Align your music with your values at festivals championing causes from cultural preservation to primate conservation.
The typical music festival experience has become synonymous with exorbitant ticket prices, corporate sponsorships, and a focus on big-name acts. However, a recent study in the UK reveals that people are scaling back their plans to attend live music events this year due to the prevailing cost of living crisis. This raises the question of whether commercial music festivals have lost their appeal.
Fortunately, there is a silver lining: a selection of diverse and budget-friendly festivals across Europe that prioritize purpose over profit
Pete the Monkey Festival in Normandy, France
Hailed as a hidden gem by Le Monde newspaper, Pete the Monkey Festival is an exuberant celebration of French and English cultures, with a strong focus on sustainability. Located in the picturesque town of Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer in the Seine-Maritime region of northern France, this three-day event offers a unique experience just moments away from the beach. The festival emphasizes eco-conscious practices, with locally sourced produce served by food trucks, a strict no-plastic policy, and the DJ stage powered by solar panels.
Pete the Monkey has previously showcased remarkable talents like Loyle Carner and Folamour, and the upcoming 2023 edition promises an exciting lineup featuring African/Afro-Cuban fusion band Orchestra Baobab, French indie artist Flavien Berger, and the Parisian duo Acid Arab.
The funds raised from the festival contribute to the Jacj Cuisi monkey sanctuary in Bolivia, which rescues animals affected by deforestation and illegal trafficking. The festival’s founder, Louis Dumas, witnessed the mistreatment of monkeys as pets and recorded the distressing footage that later went viral. Inspired by this experience, Louis and his brother Rob established the festival with the aim of raising funds for the sanctuary, which was in dire need of financial support. What started as a modest gathering of 350 people in 2012 has since evolved into one of France’s most esteemed and environmentally conscious festivals.
Taking place from July 13th to 15th, a three-day ticket for Pete the Monkey Festival is priced at €177.50, offering attendees an unforgettable experience while contributing to a worthy cause. For more information, visit petethemonkeyfestival.com.
Sun Festival in Hungary
Sun Festival, also known as Solar United Natives, is held in Csobankapuszta, a breathtaking “Garden of Eden” located in northern Hungary.
The festival’s core values revolve around fostering deep human connections. Attendees gather to rebuild themselves, let go of their troubles, and embrace forgiveness. The land is home to cows and sheep, and there are opportunities to participate in tree-planting sessions and healing groups.
Originating from Hungary’s psychedelic trance party scene, specifically the Hungarian Goa community, the Sun Festival emerged a decade ago and has maintained its reputation ever since. The lineup for this year’s event features renowned acts like Sabretooth, Gagarin Project, and Triceradrops.
Rather than implementing a conventional ticketing system, the festival operates on a membership basis. To attend, individuals must become a “member” of the community. The entire event is organized by the non-governmental organization (NGO) Deep Smile Foundation, with no involvement from investors or corporate entities. Profits generated from the festival contribute to the development of a sustainable community in the region.
The Sun Festival will be held from July 10th to 17th. Annual membership is priced at €115, while a lifetime membership costs €200. For more information, visit the Sun festival website.
Ampthill in Bedfordshire United Kingdom
Ampthill, nestled in the heart of mid-Bedfordshire, hosts a charming and intimate British festival that spans across a weekend. This event showcases a blend of pop, rock, and classical music, with each day presenting a unique theme. Friday caters to indie music enthusiasts with AmpRocks, while Saturday offers a more traditional “proms in the park” experience with AmpProms. Sunday transitions to a family-friendly affair with AmpGala, featuring charity stalls and activities for children.
Despite its modest size, with an attendance of approximately 8,000 people, Ampthill has welcomed notable headliners like McFly in the past. This year, festival-goers will have the opportunity to enjoy performances from chart-topping band Clean Bandit, indie-rock quartet Black Honey, and opera singer Elizabeth Bottone.
What makes this festival even more remarkable is the fact that it is entirely organized and operated by volunteers. As a nonprofit organization, all proceeds are reinvested into the community and local charities such as the Scouts, Brownies, and Sea Cadets.
Taking place from July 14th to 16th, tickets for Ampthill Festival start at £22. For more details, visit ampthillfestival.com.
