We find the world's best festival fun
1. PRIMAVERA SOUND, Barcelona and Porto
Packing a city break into a music festival can be difficult since most of them happen in rural outposts – that’s why people love Primavera. Great bands (The xx, Beach House, Laura Marling and loads more), a chilled international crowd, and the joys of renting a city apartment instead of camping. Day tickets are €85 and the weekend costs €195. The festival hits Barcelona from June 1st- 3rd, and Porto on June 7th- 10th.
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2. EDINBURGH FRINGE, Scotland
The unique, crowded and unbelievably eclectic original Fringe takes place from August 3rd-27th and is the mothership for those interested in cultural events with left-field energy. The programme is exhaustive and yet to be fully announced, but checking edfringe.comfrequently should help you build a schedule of every performing art form imaginable. VisitScotland.comhas a handy accommodation tool, something you should sort out as early as possible if you're planning the pilgrimage. Check out the 21212's bedrooms on the upper levels of the Michelin star restaurant. 21212restaurant.co.uk
3. LOVEBOX, Hackney
One of my favourite festivals is celebrating 10 years this year. Victoria Park in Hackney hosts a weekend of fun and easily accessed music from June 15th-17th. Sunday, with its disco vibe, is always the best day and this year Grace Jones, Lana Del Rey, Chic, James Murphy and more fill the park. Try and get accommodation near the park so you don't splurge on taxis; Shoreditch House is about two miles away on Shoreditch High Street. www.shoreditchhouse.com. Ticket options from about €36 to €125. lovebox.net
4. BURNING MAN, Nevada
If you want a real out-there experience, then head to the desert for Burning Man. It's hard-core, though, and requires a lot of preparation including renting or buying a camper van. Find a first-timers' guide on burningman.com/first_timers to prepare for the bizarre pop-up city from August 27th to September 3rd.
5. SZIGET, Budapest
Catching big festival acts in a different setting? Sziget is your only man, from August 6th to 13th. Ticket prices range from €17 to €225 for a weekend camping pass. You can buy day tickets on the spot during the festival and either camp on site, or stay in Budapest. A good buy is the Sziget-Budapest Citypass, which includes public transport, spa and beach entrances, plus free shuttle bus and boat services to the festival site. sziget.hu
6. EXIT, Serbia
This eclectic large-capacity festival that takes place in the fortress of Novi Sad runs July 12th-15th. There are 16 stages, so rock out to Guns'n'Roses, take advantage of the large dance music element, or immerse yourself in reggae. Punters rave about the picturesque setting, affordability once you get there and something-for-everyone vibe. exitfest.org
7. ULTRA MUSIC FESTIVAL, Miami
Gaining increasing press due to the resurgence of American electronic music, next year Ultra celebrates 15 years with a bash on March 22nd-24th. The Winter Music Conference during which Ultra takes place is the destination for electronic music fans, and as South Beach is always ready for a party, WMC intensifies that atmosphere to the max. Townhouse Hotel is a reasonably priced (for South Beach) relaxed option. www.townhousehotel.comIf you're into massive DJs, then grab your glow sticks. ultramusicfestival.com
8. THE GARDEN FESTIVAL, Croatia
A spot revered by clubbers on a picturesque peninsula where boat parties and beats reign, the Garden (now at two locations, in Zadar and Tisno) hosts a series of parties over the summer, but the big one is The Garden Festival featuring Nicolas Jaar, Norman Jay, Crazy P and loads more from July 4th-11th. Camp or grab an apartment on-site in Tisno. thegardenfestival.eu
9. FESTIVAL AU DÉSERT, Mali
A festival on the outskirts of Timbuktu that showcases Tuareg music also attracts big names in north African music and international acts. In 2013, it's happening from January 10th-12th, if you fancy a bit of a (sandy) adventure. You'll need to buy a festival pass and a separate full board ticket (€235) which includes accommodation in a Tuareg tent, three meals a day and three litres of water a day. festival-au-desert.org
10. GLASTONBURY, Somerset
With a fallow year in 2012, 2013 will see Glastonbury in higher demand than ever. Glasto is the largest open-air music and performing arts festival in the world, and there's a reason everyone loves it – it's the best. Immerse yourself in whatever festival experience you want, because the site is big enough to accommodate all of them. You have to register for tickets and the online form to do so is now live. Pennard Orchard is a good source for boutique camping options. pennardorchard.co.uk