The much-loved Hertfordshire festival kicks off this weekend and we’ve got the lowdown
Festival season continues in full flow this weekend with Standon Calling: a colourful three-day extravaganza in the Hertfordshire countryside, which runs 29-31 July. Beginning life as a small garden party in the pretty grounds of Standon Lordship, this event has snowballed into one of the country’s top boutique music festivals, known for its friendly vibe and showcasing great up-and-coming acts.
Described as Time Out magazine as festival with “more charm than you can imagine”, the event combines a glorious rural setting (complete with open air swimming pool!), with top music, family activities, tasty food and lots of fancy dress and general silliness.
For 2016, they’re welcoming acts including Suede, Jess Glynne, Kelis, Swim Deep, Anna Calvi and Everything Everything. Away from the main stage, meanwhile, where the serious ravers go to party, there’s a stellar looking line up of electronic artists promising to keep you going until the early hours. The bill features heavyweights like like dnb god Goldie, DJ Format, Hacienda resident Greg Wilson and Crazy P Soundsystem.
On Friday night it’s all about Hospitality, who’ll be serving up a slice of top-grade drum and bass in the Cowshed. As ever, they’ve got some of the genre’s biggest names on the line-up, with a roster that includes S.P.Y, London Elektricity and Fred V & Grafix. Savage Disco will be taking over the Cowshed on the Saturday, bringing Artwork, Purple Disco Machine and Jonjo Jury amongst many others, promising an unmissable show until 5am.
Foodies will love the gourmet edibles on offer, which far exceed your usual festival fare. Choose between the delectable burgers from Le Bun, hearty Italian comfort food from Cheeky Italian, vibrant vegan goodies from Club Mexicana and posh chips from Hippy Chippy, along with loads more to tempt. If you’ve got little ones in tow, make sure you seek out activities like the costume parade, the nighttime campfire with marshmallow toasting, the baby and toddler yoga sessions and the kiddie arts and crafts classes.
Tickets to Standon Calling are available now from the website, with weekend camping tickets priced at £147. Day tickets are also available.
