Sun, sea and wild parties with no wellies needed at these holiday festivals

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Think music festivals are all wellies and sodden tents? Think again.

Admittedly Britain's biggest shows come with something of a weather warning no matter the season, and to be honest we wouldn't have them any other way.

But the rise of both the quantity and quality of festivals popping up on the continent and even further beyond can no longer be ignored.

Beers, beaches and stunning alternatives to big tops are all waiting for music hedonists, so pack the sun lotion and book your flights because here are some incredible holidays soundtracked by DJs and pop stars.

Transahara Festival

May 13-17 Merzouga, Morocco

What we like: The promise of 'mystical' stillness in "one of the most magical places on Earth" surrounded by the gold sand dunes from the world's most famous desert.

What to pack: The Sahara desert and sunglasses pretty much go hand in hand.

Who to see: DJ Eat Static is allegedly part alien — need we say more?

More info

UNUM Festival

June 1-6 Rana e Hedhun, Albania

What we like: Raving in one of Europe's best kept secrets. When you imagine dancing to live music on a sun-soaked beach in Albania, probably not the first, second or third destination you have in mind. A glimpse of last year's after movie will certainly change that.

What to pack: Flip flops / sliders / sandals because socks and trainers are screaming out for sweat.

Who to see: While your ears are locked on the 85 artists across three stages, expect the scenery to steal your vision for five days.

More info

Creamfields South

June 2-4 Chelmsford, Essex

What we like: Britain's biggest dance music festival has just become a whole lot easier for those in the south to attend. While keeping its traditional home in Cheshire, Creamfields is opening shop at the tried and tested old home of V Festival.

What to pack: Opt for one of the several glamping options and your group need only worry about toiletries and a change of bucket hat.

Who to see: David Guetta, Calvin Harris and Fatboy Slim head up an embarrassment of riches.

More info

Hideout Festival

July 3-7th Pag Island, Croatia

What we like: The bundle of water sports activities available to revellers who would be wise to start the day on a jet ski than finish it feeling pretty waved.

What to pack: Aqua shoes to save your feet from the stony Zrce Beach.

Who to see: Camelphat, Sonny Fodera, Andy C.

More info

Les Plages Electroniques

August 5-6 Cannes, France

What we like: Often dismissed as a posh destination exclusively for the rich, the south of France has swung open its doors for a serious weekend of partying.

What to pack: An appetite because you can't stay in Cannes and get by snacking only burgers and chips

Who to see: David Guetta, Martin Garrix.

More info

Sziget Festival

August 10-15 Budapest, Hungary

What we like: What Budapest lacks in a coastline it certainly makes up for with culture and more importantly venues for boozing. If the line ups above have been a bit too alternative for you then you'll find pop heaven in Sziget.

What to pack: It may be landlocked but swimwear wouldn't go a miss for a dip in a Roman bath.

Who to see: Dua Lipa, Kings of Leon, Justin Bieber.

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PukkelPop

August 18-21 Kiewit-Hasselt, Belgium

What we like: Little more than a Eurostar train ride away into the continent awaits a star-studded line up that would make any festival blush.

What to pack: Food! It's not often campers are encouraged to make use of on site microwaves…

Who to see: There are massive names from all genres that would fill a paragraph but our eyes are firmly on Arctic Monkeys, Dave, Fred Again and Wesley Joseph

More info

Sonus Festival

August 21-25 Zrce Beach, Croatia

What we like: Four open air night (and day) clubs are all dotted on the same stunning Adriatic beach but each boast their own identity to match whatever mood you find yourself in.

What to pack: Still got those aqua shoes?

Who to see: This is one for the real underground electronic lovers with 40 international headliners who range from spinning house to hard-hitting techno.

More info

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• Holidays

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