Another dreadful British summer is over, and we are heading headlong into winter. Now thoughts turn to any opportunity to get some winter sun.

The European festival scene is thriving, with huge events taking place across the Continent. Many British fans are turning way from the plethora of excellent homegrown events to seek sun and to sample different cultures overseas, usually at a much reduced price.

There's not many places where you can guarantee sunshine, but the further south you go in Europe each summer, the better your chances.

So, as festival-goers get more adventurous, why not go even further and make up for a miserable season by seeking out fine weather where there's year-round sun or they are enjoying their own, more reliable, summer.

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Events in the southern hemisphere are rarely blessed with lineups to match the best of Europe's shindigs, but there are some big happenings down south on both sides of the equator in plenty of interesting places with lots of familiar names to check out.

In two weeks we'll have the best of the world music festivals, but for now here's a rundown of places to catch big name acts - purveyors of pop, rock and electronic dance music - in warm and exotic locations.

Check the festival websites for full ticket, location and lineup details

Desert Lounge Weekend, Marrakesh, Morocco

Pacha, October 17-18

Looking for a last-minute sunshine break? Why not hop on a plane to Morocco, where they'll be dancing around the pool of superclub Pacha.

The house music comes from big names such as Sister Bliss of Faithless, Dimitri From Paris, electronic legends Coldcut and Madonna’s remixers Chus and Caballos.

Tickets cost £80 for the weekend, and you'd be crazy not to extend your stay to take in the High Atlas Mountains, the beaches of Essaouira, and, of course, the Arabic treats of Marrakesh itself.

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