David Sedlecký | Creative Commons

Notting Hill Carnival, England

Bold, bright and beautiful, Notting Hill Carnival is one of the largest street parties in Europe and the next best thing to Rio when it comes to flamboyant floats and crazy costumes. The streets of London come alive with a parade of calypso, masquerade and steel drums, as well as scantily clad revellers. Throw on your brightest outfit, hit the streets and prepare for a party to remember.

Aaron Logan | Creative Commons

Burning Man, Nevada, USA

Once a year Nevada's Black Rock Desert is transformed into a buzzing metropolis oozing with creative art and creative spirits. Giant interactive art exhibits rise from the sands and colourful costumes are commonplace as designers and 'burners' alike embrace the festival's principle of radical self-expression. A complete visual spectacle, this is one festival that has to be experienced to be understood.

Michael Gallacher | Creative Commons

Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Scotland

Edinburgh's Fringe is an all-encompassing arts festival billing comedians and plays, high-brow performances and up-and-coming breakthrough acts. The festival is the perfect place to discover new and exciting talent before performers make it big. Some of the country's best comics have had their breaks at the festival and each year promises novel productions which are often unlike anything you will have seen before.

nedim chaabene | Creative Commons

La Tomatina, Spain

La Tomatina is just one of Spain's many crazy, exciting and downright weird festivals. The city of Buñol is the battlefield for this enormous food fight where the weapons of choice are squished tomatoes. Participants dressed in white are soon unidentifiable in a sea of red, where tomato juice covers the streets long after this hour long battle ends. Buñol gets booked up quick but accommodation can be found in nearby Valencia - a fantastic city for an incentive trip in its own right.

MIXTRIBE | Creative Commons

Creamfields, England

With headline acts including Calvin Harris, Eric Prydz and Chase and Status - not to mention Avicii's last ever UK performance - Creamfields is the place to be this August Bank Holiday weekend. With more than 200 acts performing over four days on 11 stages, this is one of the biggest and best dance music festivals of the summer.

Photodiary of an Endless Summer | Creative Commons

Sziget Festival, Hungary

Based in Budapest, on an isle in the Danube, Sziget is described as an 'island of freedom'. If you can't make it to the US for Burning Man, Sziget is probably the next best thing. With interactive art exhibitions and a line up of amazing artists including Rihanna, Muse and David Guetta, Sziget is one of the hottest festivals in Europe this summer.

Gobierno de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires | Creative Commons

Tango Buenos Aires Festival, Argentina

Tango is at the heart of Argentina. This sensual, seductive dance takes over the city during the 18 day long Tango Buenos Aires Festival, where shows, classes and film screenings can be found around the city. Whether you want to don your dancing shoes or just observe the professionals, the atmosphere in Buenos Aires is alive with passion.

Global Stomping | Creative Commons

Boom Festival, Portugal

Boom Festival is a chilled out event combining a sustainable ethos with progressive arts and music. Trance, electronic and chill-out acts take to the stage to perform to fans from across the world. Ticket holders are encouraged to have an open mind and embrace the healing areas, spiritual classes and eco-friendly ethics that make up this transformational festival.

Stemu2000 www.stefansblog.com | Creative Commons

Obon, Japan

Based on the Buddhist belief system, Japan's Oban Festival is the country's most important religious holiday. It is believed that during the celebration spirits of loved ones passed can be lured back to Earth with lights, music and dance. This is a busy time to be in Japan but is also one of the most interesting times to visit to get a feel for the country's unique culture.

ARSAM | Creative Commons

Oppikoppi Festival, South Africa

What started out life as a relatively small event focusing on South African rock has grown into the country's biggest music festival. Oppikoppi's line up has expanded to include everything from metal to hip hop, giving it appeal for a wide mix of music fans. Set near Kruger National Park, a visit to the festival can be combined with a safari adventure to give one incredible incentive itinerary.