You know, it’s not until summer melts the snow and cold away that some of Europe’s cheeriest festivals can take centre stage. From flamenco to Pinocchio, Holland to the Highlands here are four European holidays you never could have imagined as you were scrapping frost off your windscreen…

21st century thespians get their big break at the ITs Festival Amsterdam 2011 running from 23 June to 1 July. You can play the role of audience ingénue at theatres across town watching the latest Dutch acting graduates perform in over 70 unique productions – then join inspiring debates, workshops and serious after party fun.

Enjoy the artistic design, free WiFi and flatscreen TVs at the luxurious Artemis Hotel Amsterdam.

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Unleash your inner gypsy at the Suma Flamenca in Madrid from June 9 to July 2. You’ll be whirled into an exotic world of music, passionate flamenco dance, cinema and poetry, intimate stage shows by candlelight and delicious Spanish food, wandering “Is it getting really hot in here, or is it me?”

Live the life of a cultural afficianado at the Emperador Hotel Madrid, with its sumptuosly decorated rooms and exclusive bar.

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Most of us can lie about our age and keep a straight face – but not Pinocchio, who celebrates his birthday on 28 May in the Italian town of Collodi. The night starts out with a grand party, before live music, a puppet show and massive birthday cake.

Go medieval at the Corte Dei Folletti Bed Breakfast Lucca, with its stone walls, beam ceilings and those plundering Norman favourites, air-con and big TVs.

See more great Lucca hotel deals for 28 May.

You be a jammy wee git (that’s a lucky person in Scoo-ish talk) to find yourself in Perthshire between 1 -3 July when the Scottish Game Fair is set up in the grounds of Scone Palace. Watch falconry masters, cheer on the sheepdogs, learn about fly-fishing, try some bag piping and discover many other brave hearted idiosyncrasies at more than 300 stands.

Play Scottish laird at the elegant Loch Rannoch Hotel Perthshire in the heart of the highlands on the banks of the loch.

See more great Perthshire hotel deals for 1-3 July.