Music & Festivals in Spain
Wouldn't it be great to be able to say 'Hola!' from the country that brought us Enrique Iglesias and hosts some of 
the best festivals in the world? More than just a place with great football and sunshine, Spain is just as crazy for music as Britain. For example, just check out the Spanish ballad singer, Nubla. In fact, music sung in Spanish has been the second biggest seller after English for years, with JLo, Christina Aguilera and the gorgeous Shakira all releasing Spanish-only albums.
We've picked out some of the best events to go to for some fun in the sun.
Benicassim Festival - Mixing beaches, big bands and other cool stuff starting with B, this festival has an international reputation for being a mega-chilled favourite. Like Glastonbury, but with warm sand instead of wet mud (brr), loads of great acts have turned up to entertain the 'senores' and 'senoritas', including Amy Winehouse, Goldfrapp, Muse and Radiohead.
» Find out more about Benicassim
Bilbao Live - This festival loves to rock – get your devil horns in the air! You'll catch bands such as My Chemical Romance, Red Hot Chili Peppers, and, most infamously, it will host the first reunion concert for Guns 'N Roses. Set in a beautiful port teeming with young trendy people, it is the perfect place to practice your Spanish language skills.
» Find out more about Bilbao Live
Sonar - With its combination of fashion, film and music, this event sees over 80,000 people (¡ay, caramba!) descend on Barcelona to hang out and watch acts like The Chemical Brothers, Hot Chip and M.I.A.
Useful phrases!
Do you know the latest weather forecast? - ¿Sabes qué tiempo va a hacer?
Can I have your number? - ¿Me puedes dar tu número?
Are you sure Girls Aloud are playing? - ¿Estás seguro de que tocan Girls Aloud?
What time are The Wombats on stage? - ¿A qué hora actúan los Wombats?
Please take your hat off as I can't see the band. - Podrías quitarte el sombrero, no puedo ver el grupo.
Where are the toilets? - ¿Dónde están los servicios?
Music & Festivals in France
France is known for its love for all things cultural (most recently street dancing - just look at this!) and music is no exception. Air, Daft Punk, Camille www.camille-music.com, the excellent new Yelle www.myspace.com/iloveyelle, TTC www.myspace.com/inbedwithttc and some great French Rap/Hip Hop have all come from the land of the baguette. You can even hear them all on this super cool French radio station www.skyrock.fm/front - although you may need to brush up on your French language skills to get the full benefit! Inevitably, there are a number of brilliant music festivals which take place over the summer months boosting your sense of joie de vivre.
Eurockéennes - It's France's biggest music festival and takes place in the Malsaucy nature reserve. It's been going for nearly two decades: last year saw Calvin Harris, N.E.R.D and MGMT all play amazing live sets.
» Find out more about Eurockéennes
Rock en Seine - Held just outside Paris in the picturesque Saint-Cloud park (it dates from the 17th Century, fact fans), in previous years this festival has featured the likes of Radiohead, Bjork and Pixies. Last year Amy Winehouse, R.E.M and the Kaiser Chiefs graced the historic stage.
» Find out more about Rock en Seine
Hellfest Open-Air Edition - Be ready with your sign of the beast because the aptly named Hellfest is France's hardest rocking festival. The open air love-in, which takes place in the tiny town of Clisson near Nantes, has been going since 2006. The likes of NOFX, Ministry and Slayer all played at last year's black leather-fest.
Useful phrases!
Do you know the latest weather forecast? - Tu sais quel temps il va faire?
Can I have your number? - Je peux avoir ton numéro?
Are you sure Girls Aloud are playing? - Girls Aloud sont bien prévus au programme?
What time are The Wombats on stage? - A quelle heure passent les Wombats?
Please take your hat off as I can't see the band. - S'il te plaît, enlève ton chapeau, je ne vois pas le groupe.
Where are the toilets? - Où sont les toilettes?
Music & Festivals in Germany
The German music scene isn't all about idolising David Hasselhoff, you know. In fact, it's amazingly eclectic - a fact reflected in its many music festivals which pay homage to the Germans' deep love of all things techno, German indie dubstep skiffle and black metal (we may have lied about the dubstep skiffle). Germany is also the 'go to' place when a popstar wants to increase their cool. The Beatles, David Bowie and Donna Summer all famously de-camped here to increase their warbling skills. Seems like the perfect place to catch some of the best festival action, ja?
Rock Am Ring - This three-day, rock-tastic festival takes place in the Nürburgring race track. Last year saw Queens Of The Stoneage (grr!), Motorhead (double grrr!) and, um, Kate Nash play. We can't think of a better place to practice the phrase: "Which way to the Wurst stall, please?"
» Find out more about Rock Am Ring
Haldern - Now in its 25th year the intimate, laid back vibe of the festival (it's near a lake!) makes it the perfect choice for families and people of a generally chilled out disposition. Last year saw Mystery Jets, Kate Nash and Lykke Li all taking part.
Hurricane Festival - Thought of as the 'Glastonbury of Germany', Hurricane sweeps in to town and attracts up to 75,000 squealing fans to watch the likes of The Kooks, Panic At The Disco and Razorlight all getting their groove on.
Useful phrases!
Do you know the latest weather forecast? - Weißt du, wie das Wetter werden soll?
Can I have your number? - Kann ich deine Nummer haben?
Are you sure Girls Aloud are playing? - Bist du sicher, dass Girls Aloud spielen?
What time are The Wombats on stage? - Wann treten die Wombats auf?
Please take your hat off as I can't see the band. - Bitte nimm den Hut runter. Ich kann die Band nicht sehen.
Where are the toilets? - Wo sind die Toiletten?