The Badger guide to summer

With the end of term looming, and sun-soaked days just around the corner, The Badger has taken a look at some of the best of this year’s festivals to help you decide where to spend your summer…

Reading

Where? Richfield Avenue, Reading

When? August 28-30

Reading returns this year with an inflated price tag and a distinctly average line-up, so it’s just as well there are some diamonds in the rough (Radiohead on the Sunday, anyone? Or if Thom Yorke isn’t really your cup of tea, how about The Prodigy on Saturday? I‘ll be checking out both).

More acts are due to be announced soon, and despite the disappointing line-up so far, if you haven’t already got yourself a weekend ticket, you’re out of luck; the festival sold out in just hours, and unlike previous years, none will be available to buy from the on-site box office either.

Glastonbury

Where? Worthy Farm, Somerset

When? June 26-28

This year, a sold-out Glastonbury plays host to a diverse mix of music, with the 2009 instalment of the legendary festival set to include the likes of Blur, Crosby Stills and Nash, Doves, Madness and even Rolf Harris.

Strongly rumoured to appear at the world’s largest music festival are Squeeze, Oasis and Bloc Party; so keep your eyes peeled for further announcements.

Beachdown

Where? Devil’s Dyke, Brighton

When? August 28-31

If you fancy something a little closer to home, then Beachdown is the festival for you. Grace Jones, Super Furry Animals and The Fall are all set to appear at the festival, which takes place in Devil’s Dyke in August.

And if you fancy catching some home-grown Brighton talent, Beachdown has just what you’re looking for; Floors and Walls, as well as Morrissey’s favourites, Doll and the Kicks, have also been added to the bill.

Better still, the festival boasts the driest underfoot site in the country, so you won’t find yourself caught up in any unexpected mud-baths.

Benicassim

Where? Benicassim, Spain

When? July 16-19

If you’re looking for a festival a bit further afield than usual, Benicassim is probably it.

A four-day ticket gets you nine days of camping in sunny Spain, with plenty of music to boot; Kings of Leon, Franz Ferdinand, The Killers, Oasis, Lily Allen and Paul Weller are just a few of the acts on offer this year, with more artists due to confirm in the coming weeks.

Sure, travelling there and back may work out to be a little pricey, but look at this way; at least you’re guaranteed some sunshine.

Isle of Wight

Where? Seaclose Park, Newport

When? June 12-14

Perhaps you want to get away from the mainland, but maybe Spain is a little too far. If so, the Isle of Wight Festival is your best bet.

Here The Prodigy find themselves amongst a more attractive line-up, with Pendulum, The Pixies, The View and even Paolo Nutini sharing a place on the bill.

There are some lesser-known gems, too; if you’ve got a ticket for the festival this year, make sure you check out The Pains of Being Pure At Heart – the best shoegaze pop this side of Jesus and the Marychain.