Much like the Prodigal Son, Oxegen returns from the wilderness this year hoping, maybe even expecting, to be embraced once again by its benefactors – the seasoned festival-goers of Ireland. However the fattened calf may not be waiting as more and more people are on the hunt for an alternative festival experience, reluctant to spend a small fortune on a debauched weekend in Naas. So here are a couple of options to drop smugly into conversation when summer plans are being discussed.
May
What: Brew at The Bog 2013
When: 3-4 May
Where: Bogbain Farm, Inverness, Scotland.
How Much: £20-30
Brought to by a Totally Dublin favourite Brewdog, the self-described “post Punk apocalyptic motherfucker of a craft brewery,” Brew at the Bog is back following its success in 2012. Transporting the essence of Brewdog’s hip locations such as Camden and Shoreditch to a farm outside Inverness, the festival aims to unite revellers with a mutual appreciation of new music and craft beer. Homegrown musical talent is the order of the day with bands such as Randolph’s Leap and This Silent Forest worthy of a listen. Try a bottle of Tokyo, a punchy oak aged stout to set the tone for the weekend. Just the one mind you…
What: The Cosmic Puffin Festival
When: 3-5 May
Where: Mersea Youth Camp, Mersea Island, North Essex
How Much: £35- £55
Taking place over our Bank Holiday weekend, the Cosmic Puffin Festival is one of the more benevolent festivals out there. Named after a children’s ward in Basildon hospital, the festival donates proceeds to worthy causes such as The National Autistic Society. With over 50 bands, a selection of workshops, open-mic sessions, food stalls and a children’s area, it is reminiscent of an Electric Picnic type vibe, minus the killer headline acts. However under the stewardship of Kosmik Ken who has a fondness for “old-skool and contemporary psychedelia, spacerock and prog,” the MyChoonz Stage is surely set to be one of the more interesting locations to enjoy the weekend.
What: World of Music, Arts and Dance Festival
When: 10-12 May
Where: Cáceres, Extemadura, Western Spain.
How Much: Free
For those willing to make the four-hour journey from Madrid airport, the pleasures of Cáceres await. A World Heritage City, described as “possibly the most authentically medieval and Renaissance city still in existence,” it is also home to the WOMAD international music and dance festival. Previously the festival hosted acts including Hypnotic Brass Ensemble and Echo and the Bunnymen, but expect to embrace a wide variety of exotic sounds and beats from Jamaica to Japan. Amble the city’s cobbled streets to absorb the mish mash of Roman, Italian Renaissance and Gothic architecture, and luxuriate in delicacies such as their famous cherry liqueur or Torta del Casar, a local sheep’s cheese. Also, keep an eye out for a few famous storks.
