Standon Calling
Standon Calling to the faraway towns…
The Lowdown-
Located in the idyllic grounds of a 16th century manor house (how regal?) in Hertfordshire and just 40 minutes way from London, Standon Calling has slowly built a name for itself by getting a little bigger every year, but still maintaining the ‘small festival spirit’ that makes you feel like you’re attending something quite unique. Over the past few years this independent festival has also become known for championing the best in new music including Florence and the Machine, Mumford and Sons, The Maccabees and Paloma Faith. Impressive eh?
Anyway, back to the ‘small festival spirit’ notion. We like a festival that makes an effort with its theme and Standon Calling has a charming way of implementing their themes to an absorbing effect. Last years “Latin America” motif saw people dressed as tacos, masked Mexican wrestlers body slamming each other, the ‘cowshed’ tent turned into a giant fiesta and a shit load of tequila. Obviously. This years theme is the Western inspired “A Town of Two Faces”, so get your leather chaps on, stick on a Sherriff star (because you’re important you know?) and giddy up!
Standon Calling has a tiered ticket system that means the earlier you buy, the cheaper the tickets are. Unfortunately the cheapest tier 1 tickets are sold out now, but the tier 2 weekend ticket that includes camping are still available for a pretty reasonable £127 here: http://www.standon-calling.com /information/tickets. Glamping is also available if you’re a big fan of personal hygiene and you can choose from various lodgings that range from a luxury hotel tent, to a 20 person Tipi! Info and bookings can be found by following this link: http://www.standon-calling.com /information/camping.
Who’s On-
Friday night sees a headline slot from the inimitable Swedish electro-pop outfit Little Dragon who have worked in the past with Gorillaz, Big Boi and SBTRKT, and will be sure to give an energetic performance. ‘Ritual Union’ is a massive track to keep an ear out for on Friday night.
On Saturday night, The Dandy Warhols will be appearing as a UK festival exclusive with their effortlessly cool brand of psychedelic rock and proving that they are so much more than that song off the Vodafone advert.
Instantly recognisable and incessantly catchy tunes are on the agenda for Sunday as EDM twosome Basement Jaxx will be turning the main stage into a massive party. Recent live performances from the legendary duo have seen trumpet players dressed as crows, glow in the dark drumsticks and 10ft giant robots so expect to be caught up in a wave of intoxicating and visually erratic dance euphoria.
There is a host of established and emerging talent on the lineup to keep all manner of music fans placated. The Horrors are making an appearance on the Sunday and will be showcasing a refined catalogue of work that spans genres from dreamy pop to gothic rock. Other well-known acts appearing are Roots Manuva, Ella Eyre and Lucy Spraggan. Also appearing across the weekend are Slaves, 2 Bears, Bondax, DJ Yoda, The Antlers, Ezra Furman and many more.
Why Should I Go?
Two words… SWIMMING. POOL. Standon Calling is the only UK festival to have a fully heated, outdoor swimming pool. How spring break-esque is that? We think a swim in the morning is the perfect way to shake off that hangover and a great addition to a festival that strives to give a unique and welcoming experience to its patrons. Top music, top themes, top location, a bloody swimming pool and an onsite nightclub open till 5am? Sold.
WHEN: 31st July- 2nd August
TRAVEL: The festival grounds are near the village of Standon and just off the A10 so if you’re in London it’s a doddle to get there. The Post Code is SG11 1EE. Details on travel including a car-share scheme can be found here: http://www.standon-calling.com /information/getting-there
FULL LINEUP: http://www.standon-calling.com /line
MORE INFO: https://licklist.co.uk/standon -calling-festival
By Ford Maddox Brown