As the clocks go forward, it seems the sun is making it’s great and sorely missed return. At this moment our minds jump forward to the Summer and festival planning becomes the first priority. Phase 1: make sure you’ve got your crew, time off work, and of course that all important ticket. On first reflection the big names come up. Those lucky enough going to Glastonbury, for example, already have their holiday highlight planned. However, for most of us who can’t fathom making next Summer plans before even Father Christmas arrives, we are left with an empty season which desperately needs to be filled with a few days of madness. Us party-goers live at a time where there are so many weekends full of top class line-ups to choose from, it can be hard to decide where and who to see. As it is such a hotly contested market, new and more unique events start to pop up; they hope to be noticed like your 6’ 5” mate who’s wearing an outrageous headdress among a festival crowd. Oh wait… think we’ve spotted him.
This year a new one has come to WWD’s attention, Houghton Festival. Situated in Norfolk, England, the event will be held in this county’s natural habitat; centered around a lake and surrounded by luscious woodland. A great contrast to your 2016 party by the beach, it seems this is an environment for a festival that is new and exciting. On top of this, man-made party locations have been inserted into the wilderness; this includes an abandoned warehouse, subterranean bowl and an art and sculpture park all under the eyes of the beautiful 18th century Houghton Hall. This combination seems like a recipe for a good time. And if that’s not enough, the location is right by Sandringham House, one of the residences owned by the Royal Family, so if you’re lucky, you may get to bop with the Queen herself. But that’s not all…
The festival is curated by Craig Richards, where he stresses that his role is “collector rather than curator” and that he is “more of an artist than an organiser.” With Gottwood in association to deal with production, Craig is left with the job of choosing great acts that he thinks are worthy for selection based on pure music artistry. And if his musical direction at Fabric has anything to go by, he must be the man for the job. If that still doesn’t convince you then look at the line-up; the likes of Ricardo Villalobos, Nicolas Jaar, Floating Points and Seth Troxler will be gracing the festival. Clearly the proof is in the pudding, and boy is this a tasty dessert.
This isn’t just a festival for music, however, it is also a celebration and showcase of art. James Turrell is among one of them and is best known for making a crater, yes you heard that right, a crater. Since 1979, this work in progress is so exclusive that only his friends and dedicated fans may experience the tunnels and observatory that’s inserted into this monumental site. Houghton Festival, however, will give us full access to a work of his and many others. Exciting times.
As this is its first year, there is a sense of mystery and intrigue. But we can safely assume that the music, art, and the environment it’s in will work harmoniously with each other. The uniqueness of these three aspects together will produce something that is so new, and all the more exciting. So when planning your Summer, if you are looking for your holiday highlight, then look no further, Houghton Festival has arrived.
Phase 1: Complete.
Facebook: Houghton Festival 2017
Tickets: Do Different Presents: Houghton