Standon Calling 2011 weather: Rained overnight on Friday. Fine the rest of the weekend.
Review by: Sam Sugden (with two 12 yr olds and a 3 yr old)
Getting to the festival:
We planned to arrive Thurs eve, but rain was predicted so were lucky enough to stay at friends who fortunately live close by. We therefore arrived around 10am Fri instead and there were no queues at all. Unlike 2010 when camper vans were parked up on the hill, this year they had moved us to a spot much closer to the festival.
Entertainment – Line up and Kids Activities:
If you ask my daughter what her highlights were she would say the swimming pool and Big Love Gallery where they got to make lots of lovely badges. My 3 yr old son and I once again enjoyed listening to Morris and his reggae nursery rhymes, and the Punch and Judy show.
My highlight would be that we got to see John Grant up close and personal late Sunday, one of those moments that will stay with me for a lifetime.
What would you change or do to improve the event?
Although we arrived Friday morning, a friend had saved us a plot beside her camper van. Fortunately, that meant that we were close to the edge of the camping field. Later on I realised that the field we were in was very busy and I am not sure that if you were set up in the middle, the chance to get out in an emergency could of been a big problem. Something that should definitely be put right for next year.
Any other comments and your Top Tip:
We have been lucky enough to attend quite a few festivals this year and if you ask any member of my family for their highlights Standon Calling comes out tops. If you are thinking about Standon Calling dressing up is a must! Part of its charm is that each year they have a theme, and most get very enthused and put loads of effort into being part of it.
One thing I would say is that being as you are so close to the festival, and it does go on till very late, if you are not heavy sleepers (like we are) the noise could be a problem.
Site and Facilities:
Toilets were blocks of… wait for it… porcelain toilets with sinks and running water!!! The queues were never that long. Early morning and they were full to the brim, but once cleaned were back to a nice festival toilet experience.
Another nice touch was that PooNarnia were in attendance. I didn’t use their facilities but I am sure my husband won’t mind me saying that he was very grateful for them still being on site at midday Monday!
It was so nice to be at a festival where you did not have to walk what sometimes can feel like miles – everything was a short distance away.
Phone coverage was ok.
Did you feel safe?
It has taken me a while to write this review, as selfishly I don’t want Standon Calling to become too busy.
For us it is an extremely special festival, and what makes it so probably has a lot to do with the crowd, even the security are friendly and completely approachable.
Would you go again?
Can’t wait for 2012!
10/10
-o-
