Originating as a weekend of ultimate fun and a poolside BBQ for the founder’s – Alex Trenchard – birthday, Standon Calling has grown into what might be the most unique festival experience in the UK. With NO sponsors – so no ugly advertising – the festival grew solely by word of mouth and is renowned for its friendly atmosphere and fantastic setting: it’s set in the grounds of a 16th century manor house in Hertfordshire.
This festival is also a not-for-profit event that raises money for Phoenix Futures who support victims of drug and alcohol abuse. There is a kid’s area designed for fun based on education and discovery and the whole event is both family-friendly and a late night reveller’s dream. With the theme this year being Murder on the Standon Express, expect mystery, murder and mayhem.
Standon Calling features an on-site nightclub, a swimming pool with an UNDERWATER disco, all-night bars, secret stages where you are led to them when least expecting it, highly acclaimed market-style food outlets and themed fancy dress.
As for the line-up, Standon seems to have the mix just right with performances from The Magic Numbers; French DJ Etienne de Crecy with his stunning audiovisual show; one of the delights of last year’s Kendal Calling – A Hawk and a Hacksaw; ; Norwegian electro-popsters Casiokids; Fool’s Gold; Wild Palms; Dry the River; Grammy-winning Cuban ensemble Buena Vista Social Club; art-rockers These New Puritans from Southend; the Danish collective Efterklang and running the nightclub side of things are two of London’s finest and legendary party-starters – Greco-Roman Soundsystem and Fabric residents Filthy Dukes.
With the rest of the line-up available at standon-calling.com, the prospect of going to this festival has really whetted my appetite for a glorious summer of festivaling over foreign holidaying.
