Travel News
Lonely Planet Writer
If the inevitable summer mud of the Glastonbury festival seems a bit too messy, the Beat Hotel’s first international foray might be just what you’re looking for. C
Coming to Marrakesh from 28-31 March, the Beat Hotel festival is set to expand minds with a lineup including Young Fathers, Giles Peterson and local legends the Master Musicians of Joujouka.
Beat Hotel, a staple of Glastonbury, heads to Marrakesh. Image by Beat Hotel
Just 20 minutes away from the winding souqs of Marrakesh’s old city, the festival has found its home at the boho-chic Fellah Hotel on the city’s outskirts. Though it’s not just the incredible location that Morocco is adding to the festival’s spirit, local artists are lined up to represent the country’s eclectic music scene while nearby restaurants like Nomad are helping to feed guests with one-off dishes.
The Beat Hotel started out in 2011 and quickly became a mainstay of anyone’s Glastonbury weekend, easily spotted by its large motel-style neon sign. Taking its name from the hotel in Paris that famously housed the destitute Beat-generation poets, the festival is set to follow in the footsteps of Allen Ginsberg and William S Burroughs and take on the wonders that only Morocco can bring.
Beat Hotel at Glastonbury in England. Image by Beat Hotel
Along with sets from DJs and artists including Maribou State and Laraaji, the festival will include a literary program curated by Faber & Faber with talks from Irvine Welsh and Booker Prize-winner DBC Pierre amongst others. For those interested in the local setting, design company Patternity are also leading a Marrakesh photo tour as part of the event.
Head to a Glastonbury affiliate in Morocco. Image by Beat Hotel
The festival is scheduled to run from 10am each day to 4am the next morning over the four-day weekend. For those worried about getting back to a Marrakesh riad from the further reaches of the city, the festival is running a shuttle bus that guests can use on purchase of a £25 (€28.40) pass.
The tickets are available in their second release cycle for £119 (€135).
Words: James Tennent
