CIRCUIT FESTIVAL BARCELONA

Expect thousands of buffed up muscle boys to descend on Barcelona for Matinee’s annual cashcow festival offering up eleven days of heavy partying.

The past editions have not been without their problems – poor organisation with overcrowded venues, overpriced drinks and lack of transport – but you’ll have to search high and low to find more up-for-it boys in one place than here. The highlight is surprisingly neither the opening or closing parties (usually tame, big arena events), but the all-gay, all-day water park party, and the La Leche party in Sitges on the last day.

Parties to note (TBC):

Saturday August 4
18-03: WE Party at Row 14
It's been throwing the hottest parties in Madrid and London this year and although it usually disappoints in Barcelona, this venue should do it good

Sunday August 5
06-afternoon: Souvenir
After session at Barcelona's favourite place to start the day for hardcore clubbers, reopened especially for the occasion

Tuesday August 7
10-22: Water park day party at Illa Fantasia
A fun day which is being milked for all it's worth with prices hiked every year. Hit the gym months in advance (competition is fierce), then catch an early bus from Plaça Catalunya to stand any chance of landing a coveted locker (gone by noon last year)

22-06: Water park night party at Illa Fantasia
The party moves indoors but continues in speedos

Friday August 10
23-06: The Week at Arteria Parallel
The Brazilian gay superclub makes its Spanish debut at this pretty converted theatre venue

Sunday August 12
16-late: La Leche party at L'Atlantida Sitges
It was the party the past two years, so expect it to be even more overcrowded and over-priced this year, Matinée-style.