1. Amazing Artists
We are all about big headliners, the best in emerging music talent and showcasing an array of genres. Standon has a rich history of providing artists a platform at the very beginning of their careers, including Lewis Capaldi, Florence + The Machine, Mumfords & Sons, Sam Fender, London Grammar, Rag N’ Bone Man, Mahalia, IDLES and many more!
In 2022 we were proud to become the first major UK festival to achieve a gender balanced music line up, and we’re excited to welcome another diverse range of artists this summer including headliners Years & Years, Self Esteem, Bloc Party and The Human League. With loads more acts still to be announced, 2023 is not to be missed!
2. Dog Friendly
That’s right, we’re the only dog-friendly music festival in the UK! Since 2006 we’ve welcomed thousands of dogs to enjoy a magical weekend with their owners. Along with our dog-food partners Barking Heads, we know how to show pooches a good time.
One of our highlights of the festival is the infamous Standon Calling Dog Show! Your four-legged friends can enter to be in with a chance of winning one of our highly coveted rosettes across a range of categories including “Dog Which Looks Most Like Their Owner”, “Waggiest Tail” and “Best Junior Handler”.
3. Splashing about in the Pool?
How many UK festivals have a swimming pool to take a lovely dip in on a hot summer’s day?! We do!
From immense pool parties back in the day to a family-friendly, relaxing escape from the festival buzz, the pool is a must for any first-time Standoner – and everyone else too! Our handy online booking system (launching soon) allows you to pre-book your slot so you don’t to worry about queueing and missing your favourite act.
4. Tasty Food
Our street food market is the absolute crème de la crème of the UK street food scene and we’re always delighted to offer a tasty selection of food to fuel the dancing.
The variety of street food will keep all the family happy! Dine from the delicious smorgasbord of world cuisines. Take your taste buds on a journey and try new things every day…
5. Costume parade = fancy dress goals
Creativity, inclusivity and fun are woven into the tapestry of Standon and each year we embrace a new story. Examples of previous stories have been: Murder on the Standon Express, Running Away from the Circus, Tales of the Enchanted Valley, The Future and Twisted Creatures, to name a few.
Our annual Costume Parade is one of Saturday’s highlights. Each year, Standoners get incredibly crafty, creative and clever with costumes and follow the Pandemonium Drummers through the festival site to show off their story-themed costumes. It’s a lot of fun and there are some highly coveted prizes to be won.
The 2023 story is pending so keep your eyes peeled!
6. Family Friendly
Standon Calling is proud to be renowned for our family friendly vibe! We run lots of family activities that aren’t age exclusive so that everyone can get stuck in. From family yoga and craft workshops, to Woodland Tribe constructive play, the whole gang can have fun together.
We also have a jam-packed kids programme. You can let the little one’s imaginations run free as they get stuck into a full programme of weird and wonderful activities. Standon Calling is the interactive playground that they can only dream of.
Kids up to 3 years old come for a fiver, ages 4-12 cost £30. Tickets on sale now.
7. Wellness Area
All danced out? You can relax and unwind in our wellness area! With the very best aspects of festival wellbeing, all your worries will float away.
Our wild retreat features a Sauna, Hot Tubs, Premium Shower & Toilet facilities and a Changing & Pamper tent. If you are feeling energised, our Wild Studio has a programme of Yoga, Pilates, Dance, Stretch and Meditation Workshops. Not to mention, Wild Walks, Foraging, Cooking, Bushcraft Skills and Talks led by visiting experts…
8. Arts & Culture
Our non-music entertainment is thriving and If you are in need of a good laugh, we’ve got you covered!
Taking place on the lawn of the Standon Lordship our comedy programme is an ideal home for some of the best comedians in the UK! Over the past couple of years, we’ve welcomed Russell Kane, Lucy Porter, Zoe Lyons and Robin Ince to name a few.
We also have a wide array of talks and workshops. Some standouts from last year were ‘A History of Witches and Witchcraft’ and ‘The Future of Artificial Intelligence’.
