Costa Festival Portugal
1 – 7 October 2024
![Signpost Amended](https://costafestival.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Signpost-Amended.png)
![Sky view of grande real santa eulalia](https://costafestival.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/grande-real-santa-eulalia-1024x510-1.jpg)
We are delighted to be returning to the extremely popular 5* Grande Real Hotel on the stunning Portuguese Algarve coast, for the Costa Festival 2024. Our amazing line-up includes; The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, Fairport Convention, Midge Ure, The Wilson Family, Thea Gilmore, Ranagri, O'Hooley & Tidow, Mark Radcliffe & David Boardman and many more.
Set within beautifully landscaped gardens, the Grande Real Hotel boasts one of the most desirable locations in Albufeira, with stunning sea views overlooking the pristine Santa Eulalia beach. This resort offers a huge range of facilities that cover everything you need for a perfect festival holiday. Rest assured, there will be wall-to-wall music, dancing, laughter and plenty of great food and drink.
With both indoor and outdoor venues and plenty of options for impromptu activities there is very little time for sleep during Costa festival week. Whether you are up early for Pilates with Rosie, or going to bed in the wee small hours after attending the late bar session, one thing is certain, you’ll be spoilt for choice and be so busy making new memories, that the week will be over before you know it.
From beautiful sea view suites to garden view studios, all the accommodation at the Grande Real is superbly appointed to cater for even the most discerning of traveller.
You can choose from an apartment located within the lush gardens of the complex or a comfortable room within the main Hotel building. As the festival takes place throughout the complex, wherever you choose to base yourself, you’ll not be too far away from the action. Options to extend your stay pre-festival and to stay one extra night at the end are available.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- Meet & Greet service for flights arriving/departing Faro airport with transfers to and from the 5* Grande Real Hotel and the Alfagar da Colina Aparthotel, Santa Eulalia, Albufeira on 30 September, 1, 7 and 8 October. Transfers on other dates will incur an additional charge.
- Six nights dinner bed & breakfast (Grande Real Hotel). Six nights Self-Catering with Breakfast Alfagar da Colina Aparthotel
- Wine with dinner
- Full five-day festival pass
- Festival starts at 2pm on 2 October and finishes on the night of 6 October
- Late night ceilidhs with Banter
- Ukulele workshops with Andy Webster and Tim Smithies
- Costa Ensemble with Joe Broughton and Tom Chapman
- Costa Choir with Celia Ketchell
- Club 18-80 with Simon Care
- Pilates with Rosie Clegg
- Tai Chi with Melvin Samuel
- Spoons Workshop with Pat Smith
- Open mic, busking stage, singaround and bar sessions
- Informal tune sessions
- Daily activities including watercolour painting workshops, birdwatching trips, island excursions and walking trips (extra cost applicable)
- Full time service of the Costa Festival team
Overnight stays at UK Airport Hotels + Parking can be arranged if required – contact us for more info.
You can extend your stay at the Grande Real. Stay an unlimited number of nights pre festival and one night post festival. See price grid for extra night costs.
Please contact us if you require assistance with booking your flights. An additional charge will be applied for this service.
LINE-UP
The Red Hot Chilli Pipers
There has never been anything quite like The Red Hot Chilli Pipers, from their formation in 2002 and a cameo appearance at T in the Park in 2004 with the Darkness to opening the main stage in their own right in 2014. The past ten years has seen the Red Hot Chilli Pipers become the most famous bagpipe band on the planet..ever! Bagpipes with attitude, drums with a Scottish accent and a show that leaves people with warm hearts and smiles on their faces. See more....
Fairport Convention
Fairport Convention played its first concert in a church hall in May 1967. Based in suburban north London, the youngsters ‘convened’ for rehearsals at a house named Fairport, the family home of rhythm guitarist Simon Nicol. Thus was born the name of a band that has endured for over five decades. See more....
Midge Ure
An artist who has received Ivor Novello, Grammy, BASCAP awards along with a flotilla of gold and platinum records, really needs very little introduction. Musical success is seldom measured in time spans of more than a few years, if not Andy Warhol's often quoted "fifteen minutes", so the fact that by the time Midge's single "If I Was" went to No1 in 1985 he had already crammed several musical lifetimes into a 10 year professional career speaks volumes See more....
The Wilson Family
The four brothers who make up the Wilson Family have been singing a capella folk songs for over 40 years, mostly around the folk clubs of the North East. But more recently they’ve been hitting the high spots following an invitation to sing at the Sage at Gateshead, where they performed with the Unthanks and the Mighty Doonans. See more....
Thea Gilmore
Thea Eve Gilmore, also known as Afterlight, is an English singer-songwriter. She has released more than twenty albums since her 1998 debut Burning Dorothy. She has had three Top 40 entries on the UK Albums Chart and one on the UK Singles Chart. See more....
Ranagri
Ranagri is an award winning folk band from Ireland and England. With a unique blend of instruments that includes voices, guitar, bouzouki, flutes, whistles, harp/electric harp, and bodhrán/drums, they create a sound that is both mesmerising and unforgettable. See more....
O'Hooley & Tidow
One of the most exciting acts on the contemporary folk scene today; Belinda O’Hooley and Heidi Tidow are accomplished interpreters of everything from Massive Attack to traditional Irish ballads, but it’s their own boundless songwriting and exquisite harmonies that truly shine. See more....
Mark Radcliffe & David Boardman
Broadcaster, writer and musician Mark Radcliffe met David Boardman a few years ago when he moved to Knutsford and they found each other in the Builder’s Arms. David is a seasoned singer/songwriter, guitar teacher and fine artist. The pair began to co-write songs for David’s band FineLines and the duo idea came out of that. See more....
Gary Stewart's Graceland
Led by the legendary Leeds-based troubadour Gary Stewart (Gary Stewart Band / Hope and Social) and backed by his incredible 6-piece band, this spectacular group of musicians come together to recreate Paul Simon’s landmark Graceland album in all its glory. See more....
Anthony John Clarke
All Anthony John Clarke ever wanted to be was a writer of songs. From the minute he heard Barry Maguire singing the song “Eve of Destruction” and held the single “Like A Rolling Stone” by Dylan in his hand. See more....
Banter
Banter are: Simon Care on melodeon, Nina Zella on keyboards & vocals, Tim Walker on drums, percussion, brass, vocals & dance calling and, newly added from 2021, Mark Jolley on bass, fiddle, guitar & vocals. Four fine musicians who’s roots are firmly in the traditional English genre, but who enjoy stretching the limits. See more...
True Foxes
True Foxes are an up-and-coming BBC Introducing South West female duo from West Cornwall. Comprising of cousins Amie Parsons (Lead vocals/ guitar) and Chloe Payne (Vocal harmonies/bass), they blend pop-folk songwriting, soft rock country and atmospheric harmonies, to create hauntingly beautiful and catchy melodies. See more...
The Lost Notes
The Lost Notes are a 5-piece acoustic roots band based in the creatively fertile blaglands of Moseley, Birmingham UK. They have built up a loyal fan base across the folk and festival circuit through their lively full band performances and more intimate trio gigs. They write songs for chin-strokers, foot-stompers, head-nodders and those who like to partake in the dark art of inarticulate dancing and hollering. It happens. All delivered in glorious 3 part harmonies. See more...
Flossie Mallavialle
Urban Folk Quartet
The Urban Folk Quartet are a sizzling hot ensemble who fuse folk with elements of dub, house and rock. They do this with an ease that shouldn’t naturally follow from that list of genres! Built on the rhythms of a cajòn-wielding percussionist and oud-playing bassist, two phenomenal fiddlers lead the quartet. This is one of the tightest line-ups on the circuit.. See more....
Stout Boots
Like so many of life’s great adventures Stout Boots began as an idea in the pub - a group of musician friends wanting the chance to perform together and have a laugh between other projects and commitments. And, like so many ideas that start in the pub, it soon got out of hand. See more....
Robbie K Jones and Friends
The multi-instrumentalist and hugely talented Robbie K Jones will invite various musicians who are with us at the festival to join him for impromptu unrehearsed mayhem and merriment. We never know quite what to expect from this set…. except fabulous entertainment!See more....
ACCOMMODATION
The Grande Real Santa Eulália Resort & Hotel Spa is a 5 star hotel, located in Albufeira, on the Algarve, with direct access to Santa Eulália beach.
All rooms and suites feature air conditioning, double or twin beds,direct telephone connection,Wifi Internet connection, hair dryer, satellite television,pay TV, radio, minibar, digital safe, room service 24h. In the apartments you will also find a kitchenette and fridge.
![Standard Room resized](https://costafestival.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Standard-Room-resized-1.jpg)
Standard Room - Land/Resort View
Many of the standard rooms have lovely views of the gardens surrounding the Hotel and are on average 300 sq.ft. Two twin beds that can be converted to a king size on request. Sleeps maximum of 2 Adults
![Sea View Room2 resized](https://costafestival.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Sea-View-Room2-resized.jpg)
Standard Seaview Room
Wake up with a view of Santa Eulalia beach and the sound of the sea in one of the 54 standard sea view rooms at the Grande Real Hotel. Each room is on average 300 sq.ft and features two twin beds that can convert to a king size on request. Sleeps maximum of 2 Adults
![GRSE_suite1_resortview_5 resized](https://costafestival.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/GRSE_suite1_resortview_5-resized.jpg)
Standard Suite
Covering an area of 581 sq.ft the spacious suites at the Grande Real offer the convenience of a separate living room with sofa that can be converted to a third bed. An internal door between the rooms provides additional privacy.
Two bathrooms, and two separate balcony areas make sharing a suite at the Grande Real a popular option for 3 friends.
TV & minibar in each room. Sleeps maximum of 3 Adults
![Suite_Seaview_Bedroom resized](https://costafestival.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Suite_Seaview_Bedroom-resized.jpg)
Sea View Suite
Covering an area of 581 sq.ft the spacious suites at the Grande Real offer the convenience of a separate living room with sofa that can be converted to a third bed. An internal door between the rooms provides additional privacy. Two bathrooms, and two separate balcony areas make sharing a suite at the Grande Real a popular option for 3 friends. TV & minibar in each room.
Sleeps maximum of 3 Adults. Featuring everything that the standard suites offer with the addition of a stunning sea vista. The Seaview Suites also offer a view of the main hotel pool area.
![Studio resized](https://costafestival.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Studio-resized.jpg)
Studios and Apartments
With a choice of studios perfect for solo travellers or couples, one and two bedroom apartments, each featuring a living-room, bedroom(s) and kitchenette which offer total privacy in a relaxed environment. Surrounded by green spaces, and two communal swimming pools.
Studios feature a bedroom with living room and kitchen in one open plan space. Smaller than the one bedroom apartments and perfect for a couple or solo traveller.
One Bedroom Apartments feature a seperate bedroom, bathroom with shower over the bath, a living area with sofa bed and kitchen.
Two Bedroom Apartments feature two seperate bedrooms, one shower room with walk-in shower and one bathroom with shower over the bath, a living area with sofa bed and kitchen.
In all the holiday apartments you will find air conditioning, direct telephone connection, Wifi Internet connection, hair dryer, satellite TV, pay TV, radio, individual safes, room service 24h, kitchenette and fridge.
The 4* Alfagar Alto de Colina Aparthotel is situated across the road from the Grande Real hotel where the festival is taking place. These apartments offer a more flexible dining option of self-catering with breakfast included, allowing you to dine locally at your leisure each evening.
Each one of the standard apartments feature a cooker, crockery, fridge, kettle, microwave, shower over bath, towels, TV and free WIFI.
![Studio apartment](https://costafestival.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Std_Apartment.2.jpg)
One Bed Apartments
The one bedroom apartment at the Alfagar Alto da Colina is the perfect accommodation option for couples and friends who want to enjoy the pleasant atmosphere of a beautifully decorated apartment. With bright rooms and cosy furnishings, this apartment offers a fully equipped kitchenette, a living room with sofa bed, a bathroom and a furnished balcony.
From the reception area of the Grande Real to the Alfagar Alto de Colina Aparthotel is a 10-minute walk.
PLEASE NOTE: Evening meals cannot be taken at the Grande Real Hotel
PRICES
Prices per person / Dinner, Bed and Breakfast.
Flights not included - please contact us if you require assistance with travel arrangements.
£100pp deposit required to secure booking.
Room Type - Alfagar Alto de Colina | Price | Extra Night Pre Event | Extra Night Post Event |
---|---|---|---|
One bed Apartment 2 share (B&B) | £799 - SOLD OUT | Available on request | Available on request |
One bed Apartment Sole Occupancy (B&B) | £1,049 - SOLD OUT | Available on request | Available on request |
One bed Apartment 3 share (B&B) | £739 - SOLD OUT | Available on request | Available on request |
Prices per person / Breakfast.
Room Type - Grande Real Santa Eulália | Price | Extra Night Pre Event | Extra Night Post Event (7 October only) |
---|---|---|---|
Classic Double/Twin | £1,049 - SOLD OUT | £138 | £120 |
Classic Double/Twin Solo Occupancy | £1,299 - SOLD OUT | £192 | £167 |
Sea View Double/Twin | £1,179 - SOLD OUT | £153 | £133 |
Sea View Double/Twin Solo Occupancy | £1,439 - SOLD OUT | £192 | £167 |
Studio Solo Occupancy | £1,299 - SOLD OUT | £192 | £167 |
One Bed Apartment 2 Share | £1,049 - SOLD OUT | £138 | £120 |
Two Bed Apartment 3 Share | £929 - SOLD OUT | £120 | £104 |
Two Bed Apartment 4 Share | £859 - SOLD OUT | £107 | £93 |
Suite Garden View 2 Share | £1,219 - SOLD OUT | £175 | £152 |
Suite Garden View 3 Share | £889 - SOLD OUT | £155 | £135 |
Suite Sea View 2 share | £1,399 - SOLD OUT | £192 | £167 |
Suite Sea View 3 share | £1,049 - SOLD OUT | £163 | £142 |
DAILY ACTIVITIES
There is a growing list of activities on offer at a Costa Festival. These include Watercolour Art Classes with Paul Clark, Pilates With Rosie, Choir with Celia, Costa Ensemble with Joe Broughton & Tom Chapman, Ukulele and other Music Workshops, and Birdwatching trips. We will be publishing full details of the free and paid activities once the programme is confirmed. Please indicate on the booking form which activities you may be interested in and we will send you further information.
![Paul and Margot watercolour classes](https://costafestival.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/PM-1-2.jpg)
Watercolour Art Classes
We are delighted to welcome Paul Clark and Margot Lofts back to Portugal to take the watercolour art classes.
Paul Clark is a published author, professional artist, and a world renowned YouTuber with a following of over 200,000 subscribers, who has been teaching watercolour painting and drawing techniques to adult learners of all levels for over 40 years.
Margot Lofts, a watercolourist in her own right, works alongside Paul to take extra classes to provide a varied programme.
All classes suitable for all levels. A list of equipment required is available.
Payment in resort by cash sterling or euros, credit card or BACS
Date | Morning Session | Afternoon Session |
---|---|---|
2 October | 10am - Pop in and pay 10:30 - 12:30 Short Intro then Tips & Tricks with Paul & Margot | |
3 October | 10:00 - 12:30 In the Studio "A Local Street Scene" with Paul | 2:00 - 4:30 "Paint a Fabulous Flamingo" with Margot |
4 October | 10:30 - 12:30 En Plein Air "Sketching Outdoors" with Paul | You are free to continue painting your morning's picture in the studio |
5 October | 10:00 - 12:30 In the Studio "Across The Bay" with Paul | 2:00 - 4:30 "Painting Bold Landscapes" with Margot |
6 October | 10:00 - 12:30 In the Studio "The Sunset" with Paul |
![Costa Festival Portugal 2024](https://costafestival.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Joe-Broughton-Tom-Chapman-02-scaled.jpg)
Costa Ensemble
Joe Broughton (Conservatoire Folk Ensemble) and Tom Chapman (Urban folk Quartet) will run daily Costa Ensemble workshops. The emphasis for the workshops will be for everyone to be able to join in, so whether you just got your first two ukulele chords together, or you have been playing fiddle tunse at your local session for years, this is an opportunity for you to be part of a band, to learn something and to have a good time.
Joe's core teaching approach is that people learn more and play better when they are having a good time so don't come expecting any pressure or to get away with not having a laugh. Bring your instrument if you can, and if not you can join the percusssion/singing/dancing section!!
There will be a daily one-hour morning workshop for everyone that wants to be involved, and there will be an additional daily hour "drop-in" session at teatime with Joe and Tom, for anyone that wants a bit of extra help, or even wants to do something more challenging or just wants to chat about music or ask questions.
![Tai Chi](https://costafestival.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Tai-Chi.jpg)
Tai Chi with Melvin
Melvin has practiced and taught tai chi for over 35 years and has combined his love of folk music and the Taoist arts by leading tai chi workshops at festivals. The sessions have been developed to give absolute beginners an understanding of the foundations/practice of tai chi and provide an opportunity for the more experienced to explore a wider range of activities. No booking/payment required, just turn up – more information in resort.
![Pilates](https://costafestival.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Pilates.jpg)
Pilates with Rosie
Join Rosie at the daily pilates class which will definitely help improve your posture, flexibility, strength, balance and set you up for the day ahead.
![Ukulele](https://costafestival.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Ukulele.jpg)
Ukulele Workshops with Andy & Tim
Why not join Andy & Tim at the daily ukulele sessions running at Costa Festival. With just four strings and unlimited chords, this is a great instrument to get into even if you haven’t played much before. You will learn how to play a few songs but most importantly have fun whilst doing so then on the final day of the festival you will perform to the Costa audience.
![Celia's Costa Choir](https://costafestival.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Screenshot-2023-12-11-113557.png)
Celia's Costa Choir
There are many reasons as to why you should join Celia at the “Costa Choir” workshops: its the perfect place to make friends, practice new vocal techniques, learn new songs, performing in front of the Costa audience at the end of the festival but most importantly, have fun!
![Ceilidh](https://costafestival.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Ceilidh.jpg)
Ceilidh with Banter
Simon Care, Nina Zella, Tim Walker and Mark Jolley, who come together as Banter, will be returning to Portugal to host the Costa Ceilidhs and as always, they will play all your favourite ceilidh dances with high energy and their own unique flair. Whether you are an experienced ceilidh dancer or a beginner you will definitely have lots of fun!
Coach Travel Package
Imagine, a relaxing, stress free journey through France, Spain, and Portugal, exploring picturesque towns and vibrant cities. A journey that starts in the UK with a sailing over to France and the breathtaking town of St Malo, continuing through the rolling vineyards of Cognac and Bordeaux, and introducing you to the irresistible charm of San Sebastian, Salamanca, Seville, Cordoba, Granada, and Madrid. Not forgetting a delightful stop in Lisbon, Portugal's capital.
However, this adventure isn't just about the destinations; it's about the journey itself.
![Coach image](https://costafestival.azureedge.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Coach-image.jpg)
Five overnights pre-festival and 6 overnights post-festival, allowing you to savour every moment of your holiday and make plenty of new friends before you even arrive at the festival.
- Climate control for optimum travelling comfort
- Toilet/washroom
- Aircraft style individual seat back tables
- Multi screen DVD system for movies and GPS
- Steward/ess served drinks & snacks service
- Large panoramic, tinted & double glazed windows
- Maximum luggage capacity
- Extra Leg Room
Coach available to book now:
£1350 twin/double
£1990 solo
One way outward
Twin/double share £750pp
Solo £1050
One way inward
Twin/double share £800
Solo £1150
Thursday 26 September
Depart Manchester Airport/10:30, Birmingham Airport/12:30, and London Heathrow/15:00 for the journey to Portsmouth. Check-in for the overnight Brittany Ferries sailing to France. Brittany Ferries’ mission is to put you in a holiday mood as soon as you're on board. You can enjoy a great choice of dining - from French and international cuisine to family favourites - a drink at the bar, a visit to the cinema, or even a spot of Duty-Free shopping. And when you're ready to put your feet up, simply relax in the comfort of your own en-suite cabin.
Friday 27 September
This morning, our ship docks in the beautiful walled city of St Malo. We will have a short visit to the historic centre, ringed by imposing ramparts dating from the 12th Century. After our initial introduction to this ancient land, we continue our journey through Brittany stopping in Dinan – whose crooked half-timbered houses are straight out of the Middle Ages. We will arrive this evening in La Rochelle – also known as La Ville Blanche (the white city). Explore the stunning limestone facades, arcaded walkways, half-timbered houses, and restaurants/cafes catering to all tastes.
Saturday 28 September
On the banks of the river Charente amid vine-covered countryside, Cognac is our first stop today. The town is known worldwide for the double-distilled spirit that bears it’s name. There is time to visit one of the fascinating cellars before continuing to the Bordeaux wine region. This afternoon we visit the medieval village of St-Emilion – easily the most alluring of all the regions wine towns and a UNESCO-listed heritage site. This evening we will stay near Bordeaux.
Sunday 29 September
Another day, another country. By lunchtime we will be in the pearl of The Basque Country – stunning San Sebastian. Sample the local pintxo (tapas) bars or simply marvel at the city’s setting in the wonderful ‘Seashell Bay’. Having maybe tried a few words in the local Basque language, we proceed to our next overnight stop near the city of Valladolid – known as the heartland of Spain’s principal language, Catalan.
Monday 30 September
A couple of hours drive this morning, and we will be in magical Salamanca. A city of rare beauty, it’s highlights are many, but the Plaza Mayor (main square) is an unforgettable sight. Our journey this afternoon sees us cross into Portugal, passing through imposing mountain scenery to our overnight hotel north of Lisbon.
Tuesday 1 October
We spend the morning visiting the Portuguese Capital, with time to explore before we complete this leg of our journey, arriving at Costa Festival Portugal in Albufeira for check-in and dinner this evening.
Monday 7 October
Well, Costa Festival may be over but your Iberian adventure continues. Departing the hotel after breakfast, we drive approximately three hours to spectacular Seville. Shaped by half a dozen civilisations, the Andalucian capital has never lost it’s capacity to amaze. Once checked into our hotel, the rest of the day and evening are yours to explore this fascinating city.
Tuesday 8 October
This morning, we drive about three hours to the captivating city of Cordoba. Here we have time to explore the marvellous fusion of Roman, Byzantine and Moorish architecture. Most visited is the incredible Mezquita, a wonderful hybrid unlike anywhere else in Spain – possibly the only place in the world where Mass can be celebrated in a Mosque. This afternoon we venture across the Sierras Subbeticas, enjoying a scenic drive to alluring Granada where we check in to our hotel for two nights. Evening free to relax or explore.
Wednesday 9 October
Internationally revered for its lavish Alhambra palace, Granada is enshrined in medieval history as the last stronghold of the Moors in Western Europe. Spend the day getting to know this enigmatic city, humming with cosmopolitan feistiness and awash with pockets of intrigue. A true gem.
Thursday 10 October
Today’s journey sees us ascend the richly patterned landscape of Castilla-La Mancha province to the glorious city of Toledo. A religious centre and once-flourishing symbol of multicultural society, the old town is a treasure chest of narrow streets and plazas. Later, we continue to or overnight hotel near Madrid.
Friday 11 October
A short drive to the centre of Madrid, followed by a quick orientation of the principal sights. This afternoon we continue to Unesco World Heritage-listed Segovia. This curious city is dominated by the soaring aqueduct – a stunning monument to Roman Grandeur. We continue to our overnight hotel in the Castilla y Leon region.
Saturday 12 October
This morning, we travel to the port in Santander and check in for our lunchtime sailing to the UK. Once settled into your comfortable cabin you are free to relax and enjoy the facilities on board.
Sunday 13 October
We arrive in Portsmouth at 5.30pm and return directly to our original departure points.