. 6 – Portmeirion
For a ‘time outside time’ experience in deepest Wales, set in a beautiful coastal village. Experience no musical boundaries, and revel in nature from dawn till dusk with mountains, forests and the ocean as your backdrop. Expect music, arts, culture and the art of the party.
When: 14th – 16th September
Price: £129
Getting there: London Euston to Blaenau Ffestiniog (change at Llandudno Junction, £147).
DAY OF THE DEAD - Mexico
At the beginning of November, Mexicans congregate together (usually at cemeteries) and celebrate the lives of the dead. It’s far from a sad occasion: decorated skulls can be seen everywhere and gifts are left on graves – in fact it is a happy and colourful celebration. It’s like a necrophiliac’s answer to Burning Man.
When: 2nd November
Price: Free!
Flights: London Gatwick to Cancun, Mexico £631 return.
