Escaping our own Summer for the European Winter chill may sound counterproductive, but when the leading independent festival in Netherlands is hosting some of the world’s best alternative acts you’re allowed to think otherwise.
Factor in its location in Utrecht and you should be jumping at the opportunity of booking your tickets. Who needs Summer anyway? Hayfever, sweat and sunburn can all be avoided by making this Dutch getaway.
Rated in 2012 by the Lonely Planet as #6 in their list of the ‘World’s Most Unsung Places’ Utrecht is just as much the reason to buy a ticket as the music is itself. With the acts playing throughout multiple venues in the city centre the fourth largest city in the Netherlands is an essential component in making Le Guess Who? a unique music event.
Lonely Planet declared “Its old town is encircled by a medieval canal, and you can hop on a boat tour to visit the city’s bustling, vibrant wharves. Built to connect the canalside with Utrecht’s impressive townhouses, today these unique spaces are filled with bohemian cafes, shops, restaurants and bars”.
And they’re spot on. The 7th edition of one of the country’s best music events and one of the continents best kept secrets promises to build upon its already outstanding reputation.
Past performers have included the likes of Beach House, Fucked Up, Wavves, Baths, Sleigh Bells, The Tallest Man On Earth, Julia Holter, Willis Earl Beal, Sharon van Etten and Cloud Nothings just to name a few.
For an international traveller Le Guess Who? provides the incredible opportunity of soaking up high calibre music performers and an under appreciated European metropolis at the same time.
Lineup
Le Guess Who? 2013 Teaser from Le Guess Who? on Vimeo.
Off the back of their 13th studio album, Fade, three-piece New Jersey outfit Yo La Tengo will headline this alternative music event alongside singer-songwriter Mark Lanegan who will also drop by in support of his 2013 release, Imitations.
Austin psychedelic rockers The Black Angels, Canadian three-piece Braids and Ty Segall will also make the trip to Holland with new releases in tow.
Polaris Music Prize nominees Metz, experimental drone metal outfit Om and Manchester alternative rockers The Fall demonstrate just how eclectic this lineup is.
Other sets sure to go down as highlights will come from Wooden Shjips, Connan Mockasin, Damien Jurado, Oddisee, Linda Perhacs, Neko Case, Oneohtrix and Ólafur Arnalds.
With more acts set to be announced see the full lineup here.
Where And When
Le Guess Who? will take place from November 28th to December 1st in the Dutch city of Utrecht. All gigs will take place in venues that are located in the city centre.
How To Get There
With Utrecht just 30 minutes away from Amsterdam flights to the capital are essential to get to this music experience.
Travellers will have the choice of flying with Austrian Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Emirates Airlines and Singapore Airlines for their journey.
Below are estimates of return flights from major Australian cities.
Adelaide: One-stop flights are valued from upwards of $1800, while two-stop flights start from $1600.
Brisbane: One-stop flights are valued from upwards of $1300, while two-stop flights start from $1200.
Melbourne: One-stop flights are valued from upwards of $1200, while two-stop flights start from $1400.
Perth: One-stop flights are valued from upwards of $1500, while two-stop flights start from $1700.
Sydney: One-stop flights are valued from upwards of $1200, while two-stop flights start from $1300.
Getting from Amsterdam to Utrecht shouldn’t be too stressful given its close proximity to the capital.
We suggest you take the train from Schiphol Airport to Utrecht. It takes around 30 minutes and the train departs for Utrecht Central Station twice an hour.
As return tickets are valid for one-day only punters are forced into buying one-way fares. A second-class ticket will set you back $10.50, while first class is valued at $18
Once in Utrecht getting to the festival is as easy as following the your ears. Located in the city centre you can walk to the event depending on where you’re staying or as another alternative, which allows you to appreciate the sights, you can hire a bike via Laag Catharjne who are located next to Utrecht Central Station.
Where To Stay
Apollo Hotel Utrecht City Centre and The hostel B&B Utrecht City Centre might be the most convenient accommodation options given their close locale to the event.
However other options worth checking out are Hostel Strowis, Stone Hotel and Hostel, Strayokay Utrecht and Hello B&B.
Alternatively the festival has their own couch surfing service for those strapped for cash
How To Get Tickets
As the individual day tickets are now sold out the most expensive ‘passe-partout’ option is the only one available for potential punters. The good news is that this option is only $15-$30 dearer and it allows you access to all events.
This option is valued at $115 and can be purchased from here. To help you purchase the tickets you’ll need to read these English instructions.
If the festival does not sell out some gigs will have tickets available on the door, however it looks like it will so you better can get in quick!
Insider Tips & Tricks/Things You Shouldn’t Miss
Le Mini Who? runs on December the 1st and the festival is essentially a showcase of the best of Utrecht. Record stores, clothes shops, cafes, museums and other attractions have special deals for those with festival tickets. See all the details in this online booklet.
Ticket holders must exchange their passes for wristbands for undertaking any of the festivities. Head to Tivoli (Oudegracht 245) or Plato (Front Street 35) to gain access to Le Guess Who?
Much like SXSW, Iceland Airwaves, CMJ Music Marathon and similar style events experiencing particular acts on the bill all depends on your organizational skills. That is each venue has a capacity and we recommend you get there a little early so you don’t miss out.
Keep an eye out for Just Like Your Mum Catering. A food highlight in 2012 this DIY tour support company makes great vegetarian and vegan meals for all musicians and fans alike. The company’s locations for the 2013 event are yet to be announced.
For more details head to the official Le Guess Who? website
