Summercase Festival

Barcelona July 07

Fed up with hearing the words, “Come on man cheer up YOUR IN GLASTONBURY!”, whilst fighting the tide to get yourself another pint or close enough to the stage not have to watch on the big screens? Well I’m sure you’re not the only one. Getting tickets to festivals in the UK is a mission in itself nevermind having the elements thrown at you (amongst other things, remember the Glastonbury dance tent incident?) when you get there.

Ever wondered what it would be like to see the likes of Dj Shadow, Bloc Party or The Flamming Lips with the Mediterranean Sea as a back drop? Sounds too good to be true doesn’t it? Well the “twin citied” Summercase Festival takes place in Barcelona and Madrid this year July 13th – 14th and offers exactly that. Some of the finest acts from all over the world and one hell of a weather forecast! Located in the Parc Del Forum Summercase is a new music festival with bags on offer.  Built up of two main stages and two tents the site isn’t a big one and clever gig scheduling means that you won’t have to worry about your favourite bands clashing on any of the main stages. In true Barca fashion the festival doesn’t kick off until 6pm and closes at 6am the following morning so you get the day to recover before going again!

This year’s line up holds some of the most talked about artists and bands this year, in the shape of, Arcade Fire, Bloc Party, Kaiser Chiefs, The Twang, The View, Pj Harvey and Editors to name but a few. Entering the festival site to hear Editors thumping out “Munich” to a setting sun over the med is something that will live long in the memory for sure and make UK festivals a distant memory. Purely because the festival is in Europe you get to see your favourite British acts up close and personal with some of them taking earlier slots on the bill. There’s a real party atmosphere at this festival as you’d imagine with it being in Barcelona and it suited the Flamming Lips down a treat.

The thought of it being 6pm – 6am may scare some people but believe me that atmosphere and vibe at this festival will leave you wanting more every night! There’s a great mix of bands on offer here as well with some less familiar to British local etc that are worth checking out. Friendly bar staff and festival assistants make the entire Summercase experience one you’ll be booking for the following year for sure. Why chance it anywhere else when you’ve got it all in Barcelona’s Summercase Festival.

Can’t wait for next year !

words by Neil