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While Glastonbury has become an unmissable date on the fashionista calendar, the number of festivals multiplies each summer, diversifying and expanding their social reach, in turn giving birth to the new generation of so called “boutique” festivals.

Standon Calling began as a house party organised by a group of friends. Seven years on it has evolved into a boutique festival, accommodating some 3,000 ticket holders. Set in a field adjacent to the Standon Manor House, the festival remains small enough to keep its original vibe yet big enough to attract a line-up which continues to improve year after year. This year brought a mix of established names alongside a wave of up and coming bands.

The proximity of the campers to the festival and the low number of attendees led to a friendly atmosphere: by the Sunday afternoon there was a clear community feel amongst the campers. The boutique appeal also led to a diverse audience, with young children running amongst fashionable scenesters, locals, groups of friends and the usual festival characters whose odd attire both reinforced and exacerbated this year’s space theme.

Many festival organisers are now keen to limit the environmental impact of their event and the people behind Standon Calling did their up most to keep the festival clean. The use of recycling bins, eco-friendly toilets and services alongside encouraging the use of public transport, helped to preserve the festival’s setting in the rolling Hertfordhsire countryside. The catering was second to none with some fantastic, authentic Japanese cooking as well as traditional and quality, festival fare. The presence of Rock against Racism and the organisers’ charitable donations helped to offset the rather excessive and indulgent nature of festivals.

The musical highlight of the three day event was undoubtedly Adam Freeland’s live project: “Freeland”, while Friendly Fires disco-indie went down a treat on the main stage and Dead Kids impressed inside the Apollo tent. On Friday and Saturday the party animals carried on well into the early morning, stumbling back to their tents as the sun was coming up. Festival goers were sent home happy on Sunday by the ever innovative Easy Star All-Stars and the Afro-beat of Femi Kuti.

It was a fitting end to a mud free, friendly and fun boutique festival. Key to the survival of the boutique festival is their unique vibe which stands out amidst the sea of new-wave festivals. Standon Calling’s sensible and thought out approach combined with its impressive line-up has won it accolades at the Festival Awards and may guarantee its survival for years to come.

Photo by Damian Rafferty of Femi Kuti at Standon Calling 2009