Starlite Marbella is an annual music festival that attracts thousands of visitors each time, eager to enjoy the performances of their favourite artists. If you’re planning a holiday in Marbella during the summer months, be sure to check out who will be performing during this time. Past editions have shown that this is certainly the longest running festival, with over 60 days of concerts!
History, or how it all began
In 1983, Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe, singer Julio Iglesias and tenor Plácido Domingo organised a musical event in… the Cantera de Nagüeles quarry in Marbella. Thus, it was decided to use this space as a natural auditorium due to its excellent acoustic properties. This was a historical precedent and also a prelude to the Starlite Festival, which finally took shape thirty years later. Then, the first edition of the festival was held in Marbella, and the idea of the creators of the event was to combine music and culture with the beautiful views of the Costa del Sol.
Over the years, the Starlite Marbella festival has become one of the most important cultural events in Europe. Suffice it to mention that over the past editions, more than 2 million visitors from many countries have passed through the Starlite festival. Today, it is undoubtedly an event that attracts both music lovers and stars from the world of show business to Marbella and the Costa del Sol. The organisers strive to invite the biggest names from the world of music every year to offer the public a rich and varied programme.
More than a decade ago, in 2013-2014, the Starlite festival was held at the Marbella Convention Centre. However, for almost 10 years now – since 2015. – the event has been organised in an abandoned quarry. There, spectators can enjoy beautiful views of the sea, the city and the surrounding rocks. The Starlite Festival has already hosted many well-known artists such as: Elton John, Andrea Bocelli, Julio Iglesias, Sting, Lenny Kravitz, Ricky Martin or Tom Jones.
The only location of its kind
The Starlite Festival attracts thousands of people from all over the world every year and its popularity continues to grow. The organisers are always trying to introduce innovations. During the summer months, a 2,200-seat auditorium is created in a former quarry. While at the concert, everyone can admire the illuminated rocks and pine trees growing on the rock walls and listen to the music of the world’s biggest stars. All this creates a truly unique atmosphere.
The acoustics also create a unique atmosphere – the quarry is shaped like an amphitheatre, providing an extraordinary experience. According to Plácido Domingo and Julio Iglesias, it is one of the best acoustics they have ever found. In addition, you can see the artists really up close – stars who usually perform in front of large audiences of up to 50,000. This proximity means that not only does the audience see the artist, but the artist interacts with them.
The event also has a charitable dimension, with the Starlite Foundation organising the Starlite Gala every year to raise funds for charitable projects. The gala is hosted by Antonio Banderas, who was born in Malaga. It is one of the biggest annual charity events in Spain.
The Starlite Festival kicks off before the concert itself, when visitors can enjoy a wide range of food and drink options in a summer terrace atmosphere. The amphitheatre offers seating and a VIP area, and there are numerous restaurants and bars in the area. After each concert, visitors can move to an area with a large dance floor, continuing the evening with DJ music, interspersed with performances by artists or dance shows.
Who will perform at the Starlite festival in 2024?
One of the stars of this year’s festival is Ricky Martin. The Puerto Rican has announced his new tour of Spain, which includes 14 concerts in cities such as Seville, Murcia, Granada, Badajoz, Madrid and Barcelona. On 25 July, Ricky Martin will perform in Marbella and this will be his third visit to the festival at the Cantera de Nagüeles quarry.
At this year’s festival, the stage will be even bigger and will be equipped with new, more powerful and impressive lighting systems. Some of the artists who will be part of the star-studded cast of Starlite 2024 are:
- Myke Towers (3 July),
- Emilia (4 July),
- Justin Quiles (5 July),
- Camilo (6 and 8 July),
- Keane (9 July),
- The Corrs (10 July),
- Julian Marley & The Uprising (11 July),
- Christian Nodal (13 July),
- Take That (14 and 15 July),
- Carlos Vives (16 July),
- Manuel Turizo (17 July),
- Gipsy Kings feat. Nicolas Reyes (19 July),
- Pablo López (20 July and 21 August),
- Simple Minds (22 July),
- Tom Jones (23 July),
- Diana Krall (24 July),
- Aitana (29 July and 30 July),
- Luis Miguel (31 July and 2 and 3 August),
- Los Secretos (1 August),
- Antonio José (6 August),
- Hauser (7 August),
- Miguel Poveda (8 August),
- UB40 ft. Ali Campbell (9 August),
- Nick Carter (10 August),
- Taburete (12 August),
- Plácido Domingo (13 August),
- Van Gogh’s Ear (14 August).
In the second half of August, the Starlite stage will play:
- Paula Mattheus & Marlon (15 August),
- Abraham Mateo and Nile Moliner (16 August),
- Sara Baras (17 August),
- Siempre Así (19 August),
- Vanesa Martín (20 August),
- Rels B (22 August),
- Ana Mena (23 August),
- Hombres G (31 August).
What is worth knowing?
Tickets for Starlite 2024 are now on sale on the festival’s official website. The price range varies depending on the date you choose and the artist you intend to listen to. The price will range from €98 for the cheapest ticket to €314 for the most luxurious options.
The festival opens its doors every day from Monday to Saturday at 8 p.m. The food and restaurant area also opens from 8 p.m., and concerts begin at the same time. The event takes place in the Cantera de Nagüeles quarry in the open air, surrounded by nature.
For those travelling by car, the organisers recommend parking spaces:
- Parking Star: For just €30 you can book a parking space in advance and not worry about your car.
- General parking: free of charge for festival participants.
- VIP parking: for Gold and Silver Box tickets, with private driver for the red carpet.
- Platinum Parking: for Platinum Box tickets. Access with your vehicle to the red carpet where festival staff will park it.
The presence of minors is permitted on the premises (over 3 years of age, under 16 years of age when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian and minors aged 16 to 18 years authorised by a parent or legal guardian) and in all events taking place until 00:00, when they must leave the festival grounds.
