Record ticket sales for Spain’s biggest festival
Tickets to the 2017 edition of Spain’s biggest music festival, Arenal Sound, are selling historically well – despite still being without a venue.
Promoter Imusic was forced to move the festival from its traditional beachside home in Burriana, a seaside town in Valencia, to new venues in nearby Villarreal and Nules last year after local authorities ruled the its location was in violation of Spain’s Ley de Costas (Coastal Law) of 1988.
It has yet to announce where the eighth Arenal Sound will take place, despite having already confirmed a host of local and international acts, including Bastille, Jake Bugg, Martin Garrix, Fedde Le Grand and Icona Pop.
“It is the best year yet for Arenal Sound”
Speaking to Spanish daily El Mundo, an spokesperson declined to provide specific numbers, but said in terms of tickets “it is the best year [yet] for Arenal Sound”. Imusic expects the festival to be sold out by April.
Sales of tickets for buses to and from the festival are also selling well, with more than 3,400 people having bought a bus ticket – “a historic record for these dates”, says the promoter.
An estimated 300,000 people attended Arenal Sound 2016 – up from 260,000 the previous year.
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Arenal Sound 2016 welcome in Nules, says town
Arenal Sound, the Spanish music festival facing eviction from its current home in Burriana, has been given permission to relocate to a beachside area near the town of Nules, some five miles south along the Valencia coast.
Although Arenal Sound promoter’s Imusic’s plan is to keep the festival at its current location, which is close to a residential area of the town and has come under attack from locals (one comment on elperiodic.com calls it “a festival that brings nothing to Burriana except waste and noise pollution”), councillors in Nules have reached an agreement to host the event, starting this year, should it no longer be welcome in Burriana.
In addition to noise complaints, is argued that the current location of Arenal Sound violates Spain’s Ley de Costas (Coastal Law) of 1988.
However, elperiodic.com reports that its mooted new home may face a similar problem, being a protected wetland that would need paving – quickly – before the festival starts on 4 September.
The seventh Arenal Sound will take place from 4 to 7 September. Its line-up includes The 1975, The Hives, Two Door Cinema Club, The Hives, Steve Aoki, Kaiser Chiefs, Kodaline and Crystal Castles.
Arenal Sound to fight beach eviction
Spanish festival Arenal Sound is being forced to consider new locations for 2016 as it faces eviction from its traditional beachfront home in Burriana, Valencia.
Arenal Sound will this year host its seventh edition, with a line-up that includes (for a bargain €35, or €65 with camping) The 1975, The Hives, Two Door Cinema Club, The Hives, Steve Aoki, Kaiser Chiefs, Kodaline and Crystal Castles.
It is argued that the current location of Arenal Sound violates Spain’s Ley de Costas (Coastal Law) of 1988.
Promoter Imusic Festival SL has said that, as it continues its search for a new home for the festival, it will in parallel continue to appeal the city council’s decision based on three factors: the festival’s transitoriness, age and attraction to tourists.
The appeal argues that: local regulations only prohibit full-time activities taking place near to Burriana’s harbour, but the festival and its infrastructure are temporary; the festival has taken place in the same spot for a number of the years, with the blessing of the Provincial Coastal Service (Servicio Provincial de Costas); and the festival is a major draw for tourists, something recognised by Valencia’s tourist board, which has reported favourably on its economic impact both at a provincial and national level.
Valencian housing minister María José Salvador says his government is “in favour of Arenal Sound and international festivals when the law is being followed”.
One likely option for a new venue is the PAI Jardines de Malvarrosa campgrounds, also in Burriana, although the festival would lose its coveted seaside location.