Inflight Magazine of Brussels Airlines

3-5

Berlin Berlin Beer Festival (www.bierfestival-berlin.de)

If you can’t wait for Oktoberfest, then you can always join the million other festival-goers who will converge on Berlin for this year’s beer festival. There will be over 1,200 types of beer to try and 12 stages of live music to quaff your drink to.

2-12

Geneva Fêtes de Genève (www.fetes-degeneve.ch)

Geneva’s summer festival is the high point of the city’s calendar – last year over two million revellers descended to make the most of the parades, parties and performances around the lake. This year’s celebration looks set to be every bit as ebullient, with live concerts and fireworks displays on the agenda as well as a huge funfair.

1-12

Brussels Brussels-on-Sea (www.visitbelgium.com)

In a place better known for suited and booted bureaucrats, it may come as a surprise to see the city’s residents divest themselves of clothing and don their swimming trunks. But that’s exactly what happens on the banks of the Willebroek Canal when Brussels’ annual beachfest rolls into town. What’s more, everything is free – from sun lounger hire to the shiatsu massages on offer.

9-12

Zeebrugge Beach, Brugge Pole Pole Festival (www.polepole.be)

Held right on the beach, this tropical festival is usually a laid-back affair (‘pole pole’ is Swahili for ‘take it easy’). As always, there’ll be a carnival atmosphere and plenty of exotic entertainment on offer, including brass bands, souks, cocktail bars, circus animations, food stalls and four huge dance halls.

10-12

Gothenburg Gothenburg Jazz Festival (www.gothenburgjazzfestival.com)

For three days, this annual celebration of all things swinging takes over the city of Gothenburg. Stars of the jazz firmament, both local and international, will be performing at different venues around the city. Highlights include Ronald Anderson, the Natural Gas Jazz Band and Gothenburg’s own Sweet Feet.

9-12

Bristol Balloon Fiesta (www.bristolfiesta.co.uk)

One of the largest outdoor events in Britain, this four-day fiesta is most famous for its spectacular balloon displays – think mass ascents each morning and light shows in the evening. There are also concerts, curios to buy and an interactive children’s area. Best of all, it’s completely free.

16-19

Cannes Pantiero Festival (www.festivalpantiero.com)

Since 2002, the Pantiero Festival has been staging performances from the likes of Dizzee Rascal, DJ Shadow and Datarock. Held on the roof terrace at the Palais des Festivals, the event pays homage to all forms of electronic music – from house and hip-hop to dub and afro-jazz – in a vertiginous setting.

16-19

Bristol Balloon Fiesta (www.bristolfiesta.co.uk)

One of the largest outdoor events in Britain, this four-day fiesta is most famous for its spectacular balloon displays – think mass ascents each morning and light shows in the evening. There are also concerts, curios to buy and an interactive children’s area. Best of all, it’s completely free.

15

Chamonix Guide Festival (www.chamonix-guides.com)

The Chamonix Guide Festival was originally staged to raise funds for injured guides and their families; eight years on, it’s become one of the largest events in the Haute Savoie region. This summer’s show will feature live music from Natty Sauvage and Enko, and finish with a huge fireworks display.

25

London Notting Hill Carnival (www.nottinghillcarnival.org.uk)

This summer over half a million people will take to London’s streets for the Notting Hill Carnival, one of the biggest festivals in Europe. Sunday is Kids’ Day, while the main parade takes place on Monday – look out for the fantastically costumed dancers and some of the biggest names in roots, reggae, hip-hop and soul.