DENMARK

DENMARK

1-4 July, Roskilde Festival

The Roskilde festival has bounced back with stringent security measures and an impressive line-up after the tragedy of 2000 when nine people were crushed in a crowd stampede at the event. This year's line-up includes Basement Jaxx, David Bowie, Fatboy Slim, Iggy and the Stooges, The Kings of Leon, Santana and Morrissey. The festival is the largest of its kind in Europe and has been running since 1971, inspired by the Isle of Wight Festival and Woodstock. The music is spread over four days and is complemented by a cinema, a spoken word programme and art exhibitions. For the more active there are street sports such as skating and an abseiling wall. Festival passes cost Dkr1050 (£94) for five days or Dkr1150 (£103) for seven days including a camping pass, with part of the proceeds going towards the Union of Palestine Medical Relief Committees. Tickets and further information: 00 45 46 36 66 13; www.roskilde-festival.dk

JAPAN

30 July-1 August, Fuji Rock Festival, Naeba

The festival site is located in the mountain resort of Naeba, affectionately known as the St Moritz of the east, which thankfully is in its green season when festival-goers hit the site. Naeba is on Mount Tanenoko in the Niigata province, on the west coast of Honshu Island and each summer, thousands flock to this renowned festival. This year's artists, who will perform across seven stages, include The Bees, Belle and Sebastian, The Chemical Brothers, Jamie Cullum, Graham Coxon, Lou Reed, The Streets and The White Stripes.

Cable cars will even take you up to the top of the mountain for spectacular views across the festival and beyond. A three-day pass costs Y36,000 (£180) and can be ordered through the festival website. A camping pass is an additional Y2,500 (£13). Tickets and further information: 00 81 3 5802 9999; www.fujirockfestival.com

USA

16-17 August, Lollapalooza, New York

The Lollapalooza tour is something of a rock institution, and has been touring the USA and Canada each summer since 1991, when Siouxsie and the Banshees headlined alongside Jane's Addiction. This year's acts include Morrissey, Sonic Youth, PJ Harvey, The Flaming Lips and The Pixies, taking in 16 venues across North America. The tour begins in Auburn on 14 July and finishes in Dallas on 25 August. However, if you want to catch The Pixies, you will have to head to Randall's Island in New York, as this is the only date they will be playing as part of the tour. Fringe activities include theatre and after-hours events to keep you partying until the small hours. A two-day pass costs $90 (£57) and individual day tickets cost $50 (£31), including a camping pass. Tickets and further information: 001 212 307 7171; www.lollapalooza.com

SPAIN

5-8 August, Heineken Benicassim International Festival

A festival by the sea? Now that's a good idea, because anybody at the Benicassim Festival will undoubtedly need some respite from the searing Spanish summer sun. Benicassim lies north of Castello de la Plana, between Valencia and Barcelona on the Costa del Azahar. This year's extensive line-up features 2 Many DJs, Brian Wilson, Paul Weller, The Charlatans, Lou Reed, Love with Arthur Lee, The Pet Shop Boys and Spiritualized. A Short Film Festival, Fashion Weekend, theatrical programme and even a costume design course are just some of the other events taking place in addition to the musical performances. If this isn't enough to keep you occupied then there are five sandy beaches nearby. Tickets can be purchased in the UK and cost £102 for a three-day pass and £111 for a four-day pass. Tickets and further information: 08701 663 663; www.fiberfib.com

FRANCE

2-4 July, Les Eurockéennes de Belfort

The festival takes place on the Presqu'île du Malsaucy peninsula close to Belfort, which is near the Swiss and German borders. The peninsula juts out into the Malsaucy Lake, giving the impression of being surrounded by water. What started life in 1989 as a predominantly French festival has expanded to feature some of the world's most popular recording artists. The programme covers most genres from Rock to Reggae, and features the likes of Zero 7, Jamaican Soundsystem, PJ Harvey, The Pixies, Groove Armada and Scissor Sisters over three days of music and fringe activities. The festival will also showcase unsigned bands from France, Switzerland and Germany. Three-day passes have now sold out but individual day tickets are still available, costing €33 (£24) for each of the three days in advance or €40 (£29) on the day. Tickets and further information: 00 33 384 22 46 58; www.eurockeennes.fr

NORWAY

5-10 July, Quart Festival, Kristiansand

Situated on the most southerly coast of Norway, the city of Kristiansand was established in 1641 by King Christian. Today, the Quart Festival is one of its most important cultural dates, along with the Church Music Festival, drawing a crowd of thousands each year. The stages are dotted around the town, with the "Salamanderparken" stage located in a forested area normally only inhabited by lizards. This year's programme includes Morrissey, Snow Patrol, The Black Eyed Peas, Kelis, The Darkness, N*E*R*D, Sean Paul and Franz Ferdinand, as well as several Norwegian bands and artists. An extensive programme of films is also scheduled ranging from The Life of Brian to Norwegian films. A five-day festival pass costs Nkr1675 (£133) and day tickets range from Nkr380 (£31) to Nkr450 (£36). These prices include admission to the nearby camping ground. Tickets and further information: 00 47 38 14 69 69; www.quart.no