Standon Calling Festival Returns: Music, No Camping, No All-Night Raves!

Standon Calling Festival is set to return to Standon, Hertfordshire, but with some major changes to how it operates. Since 2006, the festival has been a popular event, drawing music fans from all over. However, starting with its next edition, the festival will no longer offer camping or late-night raves. Instead, most attendees will be required to leave the site by midnight, and only a select few will have access to a 'glamping' area, which is a more luxurious form of camping.

The festival will now be spread out over two weekends, making it an eight-day event within a 14-day window between May and September. The local council has approved the festival’s license, but with strict conditions. In 2026, the event cannot exceed 20,000 people, including staff and performers. The capacity will be allowed to grow to 25,000 in 2027 and 30,000 in 2028. Festival founder Alex Trenchard explained that rising costs made the previous business model unsustainable, and these changes are necessary to keep the festival alive.

For those who do stay overnight in the glamping area, there will be a bar with low-level music until 2 am. The festival will also provide large car parks and shuttle services to connect with the railway network, making it easier for people to travel to and from the event. In the past, Standon Calling was known for its late-night DJ sets, including performances by actor Idris Elba. However, concerns about noise, security, and event duration were raised by local police and residents. The festival organizers have worked with the authorities to address these issues, adding new conditions to the license. Despite some objections from locals about noise and refunds for cancelled events, the festival is moving forward with its new format, hoping to continue its tradition of bringing music and entertainment to the community.