Primavera Sound 2011

You know when it's about time for Summer and Festivals galore when Primavera Sound creeps up on you and all of a sudden it's the end of May and the start of party-time. Into it's 11th year (making me feel very old, as I can remember the first), Primavera has cemented itself into a must-attend event, happily co-inciding with the end of finals exams for many, beginning of a new era, and excuse for a bloody good party under the sun and in front of the Med.

This year the San Miguel sponsored event makes the white elephant that is the Forum transform once more as hundreds of acts perform in various places around the city as well as the 8 main stages. Some might say the line-ups are never quite billboard fillers, but I'd disagree and think they've got the mix just right. Vintage classics such as Belle and Sebastian play this year as well as a reunion of Jarvis Cocker and his Pulp pals after an eleven year absence. PJ Harvey, Mogwai and Phosphorescent are more names you might recognise but sometimes it's those tyou don't that make Primavera sound what it is. Explore those dance tents and names you don't recognise - as with most Festivals, it's trying to squeeze it all in which is the main problem!!

Primavera Sound is taking place over 3 days, from the 26th to 28th May, with many parties and pre-shows filling the Barcelona clubs before that, so keep your eyes peeled, check the web for full listings of the concerts and gigs around the city, in Poble Espanyol and at Forum Parc, or follow them on twitter to keep up with the news...

Thinking of coming to Barcelona this summer? Forget hotels, and opt for a Barcelona apartment instead - leaves you much more freedom. And for a quick look at what's hot and what's not, check this online guide to Barcelona.