Festival Internacional de Benicassim

After the NME oh-so-lovingly described Benicassim as a car-park plagued with technical problems, you'd be forgiven for writing off this fiesta, but wiser people will tell you that el FIB is secretly one of the best festivals around.

Firstly, there’s no mud. Sure, by the end of the weekend you'll be covered in beer, sweat and urine, but no mud is still a blessing. There's also sun, meaning you can get a tan, frolic in the sea and wear a bikini at 2am...although you do run the risk of being accosted by loco Spaniards.

What's more, Beni is still relatively undiscovered. Unlike at Reading with it's 80,000 strong crowds, the tents are roughly the same size as the Brixton Academy, so you never feel like there are too many people around and there's little risk of losing your tent - unless you've had a bit too much Heineken!

As for the main ingredient of a festival, Benicassim certainly doesn’t lack quality bands. This year’s festival darlings Kings Of Leon were the surprise hit, leaving the Spaniards spellbound. Headliners included Arctic Monkeys and the ever-impressive Muse, who blew everyone away, playing their most loved hits. Klaxons and CSS created chaotic raving, Amy Winehouse stunned everyone by turning up, and we all fell in love with Rufus Wainwright.

When the bands finish around 3am, you can enjoy a paella and party until the sun rises in the dance tent. Benicassim is the best of both worlds, a holiday and a festival in one - an incredible, unmissable experience.