I am not sure what is crazier, the fact that that my first trip to Primavera was nearly a whole year ago? Or that I am two weeks away from the next one? Look, I know I said that returning so soon would not be likely, yet here we are. I am even having to fight allegations of going yet again next year. We shall see about that, but for now, let’s get stuck into Primavera 2026.

As soon as the line-up was announced, I very much knew I would be getting a ticket. I spent a couple of weeks playing it cool, talking about how tempting it was, how I might just go. Deep down, I was dead certain that come June 2026, I would once again be living the dream at Parc del Forum.

Let’s talk headliners. Doja Cat and Massive Attack top the bill on Thursday. The Cure and Addison Rae on Friday, The xx and Gorillaz on Saturday. All of which are must-sees. Already we are seeing some variety, and the whole line up reads as a chaotic shuffle of all my favourites. The only artist out of these that I have already seen is The Cure, unless we are counting the time that Romy and Oliver Sim joined Jamie xx on stage for one song at Ally Pally. I guess I will consider that a little taste and warm up for the return of The xx. They may have already played in Mexico and at Coachella, but I am fairly certain that Primavera was one of, if not the first show announced. This pretty much sold me on buying a ticket again. That and the idea of seeing two and a half hours of my beloved goths again of course. I have a lot of expectation for fun and dancing at Doja Cat, and Addison Rae will definitely have a vibe like no other. Hearing the sound of Massive Attack out loud in the open air is going to be particularly special and I have a feeling that Gorillaz will be absolutely unforgettable. Every time I listen to ‘On Melancholy Hill’, I feel the essence of the festival itself, where I will be partying to both moody melodies and big pop anthems in good measure.

Pink Pantheress is high on my must-see list, but I am really concerned about her performing on Cupra stage. Don’t get me wrong, it is a great stage and very much a vibe for her, but is it big enough? She is on at a similar time to Wet Leg last year, and they had packed it out beyond the steps that surround it. Wet Leg were having a moment then, but I feel like Pink is having an even bigger moment now. I am both scared and excited but mostly determined to give it a go. She is one of my most anticipated acts of the whole festival, so to not see her would be mental. Then again, I am more likely to buy tickets to one of her own shows than I am for some of the others at the festival on at a similar time. I think I might just have to see how it plays out. I don’t want to not try, but I don’t want to feel too disappointed either. Watch this space… and wish me luck!

On the topic of set times and placement, we have a very early set in the auditorium for Cameron Winter which almost feels criminal. Yes, Geese play later and I am very much down for that, but come on, Cameron Winter solo! Getting to a festival for 5pm when it is very possible that I might stay until 6am… well, enough said really. I think I could leave at a modest 4am in favour of that earlier start, but then I also have to be sure I even get into that early set. This is questionable in itself. Basically, if I want to see Cameron Winter, I should already be camped up in Barcelona now. Either that or I spend the next couple weeks manifesting. Let’s see what happens, eh?

One other thing that feels a little painful is skipping Mac DeMarco. I have seen him a few times now, and although a festival performance is prime DeMarco, I cannot justify it over the likes of Massive Attack. These legends are on at the same time and I have not seen before, so it is a no brainer really. If I can split my time, I shall, but it will be a mission getting from one stage to the other and making the most of both. Last year I did regret limiting my options and not trying more sets, but as it stands, I am undecided whether to gamble the split or commit to the bit.

Alright enough of the negative, here are the positives. Did I mention two and a half hours of The Cure? On a Friday…I’m In Love. Like I said I have seen them before, but they are still one of the bands I am most excited to see at Primavera this year. I am also looking forward to seeing new favourites Ninajirachi and Alex G, not to mention the likes of my bloody valentine, Ethel Cain, Dijon, Blood Orange, JADE, Little Simz, Father John Misty, Viagra Boys, Baxter Dury and Big Thief. There are so many acts I want to see and honestly, as much as clashes are annoying, at least I am never short of options. Kneecap at 3am is tempting and I would like to see MARINA, but I think on this occasion I may have to commit to the main stages for The xx and Gorillaz. Again, maybe I could be swayed to split my time and make the most of all these great artists. I am also delighted to see no huge clash for Fcukers, there is Overmono but there is plenty enough wiggle room to get the best of both if I feel like it on the night. That said, as I missed them last year, Fcukers are absolutely the priority.

Looking back on last year I am thinking about what I learnt and what I will be applying this time round. Well, I am staying in the same area as last time which is a fair distance away from the festival itself, but not a huge issue. I should be sleeping during the day, but I know I won’t be able to resist a little tourist sightseeing. In that sense, staying more central to the city is not a bad idea and I will remind myself of this on the journey back each night (or early morning). I do want to try and take time to soak it all in at the beach before venturing back each day, but I also envision a desire to get straight back to my hopefully comfy bed. I guess the reality is, as much as I have lived it before, this time could be entirely different. As such I will go with the flow of it all and simply make sure to enjoy every moment.

One thing that is different this year is the crew. Last year I had the pleasure of the “Prima Pals” – Matt, Holly and James. Unfortunately, they are all being far too sensible this year and doing this thing called “saving money”. I am not sure I have ever heard of it myself. Not to fear though, I will not be alone. This year I have the “Prima Lads”, Joe and Freya. Another couple of pals I know from my university days back in Southampton, so you could say I have a type when it comes to picking my festival friends. I went to stay with them briefly before Christmas last year and got all giddy talking about Primavera and taking in the beauty (bars) of Barcelona. I cannot wait to share the fun with them.

I really did mean it when I said I couldn’t believe it has already been a year since my first Primavera. The time has flown by and suddenly, I am not too far away from doing it all over again. Sorry, but, what the hell? As expected, I am nowhere near prepared as I should be. You can bet that over the next couple weeks I will be rushing around the shops for some holiday essentials and last minute comfy, but cool festival outfits. Clothes that I will of course continue to wear after the festival is done, because after all this is just the start of summer, right?