They do things differently in Spain. Well, they probably do lots of things differently, but one thing they do better is run festivals. Sonar is Barcelona’s answer to, well, nothing really. It bills itself as a ‘festival of advanced music’ – but is really a festival in advanced everything. All with added sunshine and glorious efficiency.

The three day festival is split between two venues; the day – which takes over a variety of beautiful buildings off Las Ramblas – and the night – which is situated in a Point Depot-multiplied-by-five on the city’s outskirts. The principal day venue is set in a delightful courtyard behind three delightful modernist buildings and features performances and showcases from the likes of Ninja Tunes, Fat Cat, Plug Research and Twisted Nerve. As with all the best festivals, it’s hard to catch specifics, but floating hotpress’ boat were DNTEL, the Cinematic Orchestra, DK, François K and a stunning DJ set from the Mr Bongo gents rounding off the Sunday evening.

Apart from the music, Sonar day is amazing – there’s a wealth of workshops, art installations and other interesting bits and bobs to get completely lost in. Sonar night might be slightly more impersonal, but with the Pet Shop Boys headlining the first night, how could you complain? And they were perfect – their immaculate, polished pop seemed perfectly suited to the sparse, industrial space. With a greatest hits set, it’s difficult to go wrong, but Neil Tennant was simply imperious. And Chris Lowe smiled liberally throughout the whole thing. Bonus.

Also making us smile: Jeff Mills, Sideral, a mind-blowing two-hour performance from Yo La Tengo, Anti-Pop Consortium and our tip for the top this year, Vitalic. And when it all grinds to a halt at 7am, there’s buses back to the city centre. Which leads us nicely onto our next point. Sonar costs E93 for the three days. For this you get efficient service, polite (and suitably lax) security, amazing venues, a bewilderingly brilliant line-up and sunshine. What do we have to compare? Book your flights now.