Sponsored Editorial

This summer, Europe will burst into life with a spectacular array of festivities and cultural events. Whether you’re a fan of music, history or simply love the thrill of exploring new places, 2024’s summer calendar in France, Belgium and The Netherlands is jam-packed, offering something to delight every traveller.

P&O Ferries is your gateway to these incredible celebrations. On the Dover to Calais fleet, experience unparalleled comfort and a host of promotions as you cross the Channel to embark on your next adventure.

Relax and recharge in the luxurious Club Lounge, enjoy the fresh sea air in spacious outdoor areas, and for those travelling with furry four-legged friends, the Pet Lounge offers a dedicated space just for them. What’s more, don’t miss the opportunity to save up to 50% on retail prices at the largest World Duty Free store!

P&O’s All Aboard Rewards programme makes your long break even more rewarding. Choose from five enticing benefits: £20 cashback on food and drink, complimentary access to the Pet Lounge, 50% off Club Lounge admission, a free case of wine or a free day trip. For those looking for a shorter getaway, short breaks start from just £99 for a 3-day trip.

So, what does the summer calendar look like? Let’s delve into the fantastic experiences waiting for you in Europe…

Hauts de France celebrations

Start your journey in Calais, where the region of Hauts de France kicks off a season of festivities with the mesmerising Night of the Flame on 2nd July. Watch the town transform with a dazzling display of lights and music, setting the stage for the arrival of the Olympic torch relay the next morning. As the torch passes through, the streets come alive with energy and anticipation, marking the beginning of a summer filled with concerts and community events.

Just a short trip from Calais is Montreuil-sur-Mer. Its Bastille Day Antiques Market takes place on 14th July. This highly-anticipated annual event attracts antiques dealers from all across the world, with street stalls abounding with historical treasures and unique finds. There are plenty of charming French restaurants, bars and cafes where you can take a perch and watch the world go by.

Further inland, Arras hosts the Main Square Festival from 4th– 7th July, offering three days of electrifying live music performances from international and local artists. This year’s programme features big names such as Lenny Kravitz, Avril Lavigne, Bring Me the Horizon, Sam Smith, Tom Odell and more. If you’re a music lover, this event is the one for you!

Paris celebrations

Next on our list of the best summer celebrations is none other than Paris, France’s dazzling capital. This year, the City of Light is poised to outshine itself with an exciting line-up of events throughout June and July. The grand spectacle of the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony will be a breathtaking highlight, but that's just the beginning…

In July, the Tour de France cyclists race to the finish line on the Champs-Elysées, and on Bastille Day (14th July), the Eiffel Tower becomes the focal point of a breathtaking fireworks display, illuminating the Parisian skyline in a show of national pride.

Across the city, traditional Firemen’s Balls add a festive flair, inviting both locals and visitors to dance and celebrate in fire stations turned lively party venues, and for those seeking a unique urban beach experience, Paris Plages transforms the banks of the Seine into sandy oases, perfect for lounging and enjoying the summer sun.

On the summer festivals front, music enthusiasts can revel in the free concerts offered by the Fnac Live Festival (28th – 30thJune) and the La Défense Jazz Festival (24th – 30th June), both providing open-air stages for stellar performances. The Paris Summer Festival (Festival Paris l’Été) runs from 3rd – 16thJuly, offering a diverse program of dance, theatre, and music in outdoor venues throughout Paris and its surrounding region.

Belgium celebrations

Another captivating European destination is Belgium. So, what can you look forward to this summer? Tomorrowland, the world-renowned electronic music festival, takes place over two weekends in July (19th – 21st and 26th – 28th) in the town of Boom, just north of Brussels, drawing in music lovers from across the globe to dance under elaborate stage designs and magical light shows.

In Ghent, the Ghent Festival from 19th – 28thJuly transforms the city into a vibrant hub of activity with free concerts, street performances and amazing fireworks, whilst on 21st July, Belgian Independence Day brings parades and national pride to the forefront, celebrating the country’s rich heritage and cultural diversity.

Close to Antwerp, the Sfinks Mixed festival, taking place from 25th – 28th July offers a mix of world music in a welcoming and free-spirited environment. This free festival is a fantastic opportunity to experience global rhythms and enjoy a laid-back summer atmosphere.

The Netherlands celebrations

The Netherlands is ready to impress with its summer festival calendar! In Amsterdam, the Milkshake Festival on 29th and 30th July promises a joyous celebration of diversity and inclusion, with a multi-genre music line-up that will have you dancing from day to night.

Just a few days earlier, on 23rd June, Amsterdam Roots Festival invites you to explore a world of music and flavours, with ethnic food stalls and performances that celebrate cultural richness and unity.

Meanwhile, Rotterdam hosts the vibrant Rotterdam Unlimited festival from 23rd – 27th July. This dynamic street festival features live performances, colourful parades and an infectious carnival atmosphere that captures the spirit of summer. It’s a perfect chance to immerse yourself in the city’s lively culture and enjoy a mix of music, dance and art.

Discover more about travelling with P&O Ferries and secure your crossing this summer by visiting www.poferries.com.

Terms and conditions

All Aboard Rewards

Take your pick from five different rewards when you book a ferry to France with P&O Ferries.

- 50% off Club Lounge
- Free Day Trip offer
- Free Case of Wine
- Free Pet Lounge Entry
- £20 Food Cashback

Offer applies to Dover / Calais service only. Book by 30th June for travel up to 30thSeptember 2024. Valid for travel with all vehicles except bike and foot passengers. Any bookings made without redeeming the promotion code will not be eligible for free product. Must be booked 24hrs prior departure. Bookings subject to restricted spaces, sailings and dates. Valid for Long Break only. Excludes day trip, 2-day trip, short breaks, foot passengers, cyclists and vehicles designed for commercial use. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer and bookings made at port. P&O Ferries reserves the right to amend or withdraw all elements of the promotion without prior notice. Subject to Promotional Conditions and P&O Ferries' Terms of Business, both available online at www.poferries.com.

Short Break Offer from £99

This offer is available on all Dover to Calais short break bookings travelled up to 17th July 2024. 3-day breaks from £99 when booked by 14th July and 5-day breaks from £129 when booked by 12th July. Excludes long breaks, 2 and 4-day returns, day trips, foot passengers, bicycles, vehicles designed for commercial use, minibuses, motorhomes, caravans or vehicles towing a caravan or trailer. P&O Ferries reserves the right to amend or withdraw all elements of the promotion without prior notice. Subject to Promotional Conditions and P&O Ferries' Terms of Business, both available online at www.poferries.com.