NOW one of the most highly anticipated events on the European musical calendar, Spain’s biggest and best-known festival Benicassim returns to the Costa Azahar this year from 13th-16th July. Attracting up to 150,000 music fans each year, the festival has become known for its widely eclectic line-ups, chilled out Mediterranean attitude and brilliantly unique atmosphere.

Effortlessly combining a beach holiday setting with some of the biggest names in music, Benicassim has become a popular destination for music fans around the UK and further afield. In keeping with its stellar reputation, this year’s star-studded line-up features an exciting array of chart-topping megastars, stadium rock bands, popular DJs and breakthrough artists.

With so many brilliant bands to choose from,  TTV has made your decision-making that little bit easier with the help of  this handy list detailing our top picks.

Liam Gallagher

Back on the stage where he rightfully belongs, Liam Gallagher’s return is already one of the talking points of this summer. Following a triumphant homecoming show at the O2 Ritz in Manchester last week, the former Oasis frontman unveiled his debut solo single ‘Wall Of Glass’ and it’s everything we’ve been expecting and more. Taking rock & roll back to its roots, it’s the return of Gallagher’s brazen attitude and distinctive vocals that has proven so thrilling to fans all over the country. And with a number of festival appearances lined up over the summer, his slot at Benicassim is sure to attract one of the biggest crowds of the weekend as fans line up to catch some of his forthcoming solo material alongside promised renditions of iconic tracks such as ‘Rock ‘n’ Roll Star’ and ‘Morning Glory’.

Ride

Continuing with the theme of comeback kings, nineties shoegaze icons Ride will arrive at Benicassim with a new album in tow and a hugely influential back catalogue to pull from. Featuring Gallagher’s former bandmate Andy Bell, the band have been utterly re-energised since their return in 2015 – winning over fans and critics alike with their momentous live shows and refreshing new material. Seemingly back at the very peak of their creative powers, the band will release their first new album in 21 years on 16th June called Weather Diaries.

The Jesus and Mary Chain

One of Scotland’s finest musical exports, East Kilbride stalwarts The Jesus and Mary Chain are sure to go down a storm in the heat of Spain. The legendary outfit released their first new album in nearly twenty years back in March to widespread critical acclaim – indicating an invigorated return to form, it has been nominated on the longlist for the 2017 Scottish Album of the Year. And while they no longer incite the same chaos and tabloid-bating ruckus as they did in their heyday, the band are still very much the embodiment of rock & roll spirit. Festival-goers can expect to witness a plethora of material from an incredible back catalogue which has inspired so many bands and artists over the years.

Sunflower Bean

2016 was a big breakthrough year for Brooklyn trio Sunflower Bean, largely thanks to the release of their critically acclaimed debut album Human Ceremony. Bursting with youthful energy and ambition, their ability to bring a long list of influences together in such refined and aesthetically pleasing fashion made their debut one of the most exciting and nuanced releases of the year. Back on the road this summer, they bring their punchy garage rock and blissful psych jams to Benicassim on the opening day.

Twin Peaks

A continually impressive fixture in today’s indie-rock landscape, Chicago outfit Twin Peaks have attracted a cult-like following over the years thanks to their rambunctious brand of garage rock and inventive approach to songwriting. Exploring their classic rock influences through a distinctively scuzzy edge, the band now have three brilliant albums to their name and are showing no signs of creative stagnation. With more new material on the way this year, their latest single ‘Tossing Tears’ is another belter which cements their status as a must-see this summer.

Foals

Having worked tirelessly over the years to get where they are today, it is only right that Foals are perched at the top of this year’s bill alongside established stadium rock bands such as Kasabian and Red Hot Chili Peppers. From youthful math-rock origins to the heavier, grittier outfit they are today, the Oxford group have developed into one of the country’s most exciting live acts in recent years. Known to incite utter chaos with each performance, festival-goers can expect to get up close and personal with resident crowd surfer Yannis Philappakis.

Blossoms

Blossom’s rise to prominence has been nothing short of extraordinary over the past couple of years. With a number of high profile festival appearances confirmed this summer, the band are still reaping the benefits of their hugely successful debut album which came in at number one last year. Growing increasingly accustomed to the bigger stages, the young Stockport outfit will no doubt attract massive crowds for popular tunes such as ‘Charlemagne’, ‘Blown Rose’ and ‘At Most A Kiss’.

Temples

Following the release of their 2014 debut Sun Structures, Temples found themselves at the forefront of an exciting new wave of British psych music. The Kettering outfit recently followed it up with their equally mesmerising sophomore record Volcano, revisiting their penchant for shimmering synths, pulsing rhythms and infectious melodies while continuing to expand their impressive sonic palette. The band will grace the Benicassim on Friday 14th July.

Kasabian

Once again a prominent figure on this year’s festival calendar, Kasabian stop off at Benicassim as part of their hectic summer schedule. Celebrating their fifth consecutive number one album, the four-piece released the ‘guitar-heavy’ For Crying Out Loud last month to the joy of their dedicated fanbase. Adding huge tracks like ‘You’re In Love With A Psycho’ and ‘Are You Looking For Action?’ to their anthemic songbook, the Leicester rockers will undoubtedly live up to their formidable live reputation on the closing night of the festival.

The View

The View have spent most of 2017 celebrating the tenth anniversary of their thrilling debut album Hats Off To The Buskers; a tour which culminated in two sold out shows at the revered Barrowland Ballroom. A band who still attract a massive cult-like following in their native country Scotland, it shouldn’t take long for the Dundonian four-piece to win over the Beni crowds. Known to incite utter chaos with their boisterous indie-rock tunes, it’s hard to think of an outfit more ready for festival season than The View.

Slaves

Thrillingly visceral and utterly irrepressible, Kent duo Slaves are a must-see on any festival line-up. With two brilliant albums to their name, the pair continue to spread their appeal far and wide thanks to their exhilarating combination of blistering riffs and biting lyrics.  Now accustomed to playing huge stages and sold-out venues all over Europe, festival-goers can expect incendiary chaos when the band take to the stage.

Peter Doherty

Taking a break from his duties as co-frontman of The Libertines, Pete Doherty has an abundance of crowd-pleasing material to pull from when he takes to the Benicassim stage. From raucous tales of anarchic youth to his more reflective and emotionally resonant solo material, Doherty has proved himself to be one of the most influential songwriters of our generation. Still a firm favourite with fans all over the world, this will be a chance to see one of indie-rock’s most popular personas in action.

Biffy Clyro

Easily one of the best live bands on the planet, Biffy Clyro know exactly how to work the festival crowds. Now one of Scotland’s finest musical exports, the Ayrshire band will have you feeling a melting pot of emotions in the heat of Spain. From the jagged sounds of their early material to the chart-topping rock stars they are today, Biffy have a huge array of material to pull from; festival-goers can expect an explosive set that will be one to remember.