Rock in Rio Lisboa
Lisbon, 25 May-3 June
Metallica, Smashing Pumpkins, Lenny Kravitz and Bruce Springsteen will rock Lisbon over two weekends at this major rock event, started in 2004 after the success of the Brazilian original. The World stage hosts the big names, while local bands play the Sunset area. Tickets from £49
rockinriolisboa.sapo.pt
Amp it Up
Antibes, 25-30 July
Amp it Up is a brand new 'boutique festival' held in an arena on the beach at Juan Les Pins. Established acts Simple Minds and Status Quo are set to appear, along with legendary French rocker Jean-Louis Aubert. Tickets from £38
ampitupfestivals.com
Sweden Rock Festival
Sölvesborg, 6-9 June
Sweden has played host to this rock/metal festival for two decades. With this year's festival attracting metal legends Mötley Crüe,70s rockers Lynyrd Skynyrd and recently-reformed Brits The Darkness, it's set to be an unforgettable spectacle. Tickets from £105 swedenrock.com
Berlin Festival
Berlin, 9-10 September
A little softer on the rock front, with The Killers and Franz Ferdinand leading the line up, Berlin's festival is held in the hangars of its decommissioned Tempelhof airport. A silent disco afterparty gives a taste of Berlin's club scene (available to 2-day ticket holders). Tickets from £43
berlinfestival.de
Costa de Fuego
Benicássim, 20-21 July
Most famous for its eponymous festival, Spain's Benicássim arena will this year host a new hard rock festival, Costa de Fuego. Guns'N'Roses and Marilyn Manson are the headline acts, with Nightwish and Paradise Lost also appearing. BA fly to nearby Valencia and Alicante (ba.com). Tickets from £64
costadefuego.com
