Houghton Returns

The odds have been stacked against Houghton since Craig Richard’s independent festival debuted back in 2017. A storm in 2019 meant it had to be called off, and then Covid restrictions led to two further cancellations. Despite these setbacks, Houghton has not only maintained the loyal following from their early days, but also managed to expand and develop year on year. In a relatively short time, it’s earnt a reputation few festivals can match, with Resident Advisor dubbing it “one of the UK‘s best dance music festivals”.

This is some compliment, considering the abundance of options the UK has when it comes to dance events. Houghton has managed to forge its own distinct identity alongside itsmany contemporaries. Being the only UK festival with a 24-hour music license immediately gives the festival a unique flavour. On top of that, you have carefully-designed stages; an eclectic lineup of both seasoned veterans and exciting up-and-comers; bespoke, state-of-the-art d&b sound systems. Away from the music, there are multimedia art installations, well-being exercises, talks and Q&As with artists. And all of this takes place within a labyrinthine forest setting in the Norfolk countryside.

“I love the idea of the underdog,” Craig Richards said in his RA interview. “It’s exciting to celebrate the under-celebrated, and put that next to the already-celebrated.” 2025 looks to continue this approach, with the largest number of debutants in the festivals history: Moin, Prince Fatty, Channel One, British Murder Boys and Richie Hawtin to name just a few. Houghton staples include the likes of Sherelle, Luke Una, Calibre, Nik Bärtsch, Palms Trax, Shackleton, Midland. Visual art exhibits will be provided by Chris Levin and EBBA, and The Armadillo with play host to discussions with Friendly Pressure, Grace Sands, Peach, Jane Fitz.

With such an array across the weekend, it’s hard not to find yourself studying the timetable, weighing up who to pick when there are clashes. Ben UFO or Konduku on the Friday? Red Axes or Craig Richards on the Saturday? Palms Trax, Ricardo Villalobos or Batu on the Sunday?

It’s a great problem to have – but this mentality also somewhat goes against the ethos of Houghton. Richards wants to create a festival where “the best experience you have is an artist or band or DJ you’ve never heard of.” Rather than planning the weekend out hour-by-hour, it’s seems like it’s better to go into Houghton with an open mind, have an explore, and just enjoy the plethora of stuff on offer. 

See you on the other side for a full review.