FESTIVAL season is finally upon us and party-goers are dusting off their wellies in preparation.
But this year music lovers could have to shell out up to £700 or more for weekend-long events.
Those planning on heading to Reading Festival this year are looking at £325 to £361 for the ticket alone.
Meanwhile, First Choice has revealed that festival-goers will spend an average of £80 a day on food and drink and an additional £150 on camping gear and equipment.
The tour operator looked at festival prices in line with holiday booking data and found that for less than a third of the price, you could party just as hard at a week-long holiday at a sun-drenched beach hotel.
So would you consider swapping festivals for a getaway in the sun?
These bargain party breaks might just persuade you . . .
MALIA, CRETE
DITCH the muddy festival site for a lively beach club and outdoor venues with music thumping until the early hours.
Malia, in Crete, is known for being a top party spot and gives off heavy festival vibes – with the likelihood of lots more sunshine.
Check into the small and charming Aegean Sky Hotel and Suites, just yards from the main strip of bars.
The hotel hosts regular DJ sessions around the pool and lively barbecue nights, as well as cocktail happy hours.
GO: Seven nights’ self-catering in a two-person studio is from £423pp including flights from Newcastle on August 30.
Book now at firstchoice.co.uk.
SUNNY BEACH, BULGARIA
IF you’re on a budget, you won’t regret booking a break to Sunny Beach in Bulgaria where pints cost around €2.50.
You’ll be able to knock them back in bars, nightclubs and at the beach – just make sure you can keep the party going until the early hours if you’re heading to Cacao Beach.
It’s known for having some of the most spectacular sunrises in Europe and DJs will keep you dancing until dawn.
Better still, if you stay at the TUI Blue Nevis, you won’t have to shell out a penny extra for meals or drinks within the hotel, thanks to its bargain all-inclusive packages.
GO: Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the 3T TUI Blue Nevis is from £485.46pp including flights from Gatwick on June 12.
See tui.co.uk.
AYIA NAPA, CYPRUS
WHAT could be better than partying in a field? How about partying on a boat?
Those seeking daytime parties on the water and non-stop garage music will love Ayia Napa on Cyprus’ glistening south-east coast.
There are plenty of boat trips to pick from, costing around €60 for the day, that include live tunes and free food.
Or, if you’d rather kick back and relax on dry land, the 3H Senator Hotel Apartments has its own pool and is within walking distance of the beach.
Rooms also have mini kitchenettes so you can save cash by cooking your own grub.
GO: Seven nights’ self-catering is from £359pp including flights from Bristol on June 10.
To book, visit loveholidays.com.