Eastern Europe has an array of incredibly different and exciting music festivals to entice the most rave hungry rock, indie and dance lovers from around the globe. An unexpected part of Europe has all the crazed music fiends frothing at the mouth for something different, and it truly delivers.
The KaZantip Republic – Ukraine
A truly different and crazy music festival located on the Black Sea coast of Crimea in the Ukraine has been operating since 1992 when it innocently started with a surfing competition and has ended up as an eclectic blend between Ibiza and Amsterdam. Attracting more than 150,000 people every year the KaZantip Republic boasts an amazing 10 dance floors, 15 bars and 3 restaurants, and the party lasts for a whole month.
The KaZantip Republic is truly different with some incredibly novel ideas such as pseudo weddings that can take place once a week with the marriage only being recognized within the confines of the republic. It has its own president and people can gain free entry by coming with a yellow suitcase which they should carry with them for the entire festival. Getting to this wonderful beach location is easy as all local roads on the outskirts of the coastal town of Popovka lead to the festival. You can fly to Simferopol via one of a few low cost airlines which service the area, and then take a taxi which will cost around $60 or take public transport. Renting a car is another option with affordable prices from a number of local car hire companies. Dates: from the 31st July 2012 with the exact closing date to be announced by the president of the republic. (more: http://kazantip-republic.com)
Rabarock 2012 – Estonia
The Rabarock festival takes place in Järvakandi, Estonia on the 15th and 16th of June 2012 and promises to be bigger and better than ever with The Stranglers and The Big Pink from the UK, The Dwarves from the USA, Von Hertzen Brothers and Reckless Love from Finland, The Experimental Tropic Blues Band from Belgium and Skyforger from Latvia. For those wanting a little different type of clear fun then there’s always a trip to the Järvakandi Glass Museum or the Old Town of Tallinn and the Pirita St. Brigit’s Convent Ruins. Getting to Järvakandi takes 75 minutes from Tallinn airport which is around 80kms away. (more: http://www.rabarock.ee/)
Positivus Festival 2012 – Latvia
The Positivus Festival 2012 promises a great line up of indie-rock bands and this year’s line-up includes Friendly Fires, Ewert and the Two Dragons, SBTRKT Live, Jamie N Commons, Givers and Cashier No9. The Positivus Festival 2012 camp site is located in Salacgriva, Latvia, just 120km from Riga International Airport and 110km from the city centre. It takes about an hour from Riga or two hours from Tallinn. Other activities in Latvia that may interest those wanting to briefly escape the party include Kalashnikov shooting in Riga, quad bike safaris and go karting. (more: http://www.positivusfestival.com/)
About the Author:
Our guest writer Martin loves live music and recommends it as a great excuse to get out and see new places. His site Low Cost Airline Guide is a great starting place to find which of Europe’s many budget airlines can fly you to any of the above destinations from your local airport.