Standon Lordship, 6-8 August 2010
Arriving at Hertfordshire’s Standon Calling festival after a stuffy six hours in traffic, the atmosphere was electric – even in the car park with sparkling lights around us and the hum of music not too far away, the journey dissipates and you are able to respond to the call of Standon’s magic.
An intimate 5,000 strong festival, staff are relaxed and efficient; making entry a breeze. Unlike at some of the bigger festivals it’s possible to have your cider in hand and get ready to party within minutes.
Music highlights?
Alice Russell on the main stage; the stunning soul singer blasted the audience with her impressive vocal range and sassy style, particularly rocking new single, “Let Us Be Loving” which had everyone dancing and hped up for a big Saturday night.
Lulu and the Lampshades performed on Sunday afternoon in the lovely Crooked House tent. Cute and quirky; they had some dancing, some chilling but all smiling, especially to final song “You’re Gonna Miss Me” in which they impressed the crowd by playing cups as percussion!
Efterklang shone on Sunday night. Playing tracks from latest album “Magic Chairs” – their music wraps you up in an ethereal daze – reassuring and uplifting; the band themselves humble and happy to chat with the crowd.
Headlining Standon were talented Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club with Omara Portuondo. All bright lights, colour and the spice of Cuban dance flavour. They picked up the audience mood with a twist of their hips, wowing a main stage area packed to the max with swaying, jumping, clapping, shaking bodies! Pure joy.
XYZ final thought: Get in there early for next years tickets: This little gem is only going to get more popular.
Words by Jessica Norgard
standon-calling.com
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