Costa Festival Portugal 2024

Costa Festival Portugal

1 – 7 October 2024

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.

If you're not ready to book but have further questions then please feel free to email us at info@harmonyvoyages.co.uk and we'll be happy to help

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 five 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...

Trials Of Cato

The Trials of Cato, formed in Beirut back in 2015, were described by BBC Radio 2’s Mark Radcliffe as ‘one of the real discoveries on the folk circuit in recent times’. See more....

Flossie Mallavialle

Hugely talented, Flossie’s charismatic stage presence, gutsy guitar style, eclectic repertoire and Franglais patter never fail to entertain those lucky enough to hear her. See more....

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....

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 - 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

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

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

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.

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.

PLEASE NOTE: All two bedroom apartments are accessed via steps and are not suitable for anyone with limited mobility.

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

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.
£50pp discount if booked before 1 December 2023.

Room Type - Grande Real Santa Eulália	Price	Extra Night Pre Event	Extra Night Post Event (8 October only)
Classic Double/Twin	£1,049	£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	£138	£120
Two Bed Apartment 3 Share	£929 - x1 AVAILABLE	£120	£104
Two Bed Apartment 4 Share	£859 - x1 AVAILABLE	£107	£93
Suite Garden View 2 Share	£1,219 - x1 AVAILABLE	£175	£152
Suite Garden View 3 Share	£889 - x1 AVAILABLE	£155	£135
Suite Sea View 2 share	£1,399 - SOLD OUT	£192	£167
Suite Sea View 3 share	£1,049 - SOLD OUT	£163	£142

Prices per person / Breakfast.

Room Type - Alfagar Alto de Colina	Price	Extra Night Pre Event	Extra Night Post Event
One bed Apartment 2 share (B&B)	£799	Available on request	Available on request
One bed Apartment Sole Occupancy (B&B)	£1,049 - 5 Available	Available on request	Available on request
One bed Apartment 3 share (B&B)	£739	Available on request	Available on request

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.

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 190,000+ 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.

£140 for all classes, attend as many as you like! £25.00 per session on site. Please pay for with cash in resort.

All classes suitable for all levels. A list of equipment required is available.

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 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 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 Workshops with Andy, Tim & Jake

Why not join Andy, Tim & Jake 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.

Costa Festival Portugal Playlist

FAQs

1Why are flights not included?

Not including flights with the holiday package allows you the opportunity to make a more informed choice and opt for travel arrangements that suit your personal circumstances. We are happy to assist with your travel arrangements to the festival whether that be by air, land or sea. If you are booking flights to/from the festival we advise you to book using a credit card, this ensures an extra level of financial protection

2What airport do I need to fly into?

Transfers will operate from Faro Airport to the Hotel in Albufeira.

3What is my financial protection?

Harmony Voyages Ltd operate as a franchisee of Fred. Olsen Travel Ltd under ABTA No: P7419. Your Costa festival holiday is a package holiday protected by ABTA.

4What happens if the festival is postponed or cancelled?

You will be offered a new date or a full refund. In the unlikely event that your flight is still operating under these circumstances, you can either use the flights and continue with a different holiday to the same destination or contact your airline to request a change to the dates and/or destination.

5What happens if the artist that I booked to see is unable to perform at the festival/holiday?

As you have booked a holiday, then the holiday will still take place. In the event of a festival where there are multiple artists, the full programme will still be performed and any artists unable to travel will be replaced. In the event of a river cruise or other holiday where only one artist is performing, the artist will be replaced with an alternative artist of a similar genre. The cost of the holiday is not refundable.

6What happens if my flight is cancelled?

If your flight is cancelled due to an operational or technical issue, we are here to help and you will be provided with an emergency 24hr number so that we can assist. If all flights are grounded (due to a pandemic related occurrence or similar) then it is highly likely that the festival will be postponed and you will be offered new dates or a full refund.

7I am a solo traveller, can you find me someone to share with so I can save paying the suppliment?

Yes. Our “Single Share” scheme works by us taking your details and matching you with a likeminded (same sex) person who would also like to consider sharing. This is very popular as it really does help keep the cost down and you make a new friend as well! However, in the event that the person you have been paired with cancels prior to the festival you will be liable to pay for the room with the single supplement attached.

8I only want to stay for a couple of days, not the whole festival

Please call us to discuss your options: 01254 476075.

9Is there an easy payment plan?

Yes, there is. We are able to arrange a monthly payment plan if this helps, please ask for details.

10Can I bring my own instrument?

Absolutely - there will be plenty of ad hoc sessions popping up throughout the week and even a few tutorials if you are a bit rusty. There’s the daily open mic as well, so you’ll not be short of opportunities to play.

11I would like to volunteer as a steward

We do get many requests for volunteers and we are really lucky that we have a fantastic team already. However, if you would like to be considered for a volunteer role please do get in touch and contact Lioux by email at lioux@harmonyvoyages.co.uk

12How far is the transfer from the airport to the hotel complex?

The transfer time by coach is approximately 40 mins from Faro Airport.

13Can I purchase a festival only ticket?

Festival Only tickets subject to availability (please note, there is no guarantee these tickets will be available. This information will be updated at the end of August 2024). Full week £250/€290 / Wed afternoon/evening £40/€46 / Thu - Sun £55/€63 per day. Prices per person. Please email info@harmonyvoyages.co.uk with your enquiry.

14How much is the deposit to secure my booking?

The deposit payment per person is £100 and the balance payment is due 12 weeks prior to your departure date as per terms and conditions. A reminder will be sent to you.

15What is the address of the hotel?

Praia de Santa Eulália PO Box 2445 8200-916 Albufeira - Portugal T - (+351) 289 598 000

16Does the hotel cater for varied dietary requirements?

You will find an ample selection of vegetables, salads and other dishes on the menu, suitable for vegetarians. Please notify us of any specific dietary needs (vegan, coeliac, food allergies etc) prior to travelling in order that we can provide numbers to the Hotel in advance.

17Are there suitable dishes for diabetics?

Dishes suitable for diabetics are available, however we would recommend that you inform the hotel reception of your needs on arrival, or the restaurant manager.

18Are food allergies taken into consideration?

Yes, particular attention is made for guests with food allergies, so please advise the staff accordingly on arrival to the hotel or the restaurant manager.

19How much is the WIFI connection?

The Wi-Fi connection in the hotel is free of charge.

20Is there a dress code in the restaurant?

Yes, anyone in swimwear or not wearing a shirt/t-shirt will not be allowed in the hotel restaurants.

21Are the concerts indoors or outdoors?

All concerts in Portugal are outdoors so please make sure you bring appropriate clothing for the cooler evening temperatures.

22How much is the room safe?

In your room you will find a safe which can be hired by paying a deposit of €15* and a fee of €2* per day direct to the Hotel. *Charges may differ. The hotel is not responsible for money or objects of value which have not been placed inside the safe. The loss, removal or theft of the key of your safe will result in the loss of the deposit.

23Is the hotel accessible for disabled guests?

Yes, all the public areas of the hotel are accessible and the indoor function rooms is accessible by a lift. However, there are currently only two rooms adapted to accommodate a wheelchair and whilst there are ‘grab’ bars in the bathroom neither have a walk-in shower.

24Is it necessary to use the lift to access the adapted rooms?

Currently there are two adapted apartments on the ground floor and two rooms in the Hotel where lift access would be needed. We are awaiting further information following refurbishment. Please contact us for details.

25What are the bathroom features of the adapted rooms?

Width of doorway into bathroom 86cm. No ramped entrance. Room to turn a wheelchair 180 degrees in the bathroom. Grab rails on either side of toilet and around the bath (no wheel in shower). We are awaiting further information following refurbishment. Please contact us for details.

26Is the lift adapted for people with reduced mobility?

Internal lift dimensions 1.34m x 1.4m Lift opening – 80cm Lift capacity – 800kg

We look after you every step of the way

We are a small experienced team who look after you from first enquiry, right through to the end of your holiday. The same people who help you with your booking, will be in the resort or on the cruise to look after you. We are extremely proud of the personal service that we provide and when you need to get in touch, there are no call centres or chatbots, just the same people you've always being dealing with. Need help with flights, care hire or extra nights? ...we are just a phone call away.

Call the team now and we'll be happy to help

+44 (0)1254 476075

Take out the sun, the hotel, the sea and the food for a minute - Ibiza 2018 had the best line up of any festival I have attended. The quality of the music was outstanding, enhanced by the fact that they all loved being there.
Jeff Morton
Most folk festivals are well organised and have lovely people helping. Costa del Folk raises that to a whole new level with wonderful people, care and attention from the first minute you book. The mix of known and unknown musicians and music is brilliant. It is a lovely happy party from start to finish. And in a nice hotel in the sunshine. Doesn't get any better.
Carol Youlton
My perfect holiday! Enjoyed every minute at Costa Ibiza 2018 and 2019 and I'll be there next year! Great music - old favourites and then the music you discover and love too! Great hotel, lovely rooms, great food (excellent for vegetarians too).
Jane Townsend
My favourite holiday. What's not to love. We've been to three now and so looking forward to the next one. Beautiful setting, great hotel, superbly run event with wonderful performers in a sunshine setting. What more could anyone want?
Brenda Keys