Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

NIGHTLIFE

5 of the best: dance festivals

Festival season is upon us, but it’s not all wellies, rain and stadium rock. We round up five of the best dance festivals in Europe

Benicàssim Festival, Valencia

When 19–22 July
Where On the north-east coast between Barcelona and Valencia, Benicàssim is a very Spanish affair – there are acts on in the day, but it doesn’t really get going until 10pm. The dance arena is the beating heart of the festival.
Who The Klaxons, Armand Van Helden, Cassius and Muse, to name but a few.
Why Because it’s ‘Glastonbury with sun’. There’s plenty to do – if you tire of dancing, there’s a short film festival, a beachside art exhibition and street theatre on offer. www.fiberfib.com

Lovebox, London

When 21–22 July
Where The brainchild of Groove Armada’s Tom Findlay, Lovebox transposes the essence of Ibiza to Hackney’s Victoria Park. This year Groove Armada will play a ‘Space Terrace’ set.
Who Scratch Perverts, Felix da Housecat, Toots and the Maytals, Layo & Bushwacka!
Why Because it’s a proper festival without the yukky bits: no mudbaths, no filthy wellies, no sodden tents. Good food, too. www.loveboxweekender.com

Full Moon Festival, Berlin

When 27 July – 1 August
Where Situated outside Berlin at an old Russian airbase, this psychedelic trance festival pulls in dedicated clubbers from all over the world – over 70% of festival goers come from outside Germany. Who Hilight Tribe, Astrix, Fabio, Liquid Soul.
Why It’s a mecca for trance lovers, you won’t hear anything else. It’s not for the faint-hearted though: the music goes on 24 hours a day. www.fullmoon-festival.com

Creamfields, Andalucia

When 11 August
Where Liverpool’s erstwhile super-club pitches up a stone’s throw from the Mediterranean Coast, bringing with it a stellar line-up and a glamourous coterie of clubbers.
Who The Prodigy, Basement Jaxx, Derrick May, John Digweed.
Why Here, you’ll get to experience the indomitable Scouse House spirit in beautiful surroundings. The girls will still be woefully underdressed, of course, but at least they won’t be cold. www.creamfields-andalucia.com

10 Days Off, Ghent

When 13–23 July
Where A take-no-prisoners, 10-day extravaganza held at KC Vooruit in Ghent, 10 Days Off pays homage to electronic music in all its forms, from deep house to Detroit techno.
Who Laurent Garnier, 4Hero, Grooverider, Richie Hawtin.
Why This indoor festival is housed in a club, so you won’t have to worry about rain stopping play. Grown-ups should approach with caution, though – the festival’s motto is “Senses Under Attack”. www.10daysoff.be

Cocktail corner

Pimms
Beloved of chinless wonders everywhere, Pimms is currently enjoying a renaissance as the seasonal tipple of choice. And why not? It may not have had the best of reputations in the past few years, but there’s nothing quite like a crisp glass on a hot day. But remember: only the most arriviste upstart would consider drinking it after July, so unless you want to be laughed out of London’s Guard’s Club, this is the only month to fulfil your yearly quota of this seasonal classic.

Classic Pimms Cup

Mix one part Pimms No.1 with two parts lemonade (or ginger ale). Pour over ice and add wedges of cucumber, slices of orange, lemon and apple, a sprig of mint and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a couple of raspberries.

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