Rockfreaks.net

The sun is shining and naturally the mind drifts to festivals, outdoor drinking and subsequent tent-based hangovers. The latest news from a small selection of some of the notable metal festivals is below.

Hellfest (France) (17-19th June)

THE festival for people with ecletic tastes. Where else can you see Alter Bridge clash with Krisiun or Mayhem with Monster Magnet? Full running order has been released and can be viewed here. Max 25,000 people, great times to be had.

Copenhell (Denmark) (17-18th June)

I'm sure known to a lot of you reading this, a very strong line-up this year featuring no less than Judas Priest (oh, and Korn). Approaching Hellfest's diversity, but on a smaller scale, view with interest!

Metal Town (Sweden) (17-18th June)

If Copenhell is too small-scale, Metal Town has most of the acts and then some, including System of a Down (almost) exclusively for Scandinavia. Camping is also available for the first time ever.

Metal Camp (Slovenia) (12-16th July)

THE festival for people who like to make their way to the stages via an inflatable lilo and a gorgeous, serene river (talking from experience here). Running order can be viewed here. A totally unique festival holiday.

Party San (Germany) (11-13th August)

A vertibale cornucopia of all that is great and unholy can be found at Party San each year, as evidenced by this line-up. Unfortunately clashing with Bloodstock, which rules this writer out, I urge any German readers to head along.

Bloodstock (UK) (12-14th August)

Has grown into a festival Britain can be proud of, at last. Last year's edition was great fun and with a line-up looking like this, 2011 promises to be even better.

Hole in the Sky (Norway) (24-27th August)

By the looks of things a very special, smaller scale festival than many of the others here but this featuring a hugely impressive line-up in its final year, before it is sadly laid to rest. My time to visit is running out...