7 Of The Best: Summer Festivals

The best is yet to come...

The festival season is well under way, with big hitters such as Glastonbury, T In The Park and Blissfields already proving their worth.

Fans who have missed out needn't despair, though, as there are plenty of musical treats waiting just around the corner.

Clash counts down 7 Of The Best events to look out for…

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Secret Garden Party (July 23rd – 26th)
Secret Garden Party began just over a decade ago as, well, a secret garden party. Since then, the Abbots Ripton event has mushroomed into something quite special, becoming a top summer destination for countless thousand music fans. Gazing at this year's line up, it's easy to see why: a cozy fusion of impeccable electronics, intelligent indie and rambunctious reggae, with Jungle, Public Service Broadcasting and Temples nestling alongside David Rodigan, Roots Manuva and an entire tent curated by Maya Jane Coles. Aside from music, the ever-cultural Secret Garden Party crew a paint fight, a dance off, guerilla science and the curiously named 'bearded kitten'. Truly, an event which never ceases to surprise. (More info)

Way Out West (August 13th – 15th)
Sweden's Way Out West has gradually earned a reputation as one of Scandinavia's must-see events and, with a bill like this year, it's easy to see why. Vastly influential American artist Beck heads a bill which also includes legendary punk-poet Patti Smith, Florence & The Machine and rap's enfant terrible Tyler, The Creator. Housed in a snug Gothenburg site, the fusion of international acts and local delicacies makes for something truly distinct, with the bill matching rising Swedish artists against the likes of Father John Misty, Future Islands and Emmylou Harris. (More info)

La Route Du Rock (August 13th – 16th)
La Route Du Rock is one of the best kept secrets of the French festival programme, an event which combines a truly spectacular site with a hand-picked bill which favours quality over quantity. The always-inspirational Bjork heads up 2015's line up, with her stunning, dream-like live show set to resonate amidst the French countryside. Elsewhere, Jungle will perform, while La Route Du Rock will also welcome the likes of The Juan MacLean, Irish group Girl Band and many, many more. (More info)

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End Of The Road (September 4th – 6th)
Festivals thrive on a sense of community, on like-minded fans coming together. End Of The Road manages to achieve this more succinctly than most, with the Larmer Tree Gardens rooted event managing to attract loyal ticket holders which span the generations. Little wonder, though, with this year's bill including a special, special appearance from much-cherished American performer Sufjan Stevens. Tame Impala will showcase their sought after new album, while The War On Drugs, My Morning Jacket and Laura Marling will charm the capacity crowd. A chilled out affair, End Of The Road seems to touch the parts that other festivals just can't quite reach. (More info)

Bestival (September 10th – 13th)
Coming at the tail end of the festival season Bestival is now viewed by many as the traditional curtain fall on the British summer. If so, fans could hardly wish for something more elegant, with its famed fancy dress competition turning the Isle of Wight site into a modern phantasia. Rob da Bank & Co. have excelled themselves this year, with The Chemical Brothers, Underworld, Tame Impala and 80s legends Duran Duran propping up the bill. Roisin Murphy will bring a slice of elegance to proceedings, while Flying Lotus will allow his ground-breaking live show to unfurl its talons around Bestival. A remarkable, unique event, this year's Bestival might just top the lot. (More info)

Lollapalooza Berlin (September 12th – 13th)
Lollapalooza is one of the United States' most potent festival brands but, truly, it's an event which was always meant to travel. Leaping across the Atlantic to occupy Tempelhof Airport on the outskirts of Berlin, this two day instalment features something for everyone. Headliners Muse are joined by the likes of indie icons The Libertines, Sam Smith, big beat pioneer Fatboy Slim, indie doyens Belle & Sebastian, CHVRCHES and so much more. With regular two-day passes starting at just €119 this is a highly affordable destination point for curious fans across Europe and beyond. (More info)

Simple Things Festival (October 23rd – 24th)
Simple Things is a relatively new name to the festival calendar. Launched just a few years ago, the Bristol event was a stunning success, matching a hand-picked bill to a series of unique venues which made full use of this one of the kind city. Returning for a fresh instalment, the latest line up includes Warp juggernaut Battles, punk heroes Wire, electronic trickster Dean Blunt, Lower Dens and more. A multi-venue feast of cutting edge innovation, this year's Simple Things festival will be kicked off in spectacular style by Canadian post-rock group Godspeed You! Black Emperor – it's difficult to ask for more. (More info)

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Fancy finding out more? Check out Zalando's interactive festival guide HERE.

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