Primavera Sound Just Around the Corner...

So, as is customary each year, the warmer weather comes around, the council has (wisely) given more licences for terraces in an attempt to generate more custom for the locals and that can mean only two things: Summer is on its way, and the festival season is about to start.

First in line for the "big" festivals in San Miguel-sponsored Primavera Sound, which despite its "slightly-out-of-the-way" location in the Forum, keeps growing from strength to strength in its 11th year, and will take place from the 30th May till 3rd June. The festival is also embraced by other live music venues around the city, such as Apolo, and in fact, concerts have been happening affiliated to Primavera Sound all month in loads of the cool smaller bars around the Gothic Quarter and the Raval. There's also a more central stage this year at Arc de Triomf, too, opening and closing the event with two fantastic acquisitions in The Walkmen and Richard Hawley (ex-Longpigs).

One of the drop-outs this year is Bjork, who apparently has voice problems or jetlag or whatever. Hoever, fear not, as there are a whole host of other cool band, groups and musical ensembles to whet your appetite for a nice cool San Miguel (or any other well known beverage, not necessarily that one, obviously). The Cure, Mudhoney, Death in Vegas, Franz Ferdinand, Black Lips, Rufus Wainwringht....the list goes on and for a full set listing and line-up, check out the official site here. Looks like a great line up and a great excuse to get out and about listening ¡to some live music, too. Anyone planning on going this year ? Looking forward to anyone in particular? Let me know in the comments!

And if you're thinking of visiting the city this summer, check out BCN Rentals who have a great selection of apartments for rent instead of opting for a hotel room. And take a quick look at their city guide for those not-to-miss sights.