Press Release

Date: 26 June 2018

Festival season is upon us - whether you’re planning a summer filled with electro beats, or the pomp and pageantry of a national celebration, ferry operator DFDS offers easy access to some of Europe’s best festivals for families, friends and everyone in between.​​

Kick starting the season with France’s national celebration, Bastille Day (14th July), in Paris is a must. Make the most of the road trip from Calais (around 3 hours) by stopping off en route in historical Arras, or picturesque Lille and arrive into the capital a day early to soak up the atmosphere. This will allow you to start the day with the locals and find the best spot on the tree-lined Champs-Elysees to marvel at the grand military parade before the French President leads a march running from the Arc de Triomphe to Place de la Concorde. You’ll also spot fighter jets flying overhead in formation – a sight not to be missed. To end the day on a high the spectacular annual firework display at the Champs de Mars, in front of the Eiffel Tower is simply magnificent.​​

​​If day-to-day parenting duties have you thinking your days of attending music festivals are long gone, think again. Or if you and your friends are simply looking to head to a music festival in the sun without the hassle of flying with all your gear, Rock en Seine (24-26 August) is the festival for you. Located just outside Paris, a 2 hour drive from Dieppe, with camping on-site, think Glastonbury but further south! This 120,000 strong festival offers an eclectic mix of rock, power pop, electro and folk music. This year, confirmed artists include 30 Seconds to Mars, Liam Gallagher, Macklemore and Charlotte Gainsbourg.

For those wanting to let their hair down listening to the world’s top DJs and dancing from morning till night, Mysteryland (24-26 August) is the leading electronic music festival in The Netherlands. With sets from over 300 artists including the likes of Alesso and Fatboy Slim spread over 17 different stages you won’t be short of entertainment. Based in Haarlemmermmer just a short 45 minute drive from Amsterdam, festival goers can opt for day tickets and stay in nearby hotels or camp on-site for the entirety of the weekend. Mysteryland also boasts chill out spaces for meditation and yoga, art installations and food courts catering for your every whim.​​

With a line up including Tom Jones, The Roots and Jef Neve, the Gent Jazz Festival is perfect for those wanting a more laid-back festival experience. Located in Bijloke, just a 90 minute drive from Dunkirk, you will find some of the world’s biggest jazz names here as well as discovering some new favourites. The festival runs from 29th June to 8th July and accommodation deals can be found in hotels across the city.​​

Finally, if a foodie feast is what you’re looking for the Haarlem Culinair festival (2-5 August) is the one for you. The event draws over 70,000 food enthusiasts to the beautiful Grote Markt square in Haarlem which is just a short 40 minute drive from Amsterdam. Delight your taste buds with sustainable and responsibly sourced dishes from the charcoal oven at Fortuyn, try something new at the Bistro Bar Indonesia and even experience your first Michelin starred restaurant by visiting Ratatouille Food & Wine. You can also enjoy speciality beers and wines whilst listening to live music on the square – the perfect way to while away the hours.​​

Holland’s Summer Fiesta: In celebration of Holland’s vibrant summer festivals DFDS are offering Newcastle-Amsterdam Mini Cruise breaks from £65 per person for 2, Cruise and Stay breaks from just £69 per person for 2 and Hotel Breaks from £114 per person for 2 for passengers travelling between 10th July and 1st October.*​​

DFDS operates daily sailings on all routes between Dover-Dunkirk (from £35 each way for a car with maximum of nine people), Dover-Calais (from £39 each way for a car with maximum of nine people), Newhaven-Dieppe (from £54 each way for a car and 2 people) and Newcastle-Amsterdam.​​

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For further press information, please contact: Elsa Findlay / Charlotte Wright / Rachel Sewell / Katie Raby Rooster PR T : +44 (0)20 3440 8930 E : DFDS@rooster.co.uk www.rooster.co.uk

About DFDS:

DFDS is Northern Europe’s largest integrated shipping and logistics company, with a network of around 30 routes and 50 freight and passenger ships.

DFDS prides itself on offering world-class facilities and services and the widest choice of ferry routes into northern Europe.

In the UK, the company operates passenger ferry services on routes from Dover to Calais, Dover to Dunkirk, Newcastle to Amsterdam and Newhaven to Dieppe.

DFDS has been named ‘Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator’ for eight years running (2012-2019), as well as the ‘World’s Leading Ferry Operator’ for the last seven years (2011-18).

DFDS currently operates up to 54 sailings a day between Dover and France on its Dover-Dunkirk and Dover-Calais routes. DFDS also offers two daily sailings between Newcastle and Amsterdam. In addition, the DFDS network includes a passenger and freight service between Newhaven to Dieppe, which has four daily sailings and is operated by Transmanche Ferries.

For further information about DFDS, or to find out about the latest sailing times, fares and offers across all routes from the UK, click here.