Festival Internacional de Benicàssim (FIB) or more commonly known as just Benicàssim, this Spanish event is a major tourism drawcard for the seaside city. Which, depending on your reasons for visiting the European country is either the worst or best facet of this festival.
For many partaking in the annual pilgrimage from Australia’s winter to the EuroTrip-esque summer shenanigans that Europe provides Benicàssim is a safe way to experience an international festival.
While those wanting a more cultural Spanish experience should probably look elsewhere, there’s no denying the mammoth lineups that this four day event has put together since its 1995 inauguration is easily far beyond anything ever assembled in our backyard.
Look back as early as 2012 where the likes of Florence (who unfortunately cancelled due to illness), Bob Dylan, The Stone Roses, New Order, At the Drive-In and The Horrors headlined across three main stages.
Or the Sigur Ros, My Bloody Valentine, Gnarls Barkley, Leonard Cohen, Morrissey and The Raconteurs bill of 2008. Both years demonstrate the festival’s penchant for booking the legends of the past and the best of today’s acts for the one lineup.
That is to say this event is worth going to alone for its acts, although the Spanish sun and the travel exploits that come with getting to this event are undeniably the cherries on top of the cake.
Then there’s the short films, fashion shows and art that compliment the bands on the side between the sounds of some of the world’s biggest acts.
2014 alone boasts the reunion of the Pete Doherty-led band The Libertines, headlining heavyweights Kasabian who are gearing up for the release of their latest LP 48:13 and Scottish crooner Paolo Nutini who released his third record, Caustic Love, in 2014.
Pop aficionados will be pleased with the lineup inclusion of Tinie Tempa, Ellie Goulding, Lily Allen, Katy B and MIA to name a few. While highlights are sure to come from Klaxons, Tame Impala, Albert Hammond Jr, Cat Power, Jake Bugg and Paul Weller amongst others.
Take a look at the full lineup below:
To get yourself to this incredible festival read up on our steps to getting and making the most out of Benicàssim!
1. Book Ahead Before It’s Too Late
Being an organised pays huge dividends on numerous fronts. But before you get festival happy and book flights, you should probably lock it in by gathering your friends (or deciding to go solo) and purchasing tickets. Tickets are on sale at the FIB shop and will set you back 149€ for four days, 129€ for three, 99€ for two and 49€ for a single day. If you’ve got cash to splash 325€ will give you all the extra comforts for the four day VIP experience. Head this way for tickets with your credit card in hand and then head on down to you local travel agent to book flights. Remember the earlier you book long haul flights to Europe in peak season the cheaper it’s going to be. So hop to it!
2. Camping: Bring Your Own Or Leave It To The Experts? Decide Before You Leave
Camping festivals can be great fun. Sure they’re responsible for 63.5% of back and neck injuries at festivals (not an actual statistic, but you get the point) but they allow for cheap accommodation and communal vibes. For internationals though you’ve got to decide whether you’d rather lag camping gear to the other side of the world, purchase a tent package or buy equipment when you get there. We’d advise for the two latter options. For as little as 70€ or as much as 700€ for the deluxe option FIB offers to set up the tent for you and up to three others with a lock, single yoga matts and battery powered LED lights included. If you’re tight on cash we’d recommend researching camping stores in London or even Spain, if you’re confident in the local lingo, and purchasing a cheap tent on your way to the festival. All multi-day ticket holders have access to Campfest (the general camping area) included in their ticket, while access to the slightly fancier Villa Camp can be purchased at the FIB shop for 80€. You must also register your attendance before attending so don’t forget to head to this link and fill out the details before you go.
3. So You’ve Made It To Spain, But How Do I Get to Benicàssim?
That’s a good question and one that undeniably comes up with every international festival experience. Thankfully the festival makes it easy for your by including this very handy transport search widget over at their website. You can book bus tickets from all of Spain’s major airports in Alicante, Barcelona, Girona, Reus and Valencia. Prices vary depending on whether you’re booking a round trip, one-way or return only ticket. If you purchase before the 31st of May the festival offers a 25% discount so get in quick!
4. You Made It To Spain Early And You’re Feeling Festive? Head To An Official FIB Party!
Each year to gather excitement – as if we needed the encouragement – FIB hosts official parties at a number of venues across Spain. Previous locations have included Barcelona, Valladolid, Castellón, Burgos, Zaragoza, Valencia, Bilbao and Pamplona amongst others. Quality live music and DJs will get you pumped for the festival, which is reason enough to go along. However we’d recommend attending one of these parties because it gives you a great chance to sample Spain’s live music scene and check out some of the venues across this great country. Head to this link closer to the festival date to keep an eye out for dates and locations of the official parties.
5. What Do I Do During The Day At Benicàssim?
While we’re certain it’d probably be more beneficial for you to sleep and reneergise after the live music rave of the night before the heat of Spanish sun will force you from your sauna tent earlier than you’d probably like. But the upside of this is that it does force you check out the city of Benicàssim. That means you’ll have plenty of time during the day to swim at the beach (it’ll take a 20-30 min walk to get there). If salt water and sand isn’t your thing you can also cool down at Aquarama; the water park where all of the best water themed rides will keep you cool while you have fun. During the day you’ll also get a chance to shop, eat and explore your way through Benicàssim. There’s also a go-kart track close the festival site if you’re into that thing too.
6. What Else Is There At The Festival Besides Great Live Music?
A fair bit actually. The festival offers an alternative artistic and cultural experience to supplement its live music offering. They offer films that range from musicals to indie flicks. While a pop-up theatre hosts productions at varying times throughout the event, just as dance productions occur sporadically throughout the festival site, it’s all about being in the right place at the right time when it comes to catching one of these productions. If you want to actively get involved in the festival rather than just sitting back and watching FIB allows you to take a variety of courses. They range from dancing classes to language tutorials. There’s also a few market areas where you can purchase clothing, accessories, access information and even get a tattoo if you’re feeling brave.
7. What’s On The Menu For Dinner?
There are two main food areas at the festival and the food stalls there range from Spanish treats to the usual ethnic cuisines. Vegans and vegetarians are catered for too. Across the two sites you’ll find Thai, Mexican, Indian and everything in between. There’s even quite a few paella stalls if you’re haven’t already had enough of it while you’re in town. Most meals will set you back around 8€. If you have special dietary requirements and suffer from coeliac disease or lactose intolerance you are allowed to bring your own food into the festival (via plastic not glass) if you have a medical certificate proving as such.
Need more information? Head to the official FIB website for the answers to all your questions.
