| Continuing Standon Calling’s reputation for bringing through the most hotly-tipped names in new music, 2018 is again primed with off-the-chart potential – offering a chance to be among the first to witness the sounds that’ll be soundtracking the globe in the very near future. Bursting with indie-hooks galore The Amazons have had a meteoric rise over the past 12 months, going from pubs and club in their hometown of Reading to huge festival stages around the glove. Their self-titled debut is a shimmering celebration of guitar music, and you can guarantee that Standon Calling will be bouncing and bowing to their every word come July. Pale Waves are undeniably the most talked-about new band on the planet, with a string of spellbinding singles leading to magazine front-covers, shortlisted nods with the BBC Sound Of…, MTV and many more, and a growing legion of devoted fans hungry for what comes next. The sound of The Cure meeting The 1975, their wide-eyed neon pop is set to make them superstars – and their set at Standon Calling will be rammed to the rafters for pop’s next big force. After releasing one of the best debut albums of recent times in ‘Songs Of Praise’, Shame will bring their unrivalled post-punk presence to Standon Calling this summer, with a live show that combines emotion, intensity and visceral reality into one unmissable moment. BBC Sound Of… nominees Tom Walker and Sam Fender are also set for Standon Calling this summer, bringing with them the fresh sounds that’ll no doubt send them stratospheric. From Tom Walker’s deeply impassioned tales and gritty charm, to Sam Fender’s electric kicks, they’re both on course for the big leagues and Standon Calling will offer that first glimpse in style.
The Amazons’ frontman Matt Thomson said:
“We’re excited to return to Standon Calling, having first played the festival in 2016. We have fond memories from the show, and are looking forward to joining an awesome lineup this year!”
With soaring punk-trio Dream Wife sure to shake up the fields with their fiery brand of visceral hooks, the synchronised overload of fizzy-pop duo Confidence Man, Dutch favourite Pip Blom, the Tim Burgess-approved cuts of Average Sex, the shaken worldwide cocktail that is Flamingods and local risers The Saboteurs – those at the forefront of thrilling new music are making their presence known at Standon Calling this summer.
Throughout the weekend, stunning live performances can be found across the festival – bringing together the most exciting live shows on the planet, perfect for that ultimate festival weekend. Fusing African beats and electronic flourishes Ibibio Sound Machine have had a blossoming rise, with a live show full of vibrant energy and infectious celebration – bound to leave its mark when they roll through to Standon Calling. Longtime favourites of the festival The Cuban Brothers will bring their hit-packed jamboree to the main stage for a special La Familia Live Show with special guests to celebrate their 20th anniversary. Known around the world, The Bootleg Beatles will be celebrating the Fab Four’s legacy with the ultimate tribute show that’ll infect festival-goers with a joyous case of Beatlemania and the London Astrobeat Orchestra performs: Talking Heads is sure to be an eclectic thrillride through one of the most creative bands ever to exist.
Speaking about Standon Calling 2018, Ibibio Sound Machine said:
“We’re really excited to be returning to Standon Calling – it’s a great festival and we had a blast playing there last time. You can expect a high energy dance set from us so hope you have your dancing shoes on!”
In the daytime, Standon Calling thrives with fun for all the family, lead by the unmissable spectacle that is Horrible Histories Live giving their own unique re-telling of key moments in history. CBeebies favourite Andy Day brings his live band Andy and The Odd Socks for a Standon Calling debut sure to raise smiles and cheers from younger festival-goers – remember your odd socks for this performance! While Woodland Tribe encourages creativity, teamwork and fun as kids work together to build their own playground in the woods before playtime begins in earnest. The Indie Kids’ Kids Disco – from the guys behind Club De Fromage – are also on hand, soundtracking family fun. Plus, much more family programming to be announced shortly.
By night, the sizzling sounds of electronic glory ring out across the festival – with atmospheric morpher and Grammy-nominee Elderbrook, the genre-twisting sounds of Fleetmac Wood bringing Fleetwood Mac’s catalogue to the dancefloor, Mancunion-legend Greg Wilson and many more including Defect, Kid Fiesta, and the live eruption that is Uncle Funk And The Boogie Wonderland lighting up late-night entertainment at Standon Calling. Bringing some of the best club nights the UK has to offer to the fields for special festival takeovers, the likes of Ultimate Power, The Sounds Familiar Music Quiz, Great Brain Robbery, Age Against The Machine, Bowie Disco, Club De Fromage, Rockaoke and revered drum and bass heavyweights Hospitality (who curate two nights of four-to-the-floor action in The Cowshed) are all set to make Standon Calling 2018 one packed with incredible sights no matter what the time.
Whether it’s spending time in The Village Green and The People’s Front Room enjoying the hilarious comedy programme, talks, debates or cabaret on the Standon Lordship Lawn, kicking back at Beefy Melons Temple of Love and Gratitude and The Flying Machine Cafe or getting right into the ‘swing’ of things with the Swing Patrol dance workshops – Standon Calling offers surprises, unbelievable sights and pure festival joy at every turn.
Creativity is key to the ethos of the festival and each year a new Story provides a theme for set design and costumes! This summer, Standon Calling presents THE FUTURE, exploring four worlds: Utopia, Dystopia, Cosmos and Earth 2.0. Not only will this mean amazing pieces of design and immersive fun at the festival itself, Saturday sees the huge annual Costume Parade, a show-stopping spectacle you need to get involved with!
Standon Calling is the full 360-degree festival experience. It is the biggest dog-friendly festival in the UK with an unrivalled Dog Show, you can enjoy a mouth-watering array of stellar Food & Drink from London’s very best street food favourites, take a dip in the heated Swimming Pool, relax in the Hot Tubs or take part in a whole range of Wellbeing Classes and Workshops. Standon Calling is a trip into something more, and an invitation for everyone to escape the world around them.
Now in its thirteenth year, Standon Calling offers a welcoming embrace to a weekend of music, arts, fun and pure festival joy. With an ever-growing and loyal audience from around the country, it’s a calling to an unparalleled and down-to-earth celebration that once a year pulls a community together. Nestled in the stunning Hertfordshire countryside, it’s an easy-to-reach voyage into something truly special. At Standon Calling they dare to be different, with a purposefully eclectic, inclusive and creative programme, carefully curated to reflect the diverse interests of the crowds that gather year after year in its fields.
The perfect home for summer memories, Standon Calling is a defining beacon of the British festival experience. |
