Wales, England and Denmark

The first ever Swn took place last year, the brainchild of BBC 1’s Huw Stephens– a Welshman with a passion for discovering great new music and promoter John Rostron. Beginning on Friday November 14th, Swn takes place at 19 venues around Cardiff. Artists on the bill include Clinic, the Boy Least Likely To, Pete and the Pirates and the rather fun to say Dananananaykroyd.

Mencap’s Little Noise Sessions at Islington’s Union Chapel, curated by a BBC DJ – Jo Whiley – proceeds go towards the charity MENCAP. The acoustics of Union Chapel are wonderful plus there’s a large antique organ to feast your eyes on while you listen to the likes of Adele, The Fratellis, Keane and Friendly Fires. Little Noise Sessions take place over 11 nights in November but some of the shows are already sold out – full details can be found on the Mencap website.

Dance extravaganza Sensation began in Amsterdam in 2000 and has grown to a global phenomenon – tens of thousands of people turn up in their respective countries wearing white and ready for a unique event – the massive set designs incorporate weird inflatable objects populated by acrobats and dancers against a backdrop of lasers and pyrotechnics.. The next Sensation takes place in Denmark – the first time its has ever been to this country; it’ll be held at the 30,000 capacity Parken stadium with DJs Erick E, Tiga and Steve Angello & Sebastian Ingrosso on the bill. After Denmark Sensation heads to Spain – full details can be found on the website and don’t forget to pack your best whites.

Advance Tickets for next years Glastonbury Festival are still available – this festival always sells out so even if June 2009 seems a long way away you should get cracking or you could end up disappointed. Rumours say The Ting tings and Franz Ferdinand will be on the line up…full details are not revealed til just before the event.

If live in Australia or New Zealand or plan on being there in January you should go to the Big Day Out website and check for ticket availability – Melbourne has already sold out but the ballot is now open for the Gold Coast and Sydney – the line up is great and includes Neil Young, My Morning Jacket and Artic Monkeys.