The past ten years have seen a steady expansion in the number of music festivals, from Homelands to The Big Chill to Donington's gnarly rockfest, Download. And while Glastonbury might well have it all in terms of "vibes" -helped along by the cosmic brownies and psychedelic pear cider -if roughing it isn't your style, there are plenty of events that are just a Tube journey away. The Fleadh has the line-up coup of Bob Dylan, there are free thrills in the form of the Notting Hill Carnival and the Respect festival, and the Somerset House series offers PJ Harvey and Lemon Jelly in majestic surroundings, with the promise of returning to your own bed at the end of the day.

If you're heading further afield, camping makes for a sense of adventure that waking up snuggled next to the ceiling of a Winnebago just can't beat. Yet while you might have visions of dancing through fields like Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds, don't forget this is Britain in summer. Dress warmly, bring plenty of insulation and, if it's wet, pack wellies -unless you want to come home with a case of trenchfoot.

Avoid the pitfalls, though, including the temptation to invest in a tie-dye Styrofoam hat with a brontosaurus tail, and four months of musical getaways await you.

WHAT'S HAPPENING?

DANCE

WE LOVE...HOMELANDS
May 29
www.homelands.co.uk (0870-150 0044) £54

Getting there
The Bowl, Matterley Estate, near Winchester, Hampshire

Highlights
Faithless, Dizzee Rascal, Lamb, Grandmaster Flash, Erick Morillo, Roni Size, Groove Armada, Pete Tong, Mr Scruff, Black Strobe, Richard X, Felix Da Housecat, Miss Kittin

Atmosphere
With The Music, Scissor Sisters and Dizzee Rascal augmenting the already diverse bill, Homelands has mutated far beyond a raver's paradise. Still, expect an all-night live DJ spectacular.

ROCK

DOWNLOAD
Jun 5-6
www.downloadfestival.co.uk (0870-400 0822) weekend plus camping £95, day £45

Getting there
Donington Park, Derby

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