Contiki knows how to put a music festival together, or at least, an epic surprise party for its travellers.

Think Australian music royalty, Carissa Walford, as your travel buddy, rocking up to a 16^th century chateau and having chart-topping DJ duo, Flight Facilities, perform an exclusive set for you and you’ll envy this Contiki Legend put together for their traveller, King Dave.

To help celebrate the launch of yet another successful Contiki Legend (if you’ve been under a rock here are the other Legends) celebrating travel, music and all things legendary, we’ve listed the best music festivals to attend in Europe in 2016.

Glastonbury – June, 2016

One would be crazy not to want to attend Glastonbury in their lifetime.

This music festival has a line-up other festivals envy, with some of the world’s most talented artists taking to the stage.

From the up-and-comers like James Bay and Rudimental to mega star such as Pharrell Williams, Kayne West and Lionel Richie, Glastonbury rings in the UK summer season in style and is one of the world’s not-to-be-missed music events.

Image Source: factmag.com

Donauninselfest – June, 2016

Vienna is home to Europe’s largest open-air music festival featuring thousands of acts on a man-made island for three days of electric performances.

Located on the Danube River, the island was originally conceived in the 19^th century to provide protection against flooding to the towns among the Danube shoreline.

Now, Vienna and the Danube River celebrates Donauninselfest each year with millions of people coming together to celebrate all things electric. Did we also mention it’s free?!

Sonar – June, 2016

The name itself means ‘sound’ and that is the essence of Sonar music festival – a three day festival that fully immerses attendees in music in almost every way imaginable.

The festival is split into two events. Sonar Day, which takes place at Barcelona’s Plaza d’Espanya, and Sonar Night, held at the exhibition centre in the L’Hospitalet neighbourhood as well as various low-key venues around town.

Tomorrowland – July, 2016

Arguably one of the world’s best dance parties, Tomorrowland takes place in Belgium and is known for its storybook setting and immersive nature.

Its themes have ranged from Alice in Wonderland to The Key to Happiness and this year’s theme of the Kingdom of Melodia, with each festival bringing over-the-top, futuristic installations and a weekend of out-of-this-world fun.

Image Source: musicfeeds.com.au

Secret Garden Party – July, 2016

Who doesn’t love a garden party?

Apparently the Brits do, so much so that it’s become one of the most sought-after summer festival experiences in Britain.

Fest300 describes it as, “take the creative, DIY artistic element of Burning Man, slim it down, fancy dress it up (that’s costumes for you non-British folk) and set it in the lush English countryside and you’ve got the Secret Garden Party.”

For Australians, it’s almost like a Diner en Blanc party without the white dress code.

Creamfields – August, 2016

One of the largest outdoor electronic music festivals in Britain, Creamfields attracts the crème de la crème of dance acts from around the world.

Held annually on the August Bank Holiday weekend in Daresbury, England, the festival will bring together 200 artists across 11 stages over three days with all the bells and whistles. Think fairground rides, silent discos, cocktail bars and huge LED screens.

Mysteryland – August, 2016

Considered the granddaddy of all dance music festivals in the Netherlands, Mysteryland dates back to the early 90s and has launched the careers of many successful DJs over the years.

Taking you deeper into the heart of dance and music festivals, the idea of those who play at Mysteryland is to bring “peace, love, music” to festivalgoers who are focussed on discovery through interactive, fun-filled and enriching experiences.

Image Source: stoneyroads.com

Bestival – September, 2016

Are you a fan of a Fancy Dress Parade?

Bestival – regarded as one of the kinder and gentler music festivals around situated on the largest Island in the English channel – is the official festival to close out the UK summer festival season.

In 2010, it won a place in the Guinness World Record for having the most people in costume at one time; in 2013, Elton John graced the stage in his first festival in three decades.

So what will 2016 bring? You’ll just have to wait and see.

Electric Picnic – September, 2016

The Irish pull out all the stops at the Electric Picnic music and arts festival in Co. Laois, Ireland.

Whether you’re a lover of music, dance, art, body & soul or food, there’s something for everyone. Perhaps think of it as a tamer Burning Man, in Ireland, with a slight chance of rain. You’ll meet a range of creatives over the three day event and guaranteed laughter along the way.

Paris Techno Parade – September, 2016

Whoever said Paris was just for eating croissants, picnics under the Eiffel Tower and shopping was wrong.

Once a year, Paris’s underground techno scene comes up for air in the streets of Paris and with it they bring music, lots of music. Think DJs, subwoofers and sound-mixers throughout the streets of Paris bringing to life the rising in popularity French techno for everyone to enjoy.

Image Source: thetouristinparis.com

Feature image: Supplied