Five of the best techno festivals

Image: Awakenings

Techno isn't limited to dark and sweaty basements, in fact, some festivals base their entire concept around the menacing genre and some diverse electronic events dedicate whole arenas to it, both in the UK and worldwide. 

Some of the big dogs including TimeWarp and Movement have already been and gone this year, but there's plenty more monstrous masterclasses taking place this summer, and we've selected five that we think you should check out.  

Cocoon In The Park, UK, Saturday 11th July

Cocoon's relation with techno has always been paramount, after all, it is the child of papa Sven. The main man and his team have been bringing some of the most influential names and some newcomers to Temple Newsam in Leeds for six years and this year they welcome Carl Cox, Ricardo Villalobos, Enzo Siragusa along with Dixon who will be making his debut. 

Awakenings, Holland, Saturday 27th - Sunday 28th June

Awakenings is pretty much a showcase of the who's who of the techno world. From newcomers that are making their mark on the scene as we speak, to legends that have helped shape the scene from the beginning. We're talking Dave Clarke, Ben Klock, Jeff Mills and Marcel Dettmann - what more could you want? 

Exit Festival (MTS Dance Arena), Serbia, Thursday 9th - Sunday 12th July

Exit has put Serbia on the clubbing map. Taking place within the glorious Petrovaradin Fortress, the surroundings are just as enticing as the line up. Although the roster is pretty mixed and features everything from John Newman to The Prodigy, they have an almighty dance arena that boasts Adam Beyer B2B Joseph Capriati, Tale Of Us and Nicole Moudaber this year. 

Dekmantel, Holland, Thursday 30th July - Saturday 1st August

Back to Holland for this one. Dekmantel is relatively new on the festival circuit but its popularity has soared due to the names booked and its small scale. Every artist is relevant and overtly knowledgeable when it comes to music, which last year made for some of the strongest sets we've ever witnessed. This year Dekmantel is fronted by Carl Craig, Nina Kraviz, Blawan and Dixon. 

EDC (neonGARDEN Arena), UK, Saturday 11th July

Although EDC is famous for the big room names that headline their festivals and events around the world, the UK counterpart is not short of techno talent, you just have to know where to look. The neonGARDEN arena is hosting Marco Carola, Visionquest and Art Department this year in London. 

Check out more line ups and information by visiting our festivals guide.