Lionel Richie, Rozalén, Bonnie Tyler and Simple Minds are just some of the stars performing at this year’s Starlite Festival. It is the most anticipated event of the summer!
The Starlite Festival has been attracting celebrities and tourists to Marbella for years, wanting to listen to music in an extraordinary space. This, among other reasons, is why the rich and famous from all over the world choose to buy a luxury home right in Marbella.
Concerts in a former quarry
The festival lasts about a month and takes place at the end of July/beginning of August at Cantera de Nagüeles – in a former quarry. The 60-metre-high rock walls surround a stage and auditorium designed for 2,200 people. Every year the festival setting looks different and is built anew. On days when there are no concerts, the Starlite Lounge is the place to meet friends for a drink and admire the beautifully lit interior of the quarry. It’s worthwhile, if you’re on holiday or looking for a home in Spain, to head to Cantera de Nagüeles in the evening. This year’s festival will feature, among others: Lionel Richie, Rozalén, Bonnie Tyler, Simple Minds, Passenger, Aitana, Jose Luis Perales, Rosario, David Bisbal and Il Divo. Tickets, depending on the concerts and seats chosen, range from €24 (furthest grandstand) to €125 (in the Platinum Box).
History of the festival
Events at the abandoned quarry were first held in 1983. At that time, the founder of the luxury Marbella Club House hotel, Alfonso Hohenlohe, together with Julio Iglesias and Plácido Domingo, organised a concert of tenors to launch an annual international music festival in Marbella. However, it was only in 2012 that the idea was revived.
The quarry stage has been hosting world-class stars for years. Elton John, Lenny Kravitz, Eros Ramazzotti, Anastacia, Plácido Domingo, Pet Shop Boys, Buena Vista Social Club, Lionel Richie, Diana Krall, Katie Melua and Sting, among others, have played here.
During the festival, Marbella also hosts parties in clubs, fashion shows or exhibitions, flamenco shows and other events that are really worth getting out of the house for. This is one of the most fun cities in Spain!
Starlite Lounge and Starlite Nights
The quarry space is usually divided into three sections: a stage with an audience, a VIP area and an entertainment area, The Starlite Lounge. Starlight Night events are the festival’s side events, featuring top DJs and fashion, dance, acrobatics or torch dance shows. The party usually lasts until 6.00 am. After such a party, however, you don’t go home straight away – in Spain it is very fashionable to go straight for a sweet breakfast with friends.
VIP area
A separate area has been set aside for VIP guests – you can book a table for 4-6 people there (booking a table is a minimum of €150, which we can use at the bar). The most exclusive area, called Le Club, is where the stars and celebrities meet. Here, booking a table for 4-6 people costs approx. 300 euros (also to be spent at the bar).
Charity gala
One of the biggest charity events in Spain is the festival’s accompanying special dinner, the Starlite Gala, hosted by Antonio Banderas. An integral part of this is an auction, often attended by millionaires, celebrities, the Spanish social cream and politicians. Donations are collected for the activities of the foundation run by Antonio Banderas – Lágrimas y Favores. It awards scholarships to students and organises trips abroad, and supports, among others, the CUDECA association for palliative care, organisations that help families, and health professionals in the fight against pandemics.
Antonio Banderas is involved in the social life of Marbella and is one of the celebrities most associated with it. The actor decided to do business in Spain and bought a property in Malaga, his hometown. It is a beautiful, luxurious penthouse where he lives with his family. He has invested in restaurants in Marbella, he also owns vineyards and runs a theatre in Malaga.
Access and parking
Those with VIP tickets can park nearby, while others can park in a specially designated car park, from which free minibuses will take them to the Starlite site.
The site can also be reached by taxi or free bus from Marbella (Marbella Alameda, Edificio Portillo, Porcelanosa near Plaza Bocanegra Farmacia Berdaguer).
Sources and more information:
- https://starlitemarbella.com/en/
- https://www.andalucia.com/marbella/starlite-festival.htm
- https://starlitemarbella.koobin.com/?id_tipo_evento=1
- http://www.fundacionlagrimasyfavores.org/
