Event: United States

Burning Man

When:	25 Aug - 1 Sep 2008 (annual)
Where:	Black Rock Desert
Costs:	US$295

Burning Man is an annual gathering of some 25,000 people in the Black Rock Desert. Named after the effigy burnt on the final night, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience for the brave, the avant-garde, the crazy and the curious.

A stark, arid, prehistoric lake-bed is the terrain for a city that is built in less than three weeks. The parched white earth contrasts with the looming, black mountains that surround it. People get creative, making their own themed camps, wacky vehicles and crazy outfits. The whole spectacle looks like a cross between a carnival and Mad Max.

Bring your own installation, be it an adorned bicycle, a costume, an artwork; wear your creativity on your sleeve and abandon yourself to the beauty and mystery of the desert and the friendship of your fellow human beings.

An average day consists of wandering around the streets, popping into the odd free bar, cinema or freak show. Every few minutes a bizarre vehicle will pass by - such as a Viking long boat on wheels, a flying carpet or a float with a jazz band on it. Few wear normal clothes and it is totally appropriate to put on your brightest party costume for breakfast. Music comes from everywhere, so you could well find yourself dancing down the street at 9am. If you fancy a little peace and quiet, relax in the shade or walk around the central plaza visiting huge, dramatic art installations.

By dark you can wander the streets pursuing ever-stranger phenomena. The general tenor of events rises during the week as thousands more partygoers arrive. On day one the camp houses 2000, by day seven there are 28,000. The final night sees the lighting of the Burning Man himself - along with much of the artwork.

Attending Burning Man is a unique experience. There is no commerce at the site. No one buys anything and no-one sells anything. You must bring camping supplies, your own food and water, but loos are provided. The temperature by day can soar to over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and it can drop to freezing at night, so sometimes surviving takes a real effort. If you can manage it, you're guaranteed the party of your life!

For top tips, information and more, please visit the festival website.