The best luxury-infused heritage music festivals around the world

With the magic of a sun-drenched Glastonbury festival still in the air you’d be forgiven for assuming the summer festival season peaked with Coldplay’s performance on the Pyramid Stage. But as we leave Worthy Farm behind there are plenty of incredible stardust-dipped weekends ahead of us. From rock bands in the grounds of an historic estate to a luxury bell tent hotel in a national park and live music in a Victorian-made Roman Temple – it’s all happening with not a portaloo in sight and we want you to be there. Here is our pick of luxury-infused music festivals set in heritage sites around the globe. All Together Now — Waterford, Ireland
1 to 4 August

What makes this festival unique is first of all its setting in the grounds of Curraghmore Estate in Waterford, a southern part of Ireland synonymous with Waterford Crystal [the factory was established in 1783]. It’s also Ireland’s largest independent festival and welcomes music lovers, mavericks, creators, families and curious minds with an enchanting creative vibe.

Moving into its fifth year the line-up is already impressive and features such acts as Jorja Smith, The Prodigy, The National, Róisín Murphy and The Mary Wallopers. There’s a spotlight on Irish comedy as well as wellbeing, sumptuous food and artisanal cocktails. The nocturnal adventures begin as the sip dips below the horizon: think discos, live performances and DJs. 

As for where to lay your head, camping is boutique with yurts, tipis and bell tents equipped with double beds, duvets, ottoman tables and lanterns. As comfortable as a luxury hotel. 

alltogethernow.ieGreen Man — Brecon Beacons, Wales
15 to 18 August 

A festival set in the middle of a national park, what’s not to love? It might be over 50 years old but Green Man festival still feels fresh and always sells out to a 25,000 capacity of all-ages. 

Expect incredible food from all over the world, its very own beer festival (99 ales on offer – yes, a festival within a festival) and plenty of cocktail bars. The Guardian newspaper called it ‘a celebration of musical eclecticism and reverence in nature,’ and that makes perfect sense. 

The line-up, playing in the Powys landscape to a backdrop of soaring mountains, includes Ezra Collective, Sampha and Arlo Parks. Don’t miss the comedy tent – Stewart Lee is making an appearance this year – and book the Hotel Bell Tent for optimum luxury. 

greenman.netLollapalooza — Chicago, USA
1 to 4 August 

This Chicago-based festival represents the city’s rich depth of music history at every turn from playing alternative rock and heavy metal to hip hop and electronica across eight stages. 

Expect secret hideaways, pop-ups and plenty of theatrical surprises. And forget camping. The location is in the heart of Chicago in Grant Park makes it easy to check into luxury star hotels including Pendry Chicago, Waldorf Astoria and Four seasons. 

lollapalooza.comOasis Festival — Marrakech, Morocco
6 to 8 September

A world-class music festival set within a luxury wellness resort? Now we’re talking. Oasis festival at the Fellah Hotel promises to be an unforgettable weekend of electronic music combined with North African art, cuisine and culture. This is the first edition after a five year hiatus and the location is outstanding – just between Marrakech and the Atlas mountains. It’s the perfect spot for a boutique electronic rave and did we mention the overall aesthetics are in the hands of visual artist and photographer Hassan Hajjaj? The likes of Jungle (DJ set), Laurent Garnier and JYOTY will see you dance through the night, ready to recuperate by day in the hotel’s swimming pools, yoga and reflexology facilities. Fellah is also only a 10 minute drive from Marrakech for those looking to explore the city.

oasis.maEnd of the Road — Larmer Tree Gardens, Dorset, UK
29 August – 1 September 

Nestled into the Dorset countryside, the Grade II-listed Larmer Tree Gardens were first opened to the public as a Pleasure Ground for entertainment and enlightenment in 1880 and provide the most picturesque surroundings for this well-loved carnival of music and arts. 

As well as all the natural beauty, the site boasts original Victorian architecture including an open-air theatre, Roman Temple and colonial-style pavilion. This year top acts such as Idles, Slowdive, Fever Ray will perform to crowds and a roaming peacock or two. 

Proving comedy rates as highly as music at summer festivals these days the line-up of laughs includes heavy weights such as Fern Brady, Stewart Lee, Sara Barron and Janine Harouni. 

endoftheroadfestival.com

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