Standon Calling, the ultimate exploration of music and arts for all ages, returns for the 17th year this July with a diverse and star studded line up. Whilst the main stage is headlined by Years & Years, Self Esteem, Bloc Party and The Human League, the Comedy programme at London’s closest camping festival is always equally strong, evidenced by today’s line up announcement boasting the likes of Mark Watson, Rhys James, Reginald D. Hunter and more.
The fabulous four-day weekender rolls out a Stand-Up Calling bill bursting with entertaining acts over at The Lawn stage, for a Live At The Lordship special – guaranteed to have the crowd in raucous fits of laughter from start to finish.
Headlining 2023 is multi-award winning Mark Watson, one of most successful observational comedians of the past two decades. The Welsh-born comedian, considered a favourite at the Edinburgh Film Festival, has graced the very best of the comedy stages in the world including Live at the Apollo as well as the author of several novels. Mark will be joined by one of Britain’s most original comedians Rhys James, who’s been clowning many-a-crowd since he was named Comedy Central’s Funniest Student of the Year, as well as the hilariously honest and meticulously measured Reginald D. Hunter. The Georgia-born comedian, who has been seen by audiences around the world from America to Australia, is considered to be one of the best performers in the industry. Showing mutual respect for Standon’s musical calibre, Reginald remarked that he’s, “proud to be associated with a festival that has Rick Astley on the bill”!
Elsewhere on The Lawn, expect rib-tickling moments from Kiri Pritchard-Mclean, coined as a “cultural highlight of 2020” by The Telegraph, Lou Sanders, Spring Day, Tom Ward, Thanyia Moore, Andrew White, Amy Webber, Tadiwa Mahlunge and this year’s capable compare Josh Howie. In recent years, Standon Calling has delivered some of the best comedy acts in the game, with the likes of Russell Kane, Amy Matthews and Ed Gamble and more taking their turn on The Lawn, and now 2023 is set to be another riotous affair.
Throughout the four-day weekend, Standon Calling has plenty on the agenda fit for the entire family to revel in. On top of the previously announced Dick & Dom DJ Battle and Fromage Juniors, multiple activities such as face painting and body art, as well as the Playzone, the multi-sensory play area for under 5s, Standon has countless experiences in store for all children to enjoy, from toddlers to teens, and the tweens in between.
Festival veterans, The Flying Seagull Project, a joyous troupe of circus performers are set to to spread love, light and laughter to the animated crowd, as they deliver a programme jam-packed with exciting theatre productions, circus skills workshops, comedy shows and much more. Kids Rave On will also be bringing a family-friendly rave experience and creative space for ravers of all ages and The Hip-Hop Academy will be on the scene for tweens and teens, offering workshops in street dance, graffiti, beat box, live beat production, lyric writing, DJ Skills and junk bling. And if that weren’t enough, guest talks and workshops on body positivity, singing and poetry can also be expected.
Britain’s Got Talent star Alfie will also be bringing his workshop Uke Can Do It, a fun, accessible and easy way for children of all ages to explore music, whilst The Magic Lantern will be offering bespoke shadow, story and song making workshops, where the children can saunter throughout the festival and create their very own performances. For a little bit of a wind-down, the children can immerse themselves in Tongue and Cheek poetry workshops from local poet Daren Peary, as well as story-telling experiences provided by Alice Hemming, Ian Douglas, Tamsyn Murray, Gift of the Gab and Gary “Gacko” Bridgens.
Speaking of winding down, parents, Standon’s got you covered! Keepers of calm, Mortimer Nannies, are thrilled to be returning to Standon Calling in 2023. Their experienced festival team of fun, creative Nannies and Assistants are hosting ‘stay up late’ sessions each evening in their cosy HQ. The Mortimer Tent will be cosily decked out with fairy lights, comfy snugglepods and cushions so the children can get settled, listen to a story, play a board game by torchlight or watch a movie. The Mortimer Team is comprised of fully qualified Nannies and DBS checked assistants. With generous adult:child ratios and decades of experience between them, Standoners can feast, relax, pamper or party the night away, safe in the knowledge that the little ones are having an equally wonderful time.
There’s no shortage of entertainment for the grown ups at Standon Calling too. The music line up independently booked across 5 incredible stages stands as one of the most diverse and eclectic festival programmes in the UK, and stays committed to showing equal gender representation for its family audience. In addition to the main stage headliners, fans will discover an even split of female and non-binary artists, as this year’s line up includes Anastacia, Katy B, Dylan, KT Tunstall, Melanie C, Shygirl, Faithless DJ, The Big Moon, Rick Astley, Squid, Confidence Man, We Are Scientists, Bob Vylan, Warmduscher, Scouting For Girls, Bear’s Den, LF System, Groove Armada DJ, High Contrast, D Double E, The Cuban Brothers, Queer House Party and many more.
With its world of immersive and magical moments popping up all over the weekend, it’s no wonder Standon fans keep coming back in growing numbers, with new generations welcomed into the festival family each year. From Sunday’s famous Dog Show to Saturday’s themed Costume Parade, everyone has their own favourites. Whether it’s starting the day with some wild well-being, for those looking to limber up for the dance with a yoga class, and submerge in the swimming pool and riverside hot tubs, or taking in some stimulating Talks over on The Lawn, or just diving into some games, crafts and creative workshops fit for all ages, you can always rely on an impressive array of mouth watering street food and drinks to keep everyone going. Found less than an hour away from London, Standon Calling offers the ultimate exploration of music and arts for all ages, hidden in the heart of the English countryside.
Tickets, family bundles, camping upgrades, hot tubs and payment plans for Standon Calling 2023 are available now via the website: http://www.standon-calling.com/tickets
Announced today:
Comedy
Compere: Josh Howie
- Mark Watson
- Rhys James
- Reginald D. Hunter
- Kiri Pritchard-Mclean
- Lou Sanders
- Spring Day
- Tom Ward
- Thanyia Moore
- Andrew White
- Amy Webber
- Tadiwa Mahlunge
Family
- The Flying Seagull Project
- Kids Rave On
- The Hip-Hop Academy
- Uke Can Do It
- The Magic Lantern
- Daren Peary
- Alice Hemming
- Ian Douglas
- Tamsyn Murray
- Gift of the Gab
- Gary “Gacko” Bridgens
- Mortimer Nannies
Image credits:
Fernando Bonenfant / Here & Now
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