The Starlite Occident Festival, previously known as Starlite Marbella, is the most important boutique festival in the world and runs from 21st June to 3rd September 2023
By Nick Nutter | Updated 27 Jul 2023 | Málaga | Events |
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Billed as the most important festival in Spain, the Starlite Occident, previously known as Starlite Marbella Festival, runs for three whole months, from June right through to the beginning of September.
Over the months, more than 200 artists perform, and the auditorium hosts over 70 concerts. The organisers say the reason Starlite is so important is that it is committed to showcasing talent and promoting culture. Although there are many top names performing each year, it is a major opportunity for young up-and-coming artists to show the world who they are and what they can do.
The Starlite Festival now attracts visitors of over 80 nationalities including from countries as far-off as Japan, Hong Kong, Philippines, Greenland and Thailand.
The shows are also broadcasted to a worldwide audience reaching over 24 million homes in more than 60 countries including USA, Canada, Australia, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Venezuela, UK, France, Switzerland and the Netherlands.
Starlite Marbella is located in the Nagüeles Quarry. This open-air venue extends over the Sierra Blancha Urbanization, located just 3 and a half kilometers from the center of Marbella and a 15-minute drive from Puerto Banús. It is divided into three parts: the auditorium, the Starlite Lounge, and the shopping area.
The auditorium is the space dedicated to concerts. It is a natural amphitheater, which serves as the perfect setting for the artists who are going to perform there. The plant landscape becomes the ideal backdrop for night performances. Known as the quarry auditorium, it has a capacity of 3,000 people. Despite the large number of people, one of the highest in festivals in Europe, the atmosphere in Starlite Marbella is one of intimacy and closeness between the public and the artists.
The Starlite Lounge is an area for rest and relaxation, where you can enjoy more intimate concerts. Concerts and DJ sessions take place on its small stage. It is the perfect place to wait for the start of the concert or go to the end of it. It has several gourmet food stalls and bars to have a drink while you enjoy the shows.
The venue has a shopping area, where more than twenty brands offer their products to those attending the Starlite Marbella festival. The shopping area is a new space, with opening hours from 8:00p.m. to 1:30a.m. every day of the festival. Renowned brands set up their shop windows in the quarry. Among them, Fnac, Kiehl's, Gilmar and the official Starlite Marbella store, where you can buy the festival's own merchandising.
Aside from the Starlite Occident Festival, be sure to check out the rest of Marbella. Read our Marbella guide to discover the best things to see and do in town!
Prefer to spend time out in nature? Explore these walks near Marbella:
As a lively beach town, there are many activities to do in Marbella. Check out the most popular ones below.
Summer is peak tourist season in Marbella so if you’re planning to attend the Starlite Occident Festival, you’ll want to book your accommodations as soon as possible!
Booking last minute? Check out the latest deals in Marbella below.
Booking.comFor programmes and tickets to Starlite Festival Marbella, click here
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