Standon Calling is back for some more glittery goodness, great live music and family fun
A boutique festival taking place near the village of Standon in Hertfordshire, Standon Calling returns for its annual shindig, 27 to 30 July. Offering a gorgeous countryside location (less than an hour away from central Cambridge), great headliners, a delicious food line-up and even an open air swimming pool, this eccentric garden party serves up an irresistibly feel-good weekend of fun for the whole family.
Marking 40 years of recording and releasing music, disco icon Grace Jones is topping the music bill this year, joined by fellow headliners Orbital and Clean Bandit. Also performing over the course of the weekend are big hitters including Gary Numan, KT Tunstall, Kate Tempest, British Sea Power and Laura Mvula. Away from the main stage, the Cowshed is laying on a line-up of top electronic music with DJ sets from Joe Goddard (Hot Chip), Faithless and DJ Yoda, plus a takeover from drum and bass heavyweights Hospital Records.
The music is only a small part of the fun, however, and there’s plenty more to explore around the site including top comedy, pub quizzes and cocktail masterclasses on The Lawn, Rockaoke, a Groove Garden and the annual Standon Calling Dog Show. There’s also a lengthy list of family fun, including a romp through history’s most grisly bits with Horrible Histories: The Best Of Barmy Britain.
Food-wise, Standon Calling really levels up your usual festival fare, offering gourmet burgers from Patty & Bun, vibrant vegan treats from Club Mexicana, brilliant brekkies from London’s legendary The Breakfast Club, cheesy goodness from The Mac Factory and wood-fired artisan pizzas from Born & Raised, to name but a few.
Need a little R&R? Pay a visit to the wellness area, which boasts hot tubs, yoga and meditation to rejuvenate you and get you ready for more partying.
This year’s theme is Tales of the Enchanted Valley, so expect myriad mythical creatures, flamboyant fairies and beastly foes. Fancy dress is practically obligatory and the crowd always make a huge effort.
Festival tickets are available at £147 for an adult, £117 for teens, £35 for kids and £5 for infants.
