The Big Reunion, Skegness
21-23 November & 28–30 November
Not to be confused with ITV’s 1990s revival tour of the same name, this Big Reunion at Butlins Skegness offers a bang up-to-date line-up of massive acts and DJs over two raucous weekends. Tinie Tempah leads the pack alongside Chase and Status (DJ set), with beats from Hannah Wants and Pendulum. The resort will also host satellite pool parties and bingo sessions if you need a break from the main stages. Definitely aimed at a younger crowd, this is not the place to reminisce about raving days gone by – although old-school favourites DJ Luck & MC Neat have made it on to the roster.
Where to stay Tickets include basic accommodation at Butlins; upgrade to a VIP package for self-catering facilities.
How much? Standard two-night room-only with access to all of the arenas costs £175pp.
• thebigreunion.com
Spitalfields Music, London
5-16 December
Spitalfields is magical in winter and this year promises a stirring soundtrack to your Christmas shopping, with a programme of baroque and renaissance masterpieces, new and unexpected music, world premieres, and family-friendly performances. Expect classical acts from around the world, including French ensemble Le Concert Spirituel and avant-garde Polish quartet Kwartludium, as well as home-gown talent in the form of Iestyn Davies and Elizabeth Kenny, in a candlelit performance of England’s Orpheus at Shoreditch Church.
Where to stay Get a local vibe by staying in a private home with airbnb.co.uk. There are hundreds to choose from, including an original 18th-century Huguenot silk-weaver’s house in Spitalfields.
How much? From £10, price varies depending on performance.
• spitalfieldsmusic.org.uk
Celtic Connections, Glasgow
15 January-1 February 2015
The largest winter music festival of its kind, Celtic Connections has attracted visitors from all over the world for more than 20 years to experience a riot of folk, roots and world music. Programmed by Donald Shaw (founding member of Celtic supergroup Capercaillie), it offers more than 300 events across the city. Highlights include Grammy award–winning singer-songwriter Angélique Kidjo from Benin joining the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, UK duo the Pierces, and Tex-Mex indie sensation Calexico. The venues are just as a diverse, taking in the Art School, the Old Fruitmarket and St Andrew’s in the Square (a former church, now Glasgow’s Centre for Scottish Culture).
Where to stay easyHotel has small but perfectly formed rooms from just £19 a night in January.
How much? From £10, price varies depending on performance.
• celticconnections.com
Bugged Out Music Weekender, Bognor Regis
16-18 January
Another blinder in the Butlins Music Weekends series, the three-day Bugged Out party promises carnage from the Chemical Brothers (DJ set), Disclosure (live) and DJ-cum-show pony Tiga (in a Bugatti). Now in its fourth year, the Bugged Out Weekender comes from a party crew with 20 years at the forefront of the dance music scene, attracting the cream of clubland. “It’s just a big disco” is the official line, but this disco includes pool parties, a twisted pub quiz and some of the world’s finest DJs and artists – Duke Dumont, Todd Terje and Four Tet anyone? As NME put it: “As far as weekend activities on this earth go, there’s little to be had that’s more glorious.”
Where to stay Tickets include a variety of accommodation at the resort, with bolt-on dining options.
How much? Three nights from £169pp, in a six-berth unit including access to all venues.
• buggedoutweekender.net
Wee Dub Festival, Edinburgh
6-9 March 2015
Scotland’s biggest celebration of reggae and sound system culture takes place over three days in Edinburgh old town. It launched in 2011 as a one night one-venue event but after just three years on the scene is already making waves, and has been nominated for Best Metropolitan Festival at the UK Festival Awards 2014 (to be announced in December) – so it’s worth booking early to guarantee a ticket. Expect the likes of Iration Steppas, Samson Sounds, DJ Nem and the Channel One Soundsystem playing a host of venues, from the Liquid Room to Studio 24. There will also be film screenings, a “Dub Clinic” and a Sunday Social – a chilled-out day with family-friendly activities and Jamaican food.
Where to stay 24 Saxe-Coburg Place is a B&B with simple yet elegant accommodation from £90 a night.
How much? Earlybird tickets £29, standard tickets £35 (plus booking fee).
• weedubfestival.co.uk
