Standon Calling festival review: Fun for the whole family

Grey clouds and wind did little to dampen the festival spirit

(Supplied)

Standon Calling might be a small festival but it certainly delivers in a big way.

From the headliners to the kids’ area, real ale bar to the swimming pool, there really is something for the whole family. And although this year more tickets were up for grabs, it’s testament to the team behind the festival that it still retains a down-to-earth, happy, friendly vibe despite the extra punters.

Grey clouds and wind did little to dampen the festival spirit on Friday, Lucy Spraggan bravely battled the elements with her acoustic folk pop in the afternoon. Later Steve Mason’s excellent set at the Laundry Meadows/Independent stage was one of the weekend standouts.

Orbital smashed the Friday headline slot, uniting aged ravers and glitter-coated twenty-somethings in front of the main the main stage. It really doesn’t get much better than hearing “Halcyon” and “Belfast” through a huge system. Epic stuff.

The smart crowd then made their way to Cinderella’s Motel where Idris Elba pulled in a great crowd. And yes, Stringer Bell really can mix.

While parents nursed their hangovers on Saturday morning, children were treated to a hilarious live version of Horrible Histories on the main stage. Later, hotly tipped four-piece Tangerines won over more fans with their melodic, blues-tinged rock (check out “Long Way Home”) in Laundry Meadows, while the Golden Goose hosted stand up Mark Steel, his acerbic wit bringing rich belly laughs from the adult crowd.

Clean Bandit’s perfect pop was an ideal way to wrap up Saturday night – even with an unscheduled break in the set when the electrics went down.


 Sink the Pink 
 (Gobinder Jhitta)

The best way to blow away the cobwebs on Sunday morning was to head down to the main stage where Mr Motivator – looking as though he’s hardly aged at all since the Nineties – got the crowd (neon Lycra optional) working out in his own inimitable style.

Doc Brown played a great set in Cinderella’s Motel - his new tracks are some of the freshest UK hip hop for years. Those in the know then made their way to the Standon dog show. Now you don’t get that at your average UK festival.


 A contestant at the dog show at Standon Calling 
 (Giles Smith)

Grace Jones was the ideal act to close the weekend. Crazy costume changes, mad masks, stalking the stage, she was as awesome as ever. A storming version of “Pull up to the Bumper” and an extended “Slave to the Rhythm” (while hula-hooping, of course) were stand out tracks.

The icing on the cake was catching former World Champion snooker player Steve Davis and Kavus Torabi’s mix of banging, twisted techno in the Cow Shed. A fitting end to the weekend. Roll on next year.