Review: Standon Calling Festival
What started as 25 friends, a swimming pool, a set of decks and a birthday BBQ has blossomed into something beautiful. Founder Alex wanted to share his amazing experiences with the world and Standon Calling, albeit still small in the grand scheme of things, is now growing year on year and has become one of the UK’s go to festivals. To be honest it’s this small ‘homely’ feel that makes Standon so desirable. Yet to be tainted by commercialism, the compact site provides enough to keep busy and explore for three days however you can become familiar and bump into the same awesome people you met earlier in your adventure.
The brilliant thing about Standon Calling is it caters for every taste and age. The days can be filled with activities such as poetry, yoga, swimming in the outdoor pool, craft making and some cracking music. Adults can indulge in a spot of day time drinking from the Saloon or pit their moves against each other at the Clocktower with ‘The Dance Off’ crew. Children can hang out in The Wagon Park with its melee of activities including panning for gold and headdress making. There is even a Secret a Settlement for older kids to have some beat boxing classes and graffiti workshops.
As the day turns to night it’s time for the big guns to hit the main stage. Friday night showcased Little Dragon and Ella Eyre. Ella got the crowd jumping with her pocket rocket booming voice and Little Dragon sent you into a cosmic trance. Plus there was a cheeky helping of the chillaxed Magic Numbers up in The Last Dance Saloon.
Saturday saw Roots Manuva warm up the crowd for a knockout performance from The Dandy Warhols. The Dandies had a chum Chris Constantantinou flutist from Adam and the ants join them for a smashing set. Sunday was stolen by a terrific performance from Basement Jaxx. Armed with their booming vocalists, a choir, geishas and their eclectic mix of tunes they attracted the largest crowd of the festival.
Aside from the main stage Standon showcased some upcoming and niche talent. Our highlights include Rag N’ Bones Man with his beautiful voice and The Hypnotic Brass Ensemble and their ability to turn the crowd wild!
Then post midnight partygoers would head to The Grove Garden by the pool or the infamous Cowshed for some DJ-ing that carried on well into the night. On the way home the tiny Topshed was our pick of the weekend with some old school remixes.
Standon got the music spot on, with groups to suit literally every taste and closing with Jaxx who are EVERYBODIES taste. Not only that, they have the whole eclectic festival for all ages down too. A cracking weekend, we at ONIN will totally be back!
Book now for discounted 2016 tickets!
Reporter: Aspen Glencross ¦ @Gollumcrackcorn ¦ #Caracastle
