Revered as one of the most celebrated family friendly festival weekends in the UK, Standon Calling is once again serving up sensational music, captivating entertainment for all ages, mouth-watering food and drink and an unmatched atmosphere. The annual music, arts and comedy extravaganza will take place in the grounds of Standon Lordship from Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 July. Here's our guide to the top ten things to do at Standon Calling.
1) Head to the stages and get lost in the music
Bringing together world-renowned headliners and exciting new talent, Standon Calling boasts a diverse and thrilling line-up where you can sing-along to your favourite artists while discovering a whole range to run back home and shout about to all your mates. Heading up the bill in 2018 is pop titan Paloma Faith, Roxy Music icon Bryan Ferry and the most talked-about name in modern pop George Ezra, who is headlining just down the road from where he grew up! Speaking about his hotly anticipated Saturday night slot, George Ezra said: "This will be the closest to a homecoming gig that we have ever performed! I have family and friends that are at the festival every year and they absolutely love it, I hope me performing doesn’t change that for them… I was very flattered to be asked to play by the guys at the festival and can’t wait to get up on stage."
Not the only local musician on the line-up, George’s very own brother Ethan will be playing on the BBC Introducing stage with his band Ten Tonnes, and Baron Goodlove and the Dreadful Noise will be gracing the main stage with their grungy soul-influenced sounds. These will be great sets with a fantastic atmosphere so don’t miss them! Other great names performing are Goldfrapp, The Horrors, Django Django and Maribou State, Jarvis Cocker(DJ set) and The Cuban Brothers.
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2) Dress up
Each year Standon has a new ‘Story’ which provides a theme for set design and fancy dress. This summer, Standon Calling presents THE FUTURE, exploring four worlds: Utopia, Dystopia, Cosmos and Earth 2.0. Not only will this mean amazing pieces of design and immersive fun at the festival itself, Saturday sees the huge annual Costume Parade, a show-stopping spectacle you need to get involved with!
3) Visit the Lawn for Comedy
Playing host to some of the best in the game, Standon Calling’s Lawn is the ultimate destination for comedy fans to get their daytime fix of established stalwarts and sensational newcomers alike this summer. Leading the impressive comedy line up across the weekend is the indomitable presence of Seann Walsh. Since making his debut on shows like Mock The Week and 8 Out Of 10 Cats, he’s become a mainstay in British comedy - with his unique energy and razor-sharp punchlines taking him across the globe. Also announced as comedy headliners are renowned household name Lucy Porter and revered favourite Kerry Godliman. These stellar headliners are supported by a huge range of rising and acclaimed names, including Rhys James, Spencer Jones, Cally Beaton, Glenn Moore, Owen Roberts, Jake Lambert and Jack Barry, with further hilarious moments from Marcel Lucont’s Whine List and Timberlina Presents FFS!! to ensure Standon Calling is packed full of top-draw comedy from start to finish.
4) Food & Drink
Tickle your taste buds with a selection of the most appetising street food vendors from London and beyond. Offering a unique taste and sizzling flavour at every turn, with a range of Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free and other dietary options available. We’re eyeing up Patty & Bun’s ‘Patty Party’ who serve burgers and beats, Wingmans who offer a brand new chicken wing experience, and Happy Maki where you can enjoy freshly-rolled vegan sushi bursting with fusion fillings. For the sweet tooth there’s Bad Brownie, Kitty’s Cake Emporium, Waffle on and Jimmy’s ice cream. You won’t be left hungry!
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5) The new Standon Playing Fields
Standon Calling has always dreamed big, but at its heart kept the soul of having a good time with mates at a huge village fete - and this year they’re going one better with The Standon Calling Playing Fields. With games and activities at every turn, festival-goers can jump into the likes of Lord Trenchard’s Cricket Tournament, Binocular Football, Sock Wrestling and much more.
6) Enjoy the festival with your dog
Standon Calling is for everyone – and their gorgeous dogs. Since the festival began in 2005 they have welcomed thousands of dogs to enjoy a magical weekend with their owners and proudly claim to be the most dog-friendly festival in the UK. Simply register your dog’s details on arrival, provide your contact details and sign a short terms and conditions of entry slip.
Every dog is invited to take part in the fun, inclusive and beloved annual dog show. Perhaps you’ll even head home with a much-coveted rosette for categories including ‘Dog with the Waggiest Tail’, ‘Looks Most Like Owner’ and many other prizes celebrating dogs of all shapes, sizes and characters.
7) Relax at the Well Being Camp
Nestled near the banks of the River Rib to achieve that all-important sense of escape, soak away the stresses of everyday life in impressive wood-burning hot tubs, enjoy a revitalising sauna, take part in the well being classes and workshops, relax in the pamper zone and make use of the hot showers, changing rooms and premium toilets.
8) Spend time as a family
In the daytime, Standon Calling thrives with fun for all the family, led by the unmissable spectacle that is Horrible Histories Live giving their own unique re-telling of key moments in history. CBeebies favourite Andy Day brings his live band Andy and The Odd Socks for a Standon Calling debut sure to raise smiles and cheers from younger festival-goers - remember your odd socks for this performance! While Woodland Tribe encourages creativity, teamwork and fun as kids work together to build their own playground in the woods before playtime begins in earnest. The Indie Kids’ Kids Disco - from the guys behind Club De Fromage - are also on hand, soundtracking family fun. Plus, much more family programming to be announced shortly.
9) Have a swim!
If the weather now is anything to go by you’ll absolutely want to take advantage of the outdoor swimming pool! Situated next to the lawn of the 16th-Century manor house, the pool is open every day, 9am-6pm, and has qualified life guards on hand.
10) Party the night away
When Standon Calling heads into the night, the party is unrivalled - and it’s only going to get bigger this year as 2ManyDJs turn up with their full-throttle show. Renowned for their splicing sounds, amazing originality and unparalleled shows, 2ManyDJs are a phenomenon around the world, playing some of the biggest stages on the planet. The electronic royalty continues, with indie-tronic icons Hot Chip Megamix injecting a carnival atmosphere by fusing sounds from their wide range of influences for the ultimate party soundsystem moment. With long-awaited new album All That Must Be set for release on March 9th, electronic maestro George FitzGerald is set to captivate the Standon Calling audience this summer with his sensational live show a must-see for all electronic lovers, while Britain’s favourite UK Garage duo, DJ Luck & MC Neat, famed for chart-topping anthem ‘With a Little Bit of Luck’, will be echoing classics long into the night. If that wasn’t enough, the splicing disc-jockey charm of DJ Yoda will be bringing the big-leagues with a huge live set in the stunning Hertfordshire hills. With a special Hospitality two-night takeover from bass titans London Elektricity, Fred V & Grafix, Metrik, Etherwood, Danny Byrd, unbridled dancefloor spinners and forward-thinking grooves from Greg Wilson and Elderbrook and more - the party is unrivalled as Standon Calling offers celebration long into the night.
With tickets set to sell out soon, and thousands already booked in for their weekend, Standon Calling is a beacon for the definitive British festival experience, leading the way for a new generation of proper weekend festival-goers.
For more information or to buy your tickets, head to https://standon-calling.com/