The peaceful Costa Azahar is entering its season of autumnal calm as sizzling Spanish temperatures finally subside, but the region’s current tranquillity tells nothing of the summer festival frenzy which set it alight.

Dubbed “the Costa Azahar’s answer to Glastonbury” by ThinkSpain.com, the Festival Internacional de Benicassim brought a touch of UK rock to its peaceful Spanish setting for the 13th annual mud and music-fest this July.

Running from the 19th to the 22nd of July, this year’s show brought in both local Spaniards and British ex-pats and tourists, with Iggy Pop, The B52s, the Arctic Monkeys and Armand Van Helden leading the host of high profile acts gracing the Costa.

Even popular but controversial UK singer Amy Winehouse was at the Benicassim event, helping attract the 100,000 fans that make the festival one of Spain’s most renowned.

Changing the complexion of Castellon for its three days of musical mayhem, the rock acts grab the spotlight, but the festival is also popular for offering an array of dance, art, theatre, fashion and short films that are not out of place with the region’s rich cultural heritage.

With Valencia in easy travelling distance from the Costa Azahar, the festival is set to light up the region’s summers and bring in British and Spanish music-lovers for years to come.