Primavera Sound Festival

Why should I go? The springtime weather in Barcelona is perfect, and the line-up is the definition of eclectic.

Any interesting titbits of information? Parc del Forum was built for the Universal Forum on Cultures in 2004. It commemorates Barcelona’s Olympics.

The earliest of several summer music festivals in Barcelona, Primavera Sound is, by many accounts, the best. Perfectly situated in the Barcelona suburbs, once inside a compact site keeps the music always within ear shot. Stages start in the early afternoon, last until 6am and will provide you with some of the most comprehensive musical line-ups in Europe featuring, this year, Neil Young and My Bloody Valentine as well as the eclectic delights of The Jesus Lizard, The Vaselines, Shellac and Michael Nyman.
Above all this, the key to Primavera, as in years past, is the stage sponsorship. ATP, Vice and Pitchfork are at it this year, bringing in both classic and buzz bands, alongside local Catalan talent. Though the music is the main enticement to go, it is also right beside a clothes-optional white sand beach, and allows punters to leave and return as they please. Far-and-away one of the more relaxing, laid back festival experiences around, Primavera is equally for those wishing to chill, those wishing to reconnect with old favourites and those wishing to party well into the night. Regardless, the Metro doesn’t start up again until 6am the next morning, so often the easiest choice at is just to keep going.

Ticket price: three-day tickets (until 15th April): €145 (+ booking fee); three-day tickets (after 15th April): €155 (+ booking fee); one-day tickets (until 15th April): €60 (+ booking fee); one-day tickets (after 15th April): €70 (+ booking fee).

Accommodation: There's no camping, so festivalgoers should hit the hotels when they're all danced out. There’s a list of recommended hotels, hostels and apartments online at www.primaverasound.com.

Site opening: 3pm, Thursday 28th May to 3pm, Saturday 30th May.

Capacity: 25,000

Stages: Parc Del Forum, Pitchfork, ATP, Joan Miro Park, Auditori Forum, Estrella Damm.

Travel: The nearest Metro stop is El Maresme Forum on the Yellow Line 4. The nearest Tram stop is Forum on the Tram T4 line, which also connects to various metro stations. TMB bus Lines 7, 36, 41, 43 y 141 run past the site as does the night bus, N6.