5 HOT FESTIVALS TO BOOK NOW
by Sarah Scaddan
Whether you like to sing, shout and let it all out, or observe quietly whilst eating your packed lunch, nothing makes you feel as young and free as being part of the crowd at a festival. Geneva and the surrounding area is blessed with a number of live music events, and although they’re not quite Glastonbury or Summerfest, there is always someone in the line up that makes you feel a bit giddy.
Tickets are just about to go on sale for Paléo and the Montreux Jazz Festival, and are already available for Caribana, Guitare En Scène and Caprices. Here is the latest on who is playing and how to get to see them.
CARIBANA
WHEN
5-9 June 2019.
WHAT’S THE SCENE?
Caribana is a gorgeous little festival, right on the lake’s edge between Founex and Nyon. There are only two stages and one band on at a time, so you get to see everyone, and it attracts some big names. The crowd is civilised, it’s easy to get close to the stage, food stands are great, there’s no queue at the bar and the toilets are really clean. Love love love!
WHO IS PLAYING?
Bastian Baker, Morcheeba, Franz Ferdinand, Vegedream, Caravan Palace, Nekfue, Robin Shultz, Vald, Kodaline, Skip the Use, Trois Cafes Gourmands, Ninho, Blu Samu and more.
HOW TO GET THERE
Bus from Nyon stops outside. Lots of parking, no queues.
TICKETS
Tickets available now
PALÉO FESTIVAL – NYON
WHEN
23 to 28 July 2019.
WHAT’S THE SCENE?
In 40 years, the Paléo Festival in Nyon has become the biggest festival in Switzerland. It covers an area of 84 hectares, with 7 stages, more than 200 stalls and some fifty bars. Robbie Williams, Elton John, The Cure, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers are a few of the big names that have played, and there is always upcoming talents, street artists and traditional music from around the world. It finishes on Sunday evening with a large firework display. The crowd is a mixed one, everyone will fit in here. Every year the Village du Monde has a different theme, this year it is ‘the mysteries of Quebec’.
WHO IS PLAYING?
The full line-up will be revealed on Tuesday 26 March 2019 on this website.
HOW TO GET THERE
Situated near Nyon, there is parking on site, and trains and busses that connect with Geneva, Lausanne and Nyon running late into the night. Or take a tent.
TICKETS
Tickets will be available from Wednesday 3 April 2019, at 12h00 on this site. It is a painful process, you log on, wait, wait a bit more, then by the time you have pressed complete on your purchase, most nights are sold out. Don’t dawdle, have a clear idea about what you want to purchase and set up your account in advance.
NOTE
It’s busy, if you’re hoping to see a band and still be in bed before midnight, think again.
MONTREUX JAZZ FESTIVAL
WHEN
28 June – 13 July 2019
WHAT’S THE SCENE?
Originally a pure jazz festival, it now presents artists of nearly every imaginable music style although jazz remains an important part of the festival. The festival lasts around two weeks and attracts an audience of more than 200,000 people. Performances are held in the large Auditorium Stravinsk, Montreux Jazz Club and Montreux Jazz Lab, with many free performances in parks and other venues. The town is alive with music, even the lake has a jazz boat.
WHO IS PLAYING?
Programme announcement 9 April 2019 on this site.
HOW TO GET THERE
Direct train from Geneva.
TICKETS
Ticketshop opens 10 April 2019 on this site.
Note: Did you know the festival was originally held at the original Montreux Casino, which burned down in December 1971 during Frank Zappa‘s performance, the subject of ‘Smoke on the Water’ by Deep Purple?
GUITARE EN SCÉNE, St Julien En Genevois
John Buttler Trio, playing at Guitar en Scéne
WHEN?
11-14 July 2019
WHAT’S THE SCENE?
A small festival that pops up annually in a recreation ground in St Julien. There are two stages and a maximum capacity of 5500 people but although small, it is perfectly formed, especially if you enjoy rock and an extraordinary proximity to artists. Plenty of refreshment options and a nice, relaxed vibe.
WHO IS PLAYING?
Midnight Oil, Dream Theatre, Joan Baez, Mark Knopfler, John Butler Trio, Micheal Shenker Fest, John Illsley, Albert Lee, King King, Aynsley Lister, Neal Black and Fred Chapellier.
HOW TO GET THERE
Direct bus from Geneva, or plenty of parking.
TICKETS
On this site.
CAPRICES FESTIVAL, Crans Montana
WHEN
11-14 April 2019
WHAT’S THE SCENE?
Situated on the beautiful plateau of Crans-Montana in Southern Switzerland, Situated on the beautiful plateau of Crans-Montana, the Caprices Festival runs through day and night offering offering electronic music aficionados an unparalleled clubbing experience. The day time stage (12h00-22h00) is in a transparent tent with fantastic panoramic views. At night (21h00-06h00) the party moves to a venue the bottom of the ski-lifts.
WHO IS PLAYING?
Check out dj’s on this site.
HOW DO YOU GET THERE?
Train from Geneva changing at Sierre, or three hours by car. No need for accommodation as you’ll be dancing all night…
TICKETS
On this site.
