Festival Column: Sziget, Budapest

Feature by Paul Mitchell | 21 Apr 2011

One of the world’s largest musical and cultural festivals takes place in August, but you knew that already, right? And that it offers exceptional value for money in one of the cheapest capital cities in Europe? That’s right, for the price of a fish supper (organic) and a Michael McIntyre ticket, you could indeed be spending seven days on an island in the middle of the Danube at Budapest's Sziget Festival. Pitch your tent wherever you like (including in front of the stage, nutter) and soak up the rays with the sounds of Iron Maiden unleashing their new album wafting gently away in the background. Muse, Faithless, Pulp, Dizzee and Marina are featured acts you should be familiar with, as well as Kasabian, with whom you shouldn’t; dozens of acts across all genres  are playing over the space of five days. Cinema, theatre, sport-playing facilities, a conveniently placed Budapest and the opportunity to get properly mangled in a foreign country (something we don’t do enough of here in Britain) are available if the music’s not really your thing. [Paul Mitchell]

 

10-15 Aug (open to campers from 8 Aug) Flights direct to Budapest are available from Edinburgh and Glasgow. Early bird tickets cost €140 for a seven day non-camping pass, €170 for a seven day pass with camping. See szigetfest.co.uk for more details