Darren does Benicassim...

Never one to shy away from an adventure, Darren was asking about this year’s Benicassim tickets the moment he got back from the last one. But for all of us worried about heading to foreign fields for a few well-known bands and a week lodged in a stranger’s odorous armpit, is it really worth the trek to Spain?  Here’s Darren with the lowdown…

First up, the Benicassim festival is hot!  In my opinion it’s Glastonbury and more without the mud and threat of minging weather. Basically, it’s the fruit of festivals in Europe and something everyone should do once, (although this year will be my fourth because I can’t think of a good enough reason not to go). If you need to justify your trip, just tell yourself how much you need a break, because after all, you’re not just going for the festival. You’re going for the band/sand holiday fusion that lures a million (single) sun and music worshippers to the same town.

Benicassim is a quiet Spanish beach town, only 55 minutes drive from Valencia.  It’s right on the coast and has some amazing beaches.  Most of the year it must be dead, but come festival time it’s buzzing and I couldn’t wait to check out the talent… er, scenery. Your day tends to kick off at 1pm – that’s once you’ve managed to scrape yourself off whichever sleeping apparatus you fell across the night before. Most people get breakfast, then head down to the beach for some sun, surf and ladies in bikinis.  Well, what did you expect? Once you’ve baked yourself sufficiently under those warm Spanish rays, perhaps necked a few beers and handed out your number to about ten people who will probably never call, it's off to the festival.

The line up each year is an indie lover’s dream. I’ve seen bands such as  Franz Ferdinand, The Kooks, The Strokes, We Are Scientists and a heap more. There’s always something you just don’t want to miss, but if you’re anything like my lot, it’s inevitable that you won’t get to see everything. Who wants to run around in the boiling sun when there’s so much to do elsewhere? It’s best if you pick out a few bands that you really don’t want to miss and aim for those. The rest just kind of happens, depending on who you meet and who you lose in the crowds.

The festival goes on for four days and luckily it’s only about a 10 minute walk from the main campsite – this is where you want to stay as everyone stumbles back there together and you can keep the party going if you’re not done with dancing. Although, the main stage acts normally go through to about 6am! The acts usually kick off around 7pm so don’t forget to use those food and drink tickets wisely. And don’t even think about smuggling in your own alcohol – they’ll even check the bags under your eyes. Don’t worry though, there’s plenty on site.  After all, a good festival is never a dry one.

As well as the main stage, there are three other smaller stages which showcase some great bands. In spite of the weather being ridiculously hot, the Benicassim festival is full of chill people. Pretty much anything goes, and I’d advise wearing not very much. And shoes. You’ll need those for venturing into the mosh pits. After each gig there’s always a substantial litter of broken flip flops  scattered about, and most likely a few broken feet too – ouch!

Tired, danced out and sweating buckets, your day will undoubtedly wrap up at around 7am, wherever you might fall. Hopefully it’ll be in your own tent, unless you’re really unlucky. Or lucky, as the case may be…

To book your tickets to Benicassim 2007, click here now