Músiques i Art al Botànic

Forget sweaty clubs, sticky floors and waiting until midnight for the good stuff. On Sunday 25 October, Los Radiadores are taking their guitar-driven rock ’n’ roll to one of the most beautiful settings on the local music calendar, the Jardín Botánico de Cullera, for another instalment of Músiques i Art al Botànic. And if you think rock ’n’ roll and botanical gardens sound like unlikely bedfellows, think again.

There’s something gloriously appealing about the idea of a live rock show surrounded by greenery, fresh air and the natural beauty of Cullera. The botanical garden provides a stunning backdrop for a morning that combines music, art and the kind of leisurely socialising that makes life around Valencia so special. It’s a chance to escape the usual four-walls-and-a-stage routine, soak up the surroundings and enjoy a proper live band without sacrificing the daylight hours.

Taking centre stage are Los Radiadores, the Valencia rock veterans who have spent years sharpening their sound and building a loyal following on the strength of their guitar-led Spanish-language rock. With Raúl Tamarit on guitar and vocals, Sergio Domingo on bass and backing vocals, José Antonio Nova on guitar and backing vocals, and Vicente Vila “Metralla” behind the drums, this is a band with plenty of experience and no need to dress rock ’n’ roll up in unnecessary frills. Their music draws on classic rock roots while keeping its own identity, delivering the sort of direct, no-nonsense energy that has earned them a dedicated crowd.

And make no mistake, the diehard fans are part of the attraction. These are the people who know the songs, follow the band from gig to gig and understand that the best live music experiences aren't always found beneath enormous festival stages. Sometimes they're found a few feet from the musicians, sharing the moment with fellow devotees who appreciate every riff, chorus and perfectly timed drum fill. Put a band like Los Radiadores in an intimate outdoor setting and you have all the ingredients for a wonderfully spirited Sunday session.

The schedule gives the day plenty of room to breathe, with doors opening at 10am, a visit to the Connectant Art i Naturaexhibition by the Llaurart collective at 11:30am, and Los Radiadores taking the stage at noon. Afterwards, anyone who fancies extending the good times can settle in for an optional paella at 2pm.

That lunchtime timing is part of the magic. There's no late-night scramble for taxis, no desperate glance at the clock and no need to choose between a gig and Sunday lunch. Instead, you get guitars ringing through the garden, cold drinks, familiar faces and an easy-going atmosphere that encourages everyone to slow down and enjoy themselves. Then, when the final chord has faded, there's paella to look forward to. Rock first, rice afterwards: frankly, that's a pretty solid life philosophy.

The Músiques i Art al Botànic series is all about bringing different creative worlds together, and this date has the makings of a particularly satisfying combination. Los Radiadores supply the volume and attitude, the botanical gardens provide the scenery, the art adds another layer to the experience, and the lunchtime gathering brings the community spirit that makes these events so appealing.

Sunday 25 October, noon: Los Radiadores, a beautiful garden, a crowd of devoted rock fans and the promise of a long, lazy lunch in Cullera. Bring your appetite for live music, stay for the atmosphere and make a day of it. The plants can keep growing, the paella can keep simmering, but the best tickets won't necessarily wait for you.

For tickets and more information: Moving Tickets