Small Is Beautiful: Standon Calling Festvial Is Back!

Standon Calling 2016

inSYNC’s favourite small festival is almost here again. Standon Calling has been set in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside since 2001. The Standon Lordship plays host to this ultimate annual overgrown birthday party offering a stellar lineup of renowned and upcoming acts. Standon Calling is an amazing event accessible to all not just involving music but also immersive theatre, workshops, a fantastic family programme, talks, the annual dog show, a fancy dress parade, and the infamous Standon outdoor swimming pool.

Standon Calling always has an annual theme; Legend of the Lost Seas is 2016’s story. The boutique festival will pull out all the stops to give festival goers the true immersive Standon experience that has helped make the festival what it is, and helped make it such a great success for so many years. 2016 so far seems to be shaping up to be another tiptop year.

Now, let’s talk about Standon Calling’s lineup. The festival, which will take place from July 29th to 31st will be graced by performances from Suede, Jess Glynne, Kelis, The Hives, Everything Everything, Swim Deep and more. Standon’s unique mix of music, street food, interactive workshops, different creative venues and added content all ensure a family-friendly vibe adding to an unforgettable weekend.

As well as a number of big names, Standon Calling also welcomes a barrage of upcoming talents. In 2016, heading to Standon and hailing from Brighton, are indie rock band Toy, as well as punk duo Blood Red Shoes. NZCA Lines brings a sci-fi-esque vibe to the festival with their unique use synths whilst The Duke Spirit lead this year’s group of new rock additions. NGOD, Yak, Hercules Morse, Fronteers, Animal Noise and Over The Edge will all make appearances at the festival.

Joining Standon’s impressive electronic lineup this year is former Portishead DJ/producer Andy Smith and Dub Pistol’s founder Barry Ashworth. Strokes frontman Julian Casablanca’s favourite band, Inheaven, are onboard HMS Standon, along with the darker electronic sounds Lea Lea. Not to mention folk artist Kelly Oliver and big brass Hackney Colliery Band.

Standon Calling is also a festival that embraces local talents. The Hunna and Waste, both Hertfordshire born & bred, are playing this year, as well as Louis Barabbas & the Bedlam Six’s mix of theatrical poetry and swing. City Shanty Band appropriately kick off Standon Calling’s Legend of the Lost Seas story on the Friday, that will see the festival transformed into a post-apocalyptic nautical adventure.

Standon’s infamous Cowshed venue, that hosts the festival’s nighttime entertainment, is always known for its excellent array of dance acts. Savage Disco will host one of this year’s Cowshed antics pulling in tech/house heavyweight Artwork to headline. He will be joined by Purple Disco Machine, Jonjo Jury, Jonathan Bestley and Guy Williams. 2016 will see Standon introduce drum & bass for the very first time. Well known dnb outfit Hospitality will takeover the Cowshed seeing a number a mega acts jump behind the decks. DnB hitter London Elektricity will headline supported by Fred V & Grafix, S.P.Y, Krakota, Hugh Hardie, Ownglow Wrec, Inja and Carasel. This should all make for one of the most exciting Standon nighttime lineups to date.

For the first time ever Standon Calling will open its doors early on Thursday afternoon and evening. As well as boasting an impressive musical lineup, the festival will also have a number of mouth watering food and drink options on site. These are set to include Le Bun, Club Mexicana, Maltby Market legends Waffle On, Made Of Dough, Cheeky Italian, Mac Factory as well as Standon Calling’s own pop restaurant by Ceru. The festival will bring all of these food offerings together for a Thursday night feast, with some signature dishes costing just £5. There will also be a delightful Real Ale Bar co-curated by Hertfordshire brewery Red Squirrel and London’s Hackney Brewery. They will be on site to provide quality ales and beers, while Beefy Melons serve up refreshing Cocktails. There will also be the best Vintage clothing on sale to make sure all early-comers are well dressed for the occasion.

As well as offering delectable food and drink, Standon’s ‘The Welcome Feast’ will include Wandering Musicians playing acoustic folk and sea shanties along with songs around the Campfire to bring this year’s Standon Calling community together. Family activities and games are also on offer as well as Hot Tubs and Piano Bar provide respite from the action for those that like to relax before the full festival begins. An amazing offer for just £20 per person with under 12s going for free.

Day tickets for Standon Calling 2016 are now on sale for £57 and final tier adult weekend tickets are on sale for £147 + booking fees. All tickets with more information can be found at www.standon-calling.com. Discounts available for group bookings, contact info@standon-calling.com. Get excited…Standon is almost here again!